Don't know if it's the same, but Discovery Channel has a series called "Battlefield", which covers many famous battles throughout history, from single events like Waterloo to long campaign-like battles like Stalingrad.Originally posted by Drex:
Wasn't there another series called "Battleline" or something like that, that discussed a single WWII battle in each episode. It introduced the leaders and armies of each side then went into the battle in depth with graphics and interviews,etc. The best I've ever seen.
The World At War TV Series
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Belisarius
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Got StuG?
One of my most fascinating hobbies has been over the years the collection of video tapes.
I have collected two basic types:
Documentaries
Movies
Referring to the former category, there are literally thousands of them. May I (hopefully not) bore you with a list of some of the good ones?
BATTLELINE (old Series - done in the 60s, Ithink)There must be some 30+ of these, with a veteran from either side relating what went on in a particular battle. Nothing in depth, but interesting from a personal perspective. 30 minutes each episode
WEAPONS OF WAR - An ongoing series mainly on the history channel. These began with technical insights into weaponry from WW2 to modern day stuff.
It has since evolved into a whole new series of general info on themes such as the USMC, Paratroopers, German Elite, Rangers, History of the Tank, etc. etc.
I can't even imagine just how many there are out there. I have collected over 3 dozen and don't have one-half of them.
BATTLEFIELD - WW2
So far there are a series of 12, based on pivotal battles of WW2. Each episode actually recreates everything leading up to the battle, includings troops, weapons, leaders, etc. Fantastic information. These can be ordered, but I got most of mine taped off the PBS channels here in Atlanta. They are a treasure!
BATTLEFIELD-VIETNAM. 12 tapes published by Time-Life. Very similar to the above series. I bought month by month but they were also on PBS. A GREAT, GREAT series to give a keen understanding to what the War in Nam was like.
WORLD AT WAR - Yes, a great series for an overall worldwide view of the greatest war in history. A look from the military and civilian side of the war. I think there must be some 30+ episodes. I have them all but never counted them.
VICTORY AT SEA - What can I say about this magnificent collection! The music alone makes you put on a warface. Done in the 50s, it is a visual portrayl of the great S E Morrison's book collection, History of United States Naval Operations in WW2. Each episode is 30 minutes long. You can get this set at a very reduced rate now. I've seen it as low as $60 for all six video tapes.
THE GREAT CRUSADE - A televised version of Eisenhower's book on the same theme. Another great presentation of the War in Europe. Each episode is 1 hour long.
VIETNAM - THE SOLDIER'S STORY - ABC News. 3 Videos done recently with stunning maps, information and other highlights of the key battles of Vietnam. A must have set!
Ambush: The Battle of the Ia Drang
Under Seige!: Khe Sanh
Tet: The Battle for Hearts and Minds
Rolling Thunder: War in the Skies
Secret Wars; Secret Men
Last Chopper Out: The fall of Saigon
CRUSADE IN THE PACIFIC - A detailed look at the War against Japan in some 16 episodes. Some great info here for historical scenarios. Each episode is one hour long.
CENTURY OF WARFARE - SOme 25 episodes that take you from the beginning of the 20th Century, through WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War and a look into the future. This one is really great.
D-DAY! THE TOTAL STORY - A 3 Tape set from the history channel. You'll understand D-Day as never before. Each episode is one hour long.
D-1
H-Hour
Breakout
MASTERS OF WAR - This one approaches great battles or campaigns from the point of view of the opposing leaders. A very unique approach to many familiar and some unfamiliar battles of the 20th Century, WWI, WW2, Vietnam.
GI DIARY - I have not seen this one around in a while. I think there are some 20+ episodes, personalized by the narrative of one who was there. 30 Minutes each episode.
WINSTON CHURCHILL - THE VALIANT YEARS I think there are about 12 chapters (programs) in this one. A visual resume of Churchill's writings on the war.
BATTLE FOR THE PACIFIC - A series of 8 programs that cover the entire Pacific War in a very unique and informative approach. This one is now very hard to find.
VARIOUS
Single episodes abound! Airmobility. History of the ACav, Tarawa, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, Battle of the Bulge, Market Garden...all present the battles or campaigns in great detail. I have dozens of these.
Here are a few that I think are really collectors items for those so inclined.
THE SCREAMING EAGLES
THE PANZER DIVISIONS
SEA LION
DIEPPE
SOMALIA
DIEN BIEN PHU
10th MOUNTAIN DIVISION
THE GOTHIC LINE
UP THE DEADLY BOOT
TARAWA - 3 DAYS OF HELL
And on and on, but I've written a book already.
Wild Bill
I have collected two basic types:
Documentaries
Movies
Referring to the former category, there are literally thousands of them. May I (hopefully not) bore you with a list of some of the good ones?
