John Adams. 3 DVDs. 9:20 hrs. Prod. by HBO. 2008. $38.99. Gr 9 Up–Based on historian David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning book (S & S, 2001) and produced by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, who also brought Band of Brothers to television, this astonishing miniseries dramatizes the adult life of John Adams. The meticulously detailed epic follows the personal and the political life of the man who would help craft the Declaration of Independence, serve as a diplomat during and after the Revolutionary War, support George Washington as our first Vice President, and be narrowly elected as our second President. The seven-part series features a cast of thousands, with Academy Award-nominees Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney as John and Abigail Adams joining Emmy Award-winning director Tom Hooper in this nicely paced retrospective of an individual often overshadowed by other contemporary personalities. Filmed in Colonial Williamsburg with international scenes shot in Budapest, the attention to detail is astonishing. One of the program's prime attributes is the balance the producers are able to provide between Adams' efforts to craft our country and his incredible relationship with Abigail, the prime motivating and supportive force in his life. The outstanding principal actors bring an incredible degree of believability to their roles. In the end, however, the foremost credit for the quality of this work rests with McCullough's research for his book and his contribution to the making of the film. An additional segment includes an interview with McCullough along with a look at the filming of this production. remarkable viewing experience.