The War - A Film By Ken Burns and Lynn Novick

My Dad who was a bomber pilot in WWII but who can't figure out a DVD player watched this almost nonstop except for sleeping. He loved it. It is important information by which to remember The Greatest Generation. As a member of the Patriot Guard Riders we see 1,000 WWII veterans A DAY passing away at this time. We must remember them any way we can. Thanks for a great work

My late father was one of the photographer/historians with the Combat Engineer Battalion of the Second Infantry Division in WWII. I heard stories as we discussed the many pictures he brought back. Since his death, I've read everything I can about the 2ID and looked forward to Ken Burns' "The War". I didn't mind that the 2ID was never mentioned in the Normandy invasion or the fight for the hedgerows. I eagerly anticipated the episode about the Battle of the Bulge. Dad was on guard duty the morning the German artillery barrage began. He saw Gen. Robertson (commanding officer of 2ID) directing traffic during the withdrawal to Elsenborn Ridge and lost a close friend who sacrificed his life laying mines across a road in front of the advancing 12th SS "Hitlerjugand" Panzer Division. In "The War" they showed a few re-enactors wearing 2ID patches, but never mentioned the accomplishments of the unit. Gen. Robertson was put in charge of the defense of Elsenborn Ridge (west of the twin villages of Rocerath-Krinkelt). According to the British historian doing the commentary, it was only the 99th division at Elsenborn! Actually, the Second Infantry Division deserves credit for protecting the northern shoulder of "The Bulge", diverting the Germans from the closest path to Antwerp!

I'm going to go against the tide on this one. The War does offer some new and novel perspectives, and its fairly well done. But throw in a few pictures of dead Americans, quote some statistics and ANY documentary would be rated as "great and powerful." To me, the most annoying thing about this DVD set is the repeated use of news footage of combat. Did Mr Burns think we wouldn't recognize it when we saw a repeat of a battle scene? And if one battle scene is shown for the report on 1942, and they show the same scene for 1945, you realize it cannot be authentic. This is cheap, lazy and dishonest to the viewers. Spoiled it for me.

Lives up to expectations as all of Ken Burns work does. My only complaint is that I bought it for ~ $79 through Amazon and two weeks later discovered that Best Buy's everyday price is $44.99. I should have checked my local bricks & mortar businesses before ordering.

I have been a Ken Burns fan for years and have DVDs of all his works. My high expectations for this set were surpassed by leaps and bounds. As the son of a WWII veteran and a baby boomer, I closely identify with this war. This piece taught me many things I didn't know about the war and the reality of the situation my father (Normandy Beach) and uncle (Battle of the Bulge) experienced. As an educator, I deeply appreciate history and Ken Burns showed me the impact this war had overseas and at home. This is a must for all Americans and Western Europeans. It will make them truly appreciate what we have today. Each episode delivers an understanding of WWII that can't ever come close to those who were there, but takes you as close as you can get.