'World at War' WW2 Documentary DVD set

**nebula82** · 30 Jul 08,, 16:30

Hey all! I haven't posted in a while. How is everyone doing?

I’ve been considering getting a World War 2 documentary on DVD, and my research on this subject so far has yielded several results.

Apparently 'World at War' is THE definitive WW2 documentary out there. It was produced in 1974 & it’s supposed to be superbly insightful, objective and contains fantastic footage of actual combat. At least the reviews say so!

There are also interviews with many veterans and politicians who played a part in the war.

The documentary consists of 26 50-minute episodes. The episodes cover the major campaigns (of all theatres) of WW2 and also includes stories of Nazi occupation & also details the planning and execution of the Final Solution. And many more.

It sounds really good and well worth the money.

Does anyone have it? If so do you recommend it?

What other WW2 documentaries are worth giving consideration to? BBC's 'History of World War II' looks good but not as good as 'World at War'.

Thanks!
Nebula82.

**glyn** · 30 Jul 08,, 16:47

[QUOTE=nebula82;523730]Hey all! I haven't posted in a while. How is everyone doing?

I’ve been considering getting a World War 2 documentary on DVD, and my research on this subject so far has yielded several results.

Apparently 'World at War' is THE definitive WW2 documentary out there. It was produced in 1974 & it’s supposed to be superbly insightful, objective and contains fantastic footage of actual combat. At least the reviews say so!

There are also interviews with many veterans and politicians who played a part in the war.

The documentary consists of 26 50-minute episodes. The episodes cover the major campaigns (of all theatres) of WW2 and also includes stories of Nazi occupation & also details the planning and execution of the Final Solution. And many more.

It sounds really good and well worth the money.

Does anyone have it? If so do you recommend it?

What other WW2 documentaries are worth giving consideration to? BBC's 'History of World War II' looks good but not as good as 'World at War'.

It sounds familiar. Do you know who is responsible for making it (and retailing it)? Of course in the time given they could do little more than skate over the surface of a drama that occupied the world for 5 years.

**Enterpriser** · 30 Jul 08,, 17:03

You do not need to look any further. The "World at War" series is phenominal. Buy it (You WILL NOT EVER regret it!). In the past, I have relied heavily upon the Academic collections of Educational Institutions - but it is my intention to purchase it at some point.

The Sheer scale of it (4 Million GBPs to make - in 1974 terms [69-72 Production]) is absolutely outstanding. Interviews with key players (those who were still alive at the time) and the quality, quantity and variety of both research AND footage make it the epitomy of the WW2 Chronicalling Genre. That Iconic Carl Davis Score.....and Narrated by Sir Lawrence Olivier to boot!

The are only two drawbacks:

1) The size of the collection can make it expensive (but, ultimately worth it)

2) Certain aspects of the war had not yet been de-classified at the time (ULTRA etc....). This affects the analysis on some critial areas (Battle of the Atlantic etc). However, there are other alternatives to find out that information missing from the WAW series.

Regards,

Brett.

**nebula82** · 30 Jul 08,, 17:59

[QUOTE=glyn;523741]

Originally Posted by nebula82

Hey all! I haven't posted in a while. How is everyone doing?

I’ve been considering getting a World War 2 documentary on DVD, and my research on this subject so far has yielded several results.

Apparently 'World at War' is THE definitive WW2 documentary out there. It was produced in 1974 & it’s supposed to be superbly insightful, objective and contains fantastic footage of actual combat. At least the reviews say so!

There are also interviews with many veterans and politicians who played a part in the war.

The documentary consists of 26 50-minute episodes. The episodes cover the major campaigns (of all theatres) of WW2 and also includes stories of Nazi occupation & also details the planning and execution of the Final Solution. And many more.

It sounds really good and well worth the money.

Does anyone have it? If so do you recommend it?

What other WW2 documentaries are worth giving consideration to? BBC's 'History of World War II' looks good but not as good as 'World at War'.

It sounds familiar. Do you know who is responsible for making it (and retailing it)? Of course in the time given they could do little more than skate over the surface of a drama that occupied the world for 5 years.

Thames Television of the UK. I've already seen this box set in my local HMV store here. It's also available on Amazon.

Nebula82.

**nebula82** · 30 Jul 08,, 18:03

Originally Posted by Enterpriser

You do not need to look any further. The "World at War" series is phenominal. Buy it (You WILL NOT EVER regret it!). In the past, I have relied heavily upon the Academic collections of Educational Institutions - but it is my intention to purchase it at some point.

The Sheer scale of it (4 Million GBPs to make - in 1974 terms [69-72 Production]) is absolutely outstanding. Interviews with key players (those who were still alive at the time) and the quality, quantity and variety of both research AND footage make it the epitomy of the WW2 Chronicalling Genre. That Iconic Carl Davis Score.....and Narrated by Sir Lawrence Olivier to boot!

The are only two drawbacks:

1) The size of the collection can make it expensive (but, ultimately worth it)

2) Certain aspects of the war had not yet been de-classified at the time (ULTRA etc....). This affects the analysis on some critial areas (Battle of the Atlantic etc). However, there are other alternatives to find out that information missing from the WAW series.

Regards,

Brett.

Well, looks like this documentary has your seal of approval

I saw a copy of it in HMV the other day & it's the 30th anniversary special edition version too!

Very tempted to get it now!

Thx,
Nebula82.

**gunnut** · 30 Jul 08,, 18:56

I've seen most of the series on History Channel when it was the "History" channel. Excellent series.

**TopHatter** · 30 Jul 08,, 19:24

Originally Posted by gunnut

I've seen most of the series on History Channel when it was the "History" channel.

As opposed to the now-revamped 'Reality' Channel?

**gunnut** · 30 Jul 08,, 19:37

Originally Posted by TopHatter

As opposed to the now-revamped 'Reality' Channel?

I wouldn't mind if they did Ice Road Truckers 50 years ago or Tougher in Alaska 100 years ago or Axemen 200 years ago.

Some shows on History Channel are still pretty good like Modern Marvels and The Barbarians.

**Dreadnought** · 30 Jul 08,, 19:39

Originally Posted by gunnut

I wouldn't mind if they did Ice Road Truckers 50 years ago or Tougher in Alaska 100 years ago or Axemen 200 years ago.

Some shows on History Channel are still pretty good like Modern Marvels and The Barbarians.

Agreed, But the Military Channel still rules.

) I do very much like Modern Marvels and the History Channel.

**TopHatter** · 30 Jul 08,, 19:56

Anything narrated by David Ackroyd or Will Lyman is always on my watch list

**glyn** · 30 Jul 08,, 20:24

[QUOTE=nebula82;523786]Well, looks like this documentary has your seal of approval

I saw a copy of it in HMV the other day & it's the 30th anniversary special edition version too!

Very tempted to get it now!

As Hong Kong is the cheapest place I know to go shopping you find yourself in a most fortunate position.

How much does it cost there?

**dave lukins** · 30 Jul 08,, 20:36

The series narrated by Laurence Olivier is presently being shown in the UK

**Shamus** · 31 Jul 08,, 00:26

Nebula,this series is one of the main causes of my fasicination with WWII history.Admittedly a military history geek

,these programs drew me in like a moth to a flame.I couldn't wait for the next installment to air.If you decide to purchase the series I don't think you'll be disappointed

.