The West

The West is an award-winning documentary miniseries from acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, offering a sweeping look at the magic, spirit, legends, and myths of the American West—from the earliest frontier settlements to the modern era. This epic saga unfolds over 12 hours of immersive storytelling that has captivated audiences and critics alike.

Presented as a box-set across five DVDs, The West combines archival color footage with historical black-and-white sequences to bring frontier history vividly to life. The program is formatted for full-screen viewing and delivered in NTSC, ensuring compatibility with standard DVD players. With contributions from Stephen Ives, this collection blends expert narration, archival imagery, and meticulously researched storytelling to illuminate the people, places, and events that shaped the western story.

What you get

• 5 DVDs
• Box-set presentation
• Color and black-and-white archival footage
• Full Screen NTSC format
• Total runtime: 12 hours
• Language: English
• Contributor: Stephen Ives

Why this stands out

• Ken Burns’ signature documentary approach — weaving history with cinematic storytelling to illuminate the West’s complex myths and real events.
• Depth beyond a standard history retelling: exploration of frontier life, clashes of cultures, expansion, and the enduring mythos of the West.
• A carefully curated, long-form narrative designed for both longtime fans of Burns and newcomers seeking a comprehensive Western history experience.

Ideal for

• History enthusiasts seeking a detailed, thoughtfully crafted portrayal of the American West
• Educators and students looking for a rich, classroom-friendly documentary series
• Collectors and fans of box-set documentary collections who value breadth and depth