The World at War (30th Anniversary Edition)

The World at War (30th Anniversary Edition)
I have purchased many DVDs about WW2 and this one sits near or at the top of the list. The 50 minute episodes make it easy to keep track of the many events during WW2. The episodes are interesting and informative. The series has excellent footage and the narration by Sir Laurence Olivier is top notch. The recent price reduction really makes it an exceptional value. I think it is a "must" purchase for any WW2 or history buff.

This should be required viewing for each and every "next" generation. You come away with a very good idea about the human cost of war, the folly of war, the stupidity of war and the horror of war. Very complete in its coverage, not just the holocaust. The actual film footage from the era is absolutely fascinating (alot of it in color). Just a great documentary. Lots of extras over and above the original episodes. And the price is right.

Just as I expected. I am familiar with this program as it was presented in serial form on TV some years ago, and I always wanted my copy. This compilation may have been edited, updated and expanded from the TV version, but I am very satisified with the final result. Program uses World War II film footage which obviously varies in initial picture quality; this is understandable. Video presentation of the end result is excellent. All DVDs play on my equipment with no problems.

This 1970's documentary is a great classic. Great footage and editorial comment by a number of historians as well as the combatants from all sides of the conflict. While this British produced piece shows a lot from the Anglo perspective, it really does have a good balance covering the war in it's entire scope. If you like a flag flying, victory by sheer might type of story, this is probably NOT the documentary for you.
If you want to get the "feel" of the war from the London blitz to the siege of Stalingrad to the beaches of the Pacific, you'll like this terrific classic piece.

I first knew of "The World at War" in re-runs through cable TV. I had seen bits and pieces but never watched any one episode. When I became interested in studying the Second World War, I decided to purchase this DVD set.

To me, what is important in any documentary, is not only the footage of the war itself but also the interviews from people who lived during that particular period. At the time that this documentary was made, many who lived through the events of the Second World War were still alive in 1974. The World at War contains a wealth of information through personal interviews given by the politicians of the U.S., and Great Brittan, soldiers from the U.S., Japan, Great Brittan and Germany and the citizens of these countries. A few who lived through the holocaust were also present to tell their stories. Even former members of Hitler's S.S. were interviewed as well as Hitler's personal valet and his 22 year old secretary, Traudl Junge.

This documentary covers all areas of World War II and contains extensive footage of battles both at home and abroad.

The DVD set contained all 26 regular - 50 minute long episodes and 12 hours of bonus material.

The bonus material contained two 90 minute programs of "Hitler's Final Solution", one 90 Minute program of "Hitler's Germany" and a 45 Minute Interview of Hitler's secretary. Extended footage of German citizens, soldiers and high ranking officials was also included. One episode entitled, "The Two Deaths of Adolph Hitler" interviewed people who were trying to determine if the charred remains that they examined was really that of Adolph Hitler.

Many of the interviews in the bonus material, as well as war footage, is repeated from the original episodes but contained additional footage not seen in the regular episodes. Sir Laurence Olivier narrated the 26 episodes. Eric Porter narrated some of the bonus material.

2 additional programs covering the making of The World at War were also included.

For someone wanting a complete and thorough look at all sides of WWII, this DVD set is a must and is suitable for most audiences.