The First World War -The Complete Series

[Hanal]

Awhile back, I mentioned that the old WWI CBS series WWI finally made it to DVD and it is a very good documentary. Others here have recommended the BBC series The Great War, but I do not have a multi region DVD player but I'm sure it is very good too...I just bought another series called, obviously, THE FIRST WORLD WAR and is based on the book by Dr. Hew Strachan. Now I have not had the time to watch it yet so I will offer an opinion once I sit through the 8 1/2 hour series, but I thought I would bring it to your attention in case you are interested in seeing it, or have done so already and so can give your views..........

[wodin]

Hew Strachen is a guru for WW1.

[Dirtdog20]

I recieved it as a gift for my birthday. I have watched the first four episodes and they are ok. There is a lack of depth in the series that you get in the book.

My biggest complaint so far is the constant repeating of the "Big Bad Hun". If you listen to the narration, the Prussians/Germans had been planning the war for a long time and only by the grace of God did they not develop the Atom Bomb by 1918.[8|]

On the positive side the series does realise that the war was truely a World War. The film clips and archival work done for the series is top notch and the real reason you should get the series, especially if you game this period.

[Hanal]

Thanks for the reply Dirtdog....I buy these documentaries in the hope that I see archival footage that is new to me, the narrarative, though important, is secondary.....It would be interesting if DVD's were produced which simply contained massive amounts of archive footage with a quick subtitle explaining what we are seeing and eliminate the need for voice overs.....compiliing all of the WWI and WWII film records from each belligerent, and preserving them on disc by theater, and in chronological order, would be a worthy project...

[Big B]

ORIGINAL: Dirtdog20

I recieved it as a gift for my birthday. I have watched the first four episodes and they are ok. There is a lack of depth in the series that you get in the book.

My biggest complaint so far is the constant repeating of the "Big Bad Hun". If you listen to the narration, the Prussians/Germans had been planning the war for a long time and only by the grace of God did they not develop the Atom Bomb by 1918.[8|]

On the positive side the series does realise that the war was truely a World War. The film clips and archival work done for the series is top notch and the real reason you should get the series, especially if you game this period.

Were you referring to "THE FIRST WORLD WAR" based on the book by Dr. Hew Strachan?

Because the first mentioned CBS documentary "WORLD WAR ONE" was very even handed in it's treatment of Germany - I thought. In fact the only negative on Germany in the CBS series was about the Belgian atrocities, and it said "most of the stories weren't true, but Germany got a reputation that they never lived down - and a later generation of Germans lived up to".

B

[Dirtdog20]

ORIGINAL: Big B

ORIGINAL: Dirtdog20

I recieved it as a gift for my birthday. I have watched the first four episodes and they are ok. There is a lack of depth in the series that you get in the book.

My biggest complaint so far is the constant repeating of the "Big Bad Hun". If you listen to the narration, the Prussians/Germans had been planning the war for a long time and only by the grace of God did they not develop the Atom Bomb by 1918.[8|]

On the positive side the series does realise that the war was truely a World War. The film clips and archival work done for the series is top notch and the real reason you should get the series, especially if you game this period.

Were you referring to "THE FIRST WORLD WAR" based on the book by Dr. Hew Strachan?

Because the first mentioned CBS documentary "WORLD WAR ONE" was very even handed in it's treatment of Germany - I thought. In fact the only negative on Germany in the CBS series was about the Belgian atrocities, and it said "most of the stories weren't true, but Germany got a reputation that they never lived down - and a later generation of Germans lived up to".

B

B,

You are right. I was refering to the BBC series. I have never seen the CBS series.

To make the comparison with the CBS series the BBC series dosent even say that propoganda was very active in playing up atrocities in Belgium.

[Big B]

ORIGINAL: Dirtdog2

B,

You are right. I was refering to the BBC series. I have never seen the CBS series.

To make the comparison with the CBS series the BBC series dosent even say that propoganda was very active in playing up atrocities in Belgium.

Hey Dirtdog20,

You should (IMHO) really see the CBS documentary "World War One". The footage is great, the musical score is haunting, and the narration by Robert Ryan is outstanding!
I read earlier in this thread that some don't care for the narration on some of these videoes, and I can understand that - but this one is (to me) very different - and you (most everyone I think) would really appreciate it. Although somewhat American-centric (just a tad), I think it's THE best all-incompassing documentary ever made on WWI, and it was made in 1964 - when the vets were still around to consult.

Watch it - you won't be dissapointed.

B

[RUPD3658]

I have seen the whole thing on History Channel International. Great series!

[riley555a]

Where would I buy BBC's The Great War on DVD for a Canada/U.S. region dvd player? I just spent like 20 mins googling it and couldn't find anything. I just finished watching that on t.v. and I really wanna buy it. Any links are greatly appreciated.

[steevodeevo]

Hey riley

You can buy the BBC's The Great War at the BBC shop online, they will most certainly ship it to you - and its discounted at the moment [:D]

check out the link: http://www.bbcshop.com/invt/dd4745&bkli ... bklist1%3E

and if that dont work just browse for it at www.bbcshop.com

[Hanal]

The above link for the BBC series is for Region 2, so unless you have a multi region player, it will not work on standard NA players...

[Hanal]

I think the BBC series has finally made it to the states and will be released tomorrow....it is narated by Anne Jackson.


http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7020372

[wodin]

ORIGINAL: J P Falcon

I think the BBC series has finally made it to the states and will be released tomorrow....it is narated by Anne Jackson.


http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7020372

Thats not the 60's documentary. Thats the one to get hold off. Everything else pales in comparison.

[Hanal]

Well, not buying a documentary on WWI in order to wait for a UK Region 2 documentary that may never come to the states, makes no sense....for 20 bucks, I'll pick this one up.........

[wodin]

Buy a chaep multi region DVD player. I had to. Got one for about £25.

The trouble is you will have to pay about £99 for the documentary on DVD!

[Hanal]

I do not need another DVD player right now but when I do, that will be the direction to go.......

[The Dude]

your DVD drive for your computer should be able to play it. If it needs new software you should be able to download it