-
-
Hi,
Still the best overview of WW2, which kindled my interest in militaria all those years ago.
The producer stated he tried to emulate the BBC series "The Great War" which is another magnificent documentary series.
I think the only other documentary TV show which has come anywhere the importance of these two is the Ken Burns "The War" which scarcely seems to be mentioned today!
Best wishes.
John
-
I was just thinking of the series a few days ago. I watched it in 1982-1983 when I was 13 and it's left a lasting impression ever since. I still remember the opening theme so vividly. The burning photos as well as the music. No other documentary of that genre can ever compare.Originally posted by Napalm View PostLast edited by Josh Cowell; 02-25-2013, 12:29 PM.Comment
-
Indeed a remarkable series, largely unrivaled in terms of providing a succinct overview of the period. The presentation remains essentially television of course, but each episode uses mostly original film footage from the war years, with eloquent commentary provided by the rich voice of Lawrence Olivier.
The inclusion of all the interviews with many of the then still-living participants ( Dönitz, Speer, von Manteuffel, and Remer, to name a few) also makes this series worth viewing. You don't find this kind of carefully composed depth in modern television. Recommended, especially to those who lack the time or the patience to read books.Comment
-
A
A good series for it's time.
The producers unfortunately had to compress their overview into 26 episodes.
No doubt, the production must have been a nightmare. What to leave in, what to expand, and how to focus in on specific turning points in all the theatre's of the war.
Interesting to note now, how in some episodes, the importance of "Ultra" still fell under the accepted story of luck and guile.
.. Examples being "Wolfpack" and the "Africa campaign", which now have been re-written as sealed archives are opened.
Gary J.Comment
-
Good point. I need to watch the series. Unparalled on so many levels.Originally posted by Gary Jucha View PostComment
-
Hi,
It would be fantastic if some TV company would consider doing an in depth series similar to "The World At War" now that we know about Bletchley Park and other secrets revealed from previously closed archives.
Still using original wartime footage (I am not a fan of modern "reconstruction" film techniques) and good production values.
How many episodes would it take to present a complete overview of WW2?
And more importantly for the producers, would it be financially viable today?
They would certainly have a lot to live up to, as it would inevitably be compared to "The World At War"!
Not too many veteran interviews left to add light to the show unfortunately
Best wishes,
John,
Comment
Comment