BATTLELINE (old Series - done in the 60s, Ithink)There must be some 30+ of these, with a veteran from either side relating what went on in a particular battle. Nothing in depth, but interesting from a personal perspective. 30 minutes each episode
WEAPONS OF WAR - An ongoing series mainly on the history channel. These began with technical insights into weaponry from WW2 to modern day stuff.
It has since evolved into a whole new series of general info on themes such as the USMC, Paratroopers, German Elite, Rangers, History of the Tank, etc. etc.
I can't even imagine just how many there are out there. I have collected over 3 dozen and don't have one-half of them.
BATTLEFIELD - WW2
So far there are a series of 12, based on pivotal battles of WW2. Each episode actually recreates everything leading up to the battle, includings troops, weapons, leaders, etc. Fantastic information. These can be ordered, but I got most of mine taped off the PBS channels here in Atlanta. They are a treasure!
BATTLEFIELD-VIETNAM. 12 tapes published by Time-Life. Very similar to the above series. I bought month by month but they were also on PBS. A GREAT, GREAT series to give a keen understanding to what the War in Nam was like.
WORLD AT WAR - Yes, a great series for an overall worldwide view of the greatest war in history. A look from the military and civilian side of the war. I think there must be some 30+ episodes. I have them all but never counted them.
VICTORY AT SEA - What can I say about this magnificent collection! The music alone makes you put on a warface. Done in the 50s, it is a visual portrayl of the great S E Morrison's book collection, History of United States Naval Operations in WW2. Each episode is 30 minutes long. You can get this set at a very reduced rate now. I've seen it as low as $60 for all six video tapes.
THE GREAT CRUSADE - A televised version of Eisenhower's book on the same theme. Another great presentation of the War in Europe. Each episode is 1 hour long.
VIETNAM - THE SOLDIER'S STORY - ABC News. 3 Videos done recently with stunning maps, information and other highlights of the key battles of Vietnam. A must have set!
Ambush: The Battle of the Ia Drang
Under Seige!: Khe Sanh
Tet: The Battle for Hearts and Minds
Rolling Thunder: War in the Skies
Secret Wars; Secret Men
Last Chopper Out: The fall of Saigon
CRUSADE IN THE PACIFIC - A detailed look at the War against Japan in some 16 episodes. Some great info here for historical scenarios. Each episode is one hour long.
CENTURY OF WARFARE - SOme 25 episodes that take you from the beginning of the 20th Century, through WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War and a look into the future. This one is really great.
D-DAY! THE TOTAL STORY - A 3 Tape set from the history channel. You'll understand D-Day as never before. Each episode is one hour long.
D-1
H-Hour
Breakout
MASTERS OF WAR - This one approaches great battles or campaigns from the point of view of the opposing leaders. A very unique approach to many familiar and some unfamiliar battles of the 20th Century, WWI, WW2, Vietnam.
GI DIARY - I have not seen this one around in a while. I think there are some 20+ episodes, personalized by the narrative of one who was there. 30 Minutes each episode.
WINSTON CHURCHILL - THE VALIANT YEARS I think there are about 12 chapters (programs) in this one. A visual resume of Churchill's writings on the war.
BATTLE FOR THE PACIFIC - A series of 8 programs that cover the entire Pacific War in a very unique and informative approach. This one is now very hard to find.
VARIOUS
Single episodes abound! Airmobility. History of the ACav, Tarawa, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, Battle of the Bulge, Market Garden...all present the battles or campaigns in great detail. I have dozens of these.
Here are a few that I think are really collectors items for those so inclined.
THE SCREAMING EAGLES
THE PANZER DIVISIONS
SEA LION
DIEPPE
SOMALIA
DIEN BIEN PHU
10th MOUNTAIN DIVISION
THE GOTHIC LINE
UP THE DEADLY BOOT
TARAWA - 3 DAYS OF HELL
And on and on, but I've written a book already.
Wild Bill
In Arduis Fidelis
Wild Bill Wilder
Independent Game Consultant
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Les_the_Sarge_9_1
- Posts: 3943
- Joined: Fri Dec 29, 2000 10:00 am
Looks like Wild Bill and me have the same obsession. I have a collection that is damn hard to add to.
One series that has been unmentioned thus far is "The War Years". It encompasses WW1 WW2 and a lot of postwar material as well. It has the same look as "The World At War" series just a bit broader range of date.
I cant stress enough to the younger mob on here, until you have actually "seen" a lot of this footage, actually watched what your grandfathers experienced, WW2 will always look wrong in your minds.
True some of the material looks a bit repetitive, its inevitable. The film industry in the 40's though wasnt the film industry of today. We have what we have to work with. And nothing new is forthcoming.
One series that has been unmentioned thus far is "The War Years". It encompasses WW1 WW2 and a lot of postwar material as well. It has the same look as "The World At War" series just a bit broader range of date.
