Tragic 'Johnstown Flood' Event Remembered Over A Century Later

Over a hundred years ago on a stormy May 31, 1889, a dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania collapsed causing a tidal wave over 40 feet high to fall over the heavily populated town below it. A major flooding of the valley destroyed countless buildings and claimed over 2,000 lives in the aftermath. All that remained was a barely recognizable wasteland and some very fortunate survivors. The tragedy is still considered one of the worst flood disasters in American history. Thanks to the work of the Red Cross and a whole lot of luck, many survivors were able to live and tell their amazing story. With the help of first hand accounts and first rate re-creations, the thrilling event is captured in the Janson Media DVD Johnstown Flood (1 x 64').

Since its release Johnstown Flood continues to amass critical acclaim:

&'Using dramatic re-creations, old photos, and first person narratives, the video illustrates the flood"s capricious power. The video expertly depicts the heady optimism of this bustling industrial town.&' &'This disc includes outstanding extras.&' &'Highly recommended for school and public libraries.&' - Stephen Rees, Library Journal

Narrated by Richard Dreyfuss, Johnstown Flood tells the true story of one of the worst disasters in American history. On a stormy day in May of 1889, the South Fork Dam explodes. An entire lake is unleashed as a roaring 45-foot wall of water into the heavily populated valley below. The disaster claimed the lives of more than 2,200 people as the rushing tidal wave and debris tore through the town of Johnstown, crashed into the indestructible stone railroad bridge and flooded the valley. Fires erupted, countless buildings were destroyed and pandemonium and looting ensued. Out of a great tragedy came stories of heroism and a triumphant recovery spearheaded by Clara Barton and the American Red Cross. Johnstown Flood was written from first-hand accounts of those who survived the tragic event.

Townspeople and visitors alike are afflicted with untimely demises. Michael Mann, an unlucky miner, is far from his home, pursuing opportunities in Conemaugh Valley. Charles Dewald, a salesman from Altoona, suffers a dreadful fate as the last person to enter Johnstown"s luxurious Holbert Hotel. Little children playing so innocently one moment, struggle to survive the rushing waters the next. Each of these people"s stories immerses viewers in this tragic event, enabling audiences to relive their experiences. Among others, a New York World correspondent who is one of the first reporters to reach Johnstown after the disaster tells of the aftermath. As the waters recede, people from all over the world rally around the survivors to help victims regain all that is lost.

This fast-paced documentary, Johnstown Flood, reveals both the bright and dark sides of humanity with a mixture of intense live action, personal stories and period photographs and engravings.

SPECIAL FEATURES: â–º 16 x 9 Anamorphic Widescreen - Full-length commentary track by Richard Burkert, Executive Director, Johnstown Area Heritage Association - 20-Minute mini-documentary and interview with Richard Burkert providing additional information on the history of the Johnstown Flood - &'The Johnstown Flood ,&' an 1889 Piano illustration by Alberto Rivieri, performed by Patricia Jennings - Trailers for Civil War Life - Shot to Pieces and CIVIL WAR MINUTES® - Confederate