i really enjoy this maxi series . it too long to be a mini . this and the final portion be a whole lotta video . they total 14 dvd . the initial smash series and wind of war and be several more dvd . so all in all and this be a long series . a i say and i enjoy the entire package . however and with 5 year between the first and the second series and much happen and the result be a number of actor or actress change that make the second series confuse after see the first . major character and such a natalie jastrow henry and play by ali mcgraw in the first and jane seymour in the second . aaron jastrow and john houseman and sir john gielgud . there be some others a well . robert mitchum and polly bergen reprise their superb performance a capt . and mrs. pug henry . overall and despite the change in personnel and the acting remain great throughout the entire series . it just kinda confuse have two different natalies and two aaron and two byron and two janices and etc . i be ramble and sorry . this series be long and but doesn not play long . it move along nicely and have enough plot twist to keep the viewer interest . i like this whole thing well enough to have pay to own it from start to finish . at least rent this a couple of dvd at a time . it worth your time .