I cant stress enough to the younger mob on here, until you have actually "seen" a lot of this footage, actually watched what your grandfathers experienced, WW2 will always look wrong in your minds.
True some of the material looks a bit repetitive, its inevitable. The film industry in the 40's though wasnt the film industry of today. We have what we have to work with. And nothing new is forthcoming.
I LIKE that my life bothers them,
Why should I be the only one bothered by it eh.
Why should I be the only one bothered by it eh.
Indeed we do, Sarge. We'll have to compare notes 
The other collection, War Movies, is one of my greatest treasures. I still occasionally pull one out and watch it.
There are now about 200 + in this collection ( I need to update my list) and I know I'll never live long enough to watch 'em all again, BUT, it is nice having them there just in case I do
Wild Bil
The other collection, War Movies, is one of my greatest treasures. I still occasionally pull one out and watch it.
There are now about 200 + in this collection ( I need to update my list) and I know I'll never live long enough to watch 'em all again, BUT, it is nice having them there just in case I do
Wild Bil
In Arduis Fidelis
Wild Bill Wilder
Independent Game Consultant
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davidmiller
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2001 10:00 am
- Location: florissant, mo, usa
Les the Sarge or Wild Bill,
Have either of you heard of that series called The Unknown War of which I was in search of previously. Only 1 gentleman has replied in the affirmative but was unable to furnish who publisher was. Can you possibly help or perhapes, put me on the proper trail to find the series. I also have a good collection of VHS tapes pertaining to mainly World War II and some Vietnam. I am trying to build up my collection of mainly Eastern Front including all participants. (i.e. Germany,Russia,Italy,Romania,Hungary,Finland,Estonia,Latvia)
Have either of you heard of that series called The Unknown War of which I was in search of previously. Only 1 gentleman has replied in the affirmative but was unable to furnish who publisher was. Can you possibly help or perhapes, put me on the proper trail to find the series. I also have a good collection of VHS tapes pertaining to mainly World War II and some Vietnam. I am trying to build up my collection of mainly Eastern Front including all participants. (i.e. Germany,Russia,Italy,Romania,Hungary,Finland,Estonia,Latvia)
rabid lobo
Hmm ya Sarge I agree... I know I'm prolly the youngest member of these forums and indeed the most uneducated-on-subjects-having-to-do-with-or subject-to-world-war-2-and-war-in-general but everytime I play Steel Panthers, or Sudden-Strike, or European Air War, I get this feeling that what I'm playing is such a puny representation. It is really just glammed up combat, it doesn't show the hardships faced... Like famine, fleas.... An empty rifle...
Or, having to run from your home in fear of losing your life... It's just not good...
War isn't good... =c\
Cheers
~Chris
Or, having to run from your home in fear of losing your life... It's just not good...
War isn't good... =c\
Cheers
~Chris
True, but you can get a feel for the historical situation, the tensions, the emotions that one might feel in role playing leadership decisions.
That is one of the main reasons I enjoy this so much.
But yes, War is brutal! I would not deny that!
It is interesting that many vets and military folks do also enjoy the game.
Wild Bill
That is one of the main reasons I enjoy this so much.
But yes, War is brutal! I would not deny that!
It is interesting that many vets and military folks do also enjoy the game.
Wild Bill
In Arduis Fidelis
Wild Bill Wilder
Independent Game Consultant
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Charles2222
- Posts: 3687
- Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2001 10:00 am
Yeah, I think ANY grognard would appreciate Battlefield WWII. It was on PBS, and I never noted what time or day it was on, but if I managed to turn to the channel when it was on, it just sucked me in. I'd think that I would just catch a glimpse, and before I knew it 30 minutes went by and it didn't matter how much that particular subject at hand may had been generally unappealing to me. The computer graphics, the music and the pace just suck you in. It was done so well that it reminded me somewhat of that The Civil War series that was REAL good and lasted seemingly forever.
In full agreement with you Charles. Battlefield is probably the best series out there for our particular needs.
David, I have heard of it, but never seen it. I think it would be a great addition. I'll definitely take a look around for it somewhere!
Wild Bill
David, I have heard of it, but never seen it. I think it would be a great addition. I'll definitely take a look around for it somewhere!
Wild Bill
In Arduis Fidelis
Wild Bill Wilder
Independent Game Consultant
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davidmiller
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2001 10:00 am
- Location: florissant, mo, usa
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Charles2222
- Posts: 3687
- Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2001 10:00 am
Here's a page describing Battlefield, with some mini-pictures. http://www.funhousegraphics.com/bfield.html
Something else fascinating about that series, from what I read at the Time/Life site, each battle is covered for two hours. Hey, beats Pearl Harbor any day!
Something else fascinating about that series, from what I read at the Time/Life site, each battle is covered for two hours. Hey, beats Pearl Harbor any day!