Review of World At War, The Vol. 1 (Two Discs)

Introduction

This is Volume One of Five. These are also available as a newly boxed set which will probably be cheaper overall.

This series was a landmark in the production of history for television. It did not talk down to the viewer. Presentation is clear, non-judgmental but presenting the truth as clearly as possible. The viewer could reach their own conclusions.

The first programme is one that was added to explain what the motivation was behind the making of the series. The presentation is mainly to camera by Jeremy Isaacs There is some use of film inserts to explain how these were presented It gives a clear case for the

The following are the original episodes as transmitted:

A New Germany 1933-1939

How Hitler came to power and the lead up to the declaration of war by the Allies.
Interesting footage includes a Nazi wedding complete with toddler in uniform and Hitler at home. Eva Braun`s home movies offer another side to the monster of the newsreel footage.

Distant War 1939 - 40

In Eastern Europe, the full force of the Nazi machine rolls on - but in Britain, an uneasy calm settles on the nation. It is the `phoney` war, with the sound of distant guns thundering ominously on the horizon...

France Falls May - June 1940,
This part of modern history, which is mainly covered in the UK by discussing the evacuation of Dunquerque, makes fascinating viewing. The French military preparations were woefully inadequate and the proximity of a neutral Belgium made it rather easy for the German army to walk in. This programme helps explain in a very clear way how France was occupied and what the consequences were for the rest of Europe.

Alone in Britain May 1940 - June 1941

After the disaster of the expeditionary force and their summary ejection from France, Britain had to wait it out alone. Hitler could stand on the French coast and look at the prize with only the RAF to keep him out.


Barbarossa June - December 1941

A turning point in the War is reached when Hitler takes on the might of Russia. Like Napoleon before him he makes mistakes about how fierce the Russian winter can be.


Banzai Japan Strikes 1941-1942

The Japanese had been at war since 1931 on the Chinese mainland but when they attack Pearl Harbour they force the Americans to join in the conflict.

On Our Way-America Enters the War

The isolationist policy of the U.S is put under pressure when their naval base is destroyed by the Japanese.

Video

This has been digitally remastered but a lot of the footage retrieved from the archives is already of poorer quality. It is very watchable though. Most striking as always is the colour footage, in particular the home movies of Hitler. Somehow the distance we are able to feel when viewing it in black and white is swept away.

Audio

The narration of what is essentially an essay with film accompaniment is superbly done by Sir Laurence Olivier. It is hard to imagine a more sonorous and respectful commentary. It must have been quite a massive undertaking for him.

The music, which is unforgettable, is provided by Carl Davis.

Features

There are comprehensive menus that take a while to get to grips with. They are really to make this into an interactive learning tool.

Animated introductions with a 4 screen moving menu

Imperial War Museum Photo Gallery


Character Biographies
The main `characters` such as Baldwin, Churchill etc have their own bios.


Episode Summaries
A brief summary of the episode contents.


Speeches/songs and newsreels/maps
Accessible from the episode menu-these items that are featured in the episode can be accessed with the relevant footage

Conclusion

This is a fantastic package for anyone who is interested in the interpretation of World War II. The wealth of film material alone is astounding and the addition of a informed and entertaining commentary makes each episode a compact and profound history lesson.

The film material has been selected from a huge store in the Imperial War Museum and although some of the quality is poor the whole effect is simply stunning. The timing of the series meant that many witnesses recording their testimony are now dead. The series as a whole makes a great contribution to the understanding and causes of war. Even this Part One goes into great detail about how each of the major players became involved. It is certainly worth the money and I would recommend this and a visit to the Imperial War Museum.