Hay there...
The past couple months every Sunday I stumble across a TV show regarding WWII and today I sat down for the whole length of it and really enjoyed it.
It's like reading a history book on WWII but with actuall WWII footage from that particular event.
The show today was about the War in France. From what I can guess the next show is about the War in Britain. It's great lots of good footage of tanks and such.
You also get to see that war just isn't cool... So many dead, so many prisoners. Sad, but thankfully that's in the past.
Anyways, I was curious if anyone else has seen these shows? Or would recommend others? I don't get the History Channel =( Would it be worth getting? From alot of the ads I've seen for the HC it looked like lots of Napoleanic stuff.
Cheers
~Chris
The World At War TV Series
Moderator: MOD_SPWaW
Gumby I absolutely love the History Channel there is seldom anything else on in our house. It actually covers the 20th Century more than any other period. I would highly reccomend it.Originally posted by Gumby3D:
Hay there...
The past couple months every Sunday I stumble across a TV show regarding WWII and today I sat down for the whole length of it and really enjoyed it.
It's like reading a history book on WWII but with actuall WWII footage from that particular event.
The show today was about the War in France. From what I can guess the next show is about the War in Britain. It's great lots of good footage of tanks and such.
You also get to see that war just isn't cool... So many dead, so many prisoners. Sad, but thankfully that's in the past.
Anyways, I was curious if anyone else has seen these shows? Or would recommend others? I don't get the History Channel =( Would it be worth getting? From alot of the ads I've seen for the HC it looked like lots of Napoleanic stuff.
Cheers
~Chris
regards,
sven
p.s. waw is a good show
Gumby,
If THC is available in your area, by all means, get it. I can't reccomend it highly enough. In addition to WAW, quality series such as Weapons at War, Great Blunders in History, WWII in Color, and 20th Century often profile WWII history.
If THC is available in your area, by all means, get it. I can't reccomend it highly enough. In addition to WAW, quality series such as Weapons at War, Great Blunders in History, WWII in Color, and 20th Century often profile WWII history.
"The problem with the future is that it keeps turning into the present" -Hobbes
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Charles2222
- Posts: 3687
- Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2001 10:00 am
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.
Col Saito: "Don't speak to me of rules! This is war! It is not a game of cricket!"
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.
Yes there was. They had the best info on Kursk I have ever seen. Documentaries rule.
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Les_the_Sarge_9_1
- Posts: 3943
- Joined: Fri Dec 29, 2000 10:00 am
Hmmmmm I have like 300 cassesttes of just what you are talking about, gorgeous grade documentaries of the period of time that so fascinates us.
One thing that I will say is that in a lot of them they often piece together footage that has no accuracy whatsoever to the dialogue (ie King Tigers invading Poland). But then again, you rapidly realise how phoney just about every film made by the entertainment film industry in the last 25 years truly is, when it comes to war or anything involving weapons fire or munitions.
There is for instance no petroleum in most military expolsives, especially grenades. I have used grenades myself. Big bang, big puff of dust and dirt flying around, and thats it. When you get hit you fall down, you dont get thrown flying threw the air. Buildings dont burst into oil soaked flames either. Of course the unknowing public thinks those fireballs look cool I guess.
Equally funny though is stuff made actually during the war. Try and see if you can actually watch the "Why We fight" series without turning the volume off heheh. It drips propoganda that you can cut with a knife. The Victory At Sea Series has incredible footage and Walter Kronkite did some outstanding stuff on Russia. I have a series of tapes of the war in Korea. Its interesting to here views from people that did NOT lose a war but came to an agreed upon cease fire. The only trouble is a lot of these series are hard to ferret out. I buy what I can, but all to often I had to copy a tape from a rental location.
Suffice it to say though, until you have watched the documentaries, you cant really appreciate how Saving Private Ryan earned its respect, while Pearl Harbour is merely a flashy piece of shit. I have watched the actual attack on Pearl Harbour, the movie is a farce.
One thing that I will say is that in a lot of them they often piece together footage that has no accuracy whatsoever to the dialogue (ie King Tigers invading Poland). But then again, you rapidly realise how phoney just about every film made by the entertainment film industry in the last 25 years truly is, when it comes to war or anything involving weapons fire or munitions.
There is for instance no petroleum in most military expolsives, especially grenades. I have used grenades myself. Big bang, big puff of dust and dirt flying around, and thats it. When you get hit you fall down, you dont get thrown flying threw the air. Buildings dont burst into oil soaked flames either. Of course the unknowing public thinks those fireballs look cool I guess.
Equally funny though is stuff made actually during the war. Try and see if you can actually watch the "Why We fight" series without turning the volume off heheh. It drips propoganda that you can cut with a knife. The Victory At Sea Series has incredible footage and Walter Kronkite did some outstanding stuff on Russia. I have a series of tapes of the war in Korea. Its interesting to here views from people that did NOT lose a war but came to an agreed upon cease fire. The only trouble is a lot of these series are hard to ferret out. I buy what I can, but all to often I had to copy a tape from a rental location.
Suffice it to say though, until you have watched the documentaries, you cant really appreciate how Saving Private Ryan earned its respect, while Pearl Harbour is merely a flashy piece of shit. I have watched the actual attack on Pearl Harbour, the movie is a farce.
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.
Originally posted by Les the Sarge 9-1:
Hmmmmm I have like 300 cassesttes of just what you are talking about, gorgeous grade documentaries of the period of time that so fascinates us.
One thing that I will say is that in a lot of them they often piece together footage that has no accuracy whatsoever to the dialogue (ie King Tigers invading Poland). But then again, you rapidly realise how phoney just about every film made by the entertainment film industry in the last 25 years truly is, when it comes to war or anything involving weapons fire or munitions.
There is for instance no petroleum in most military expolsives, especially grenades. I have used grenades myself. Big bang, big puff of dust and dirt flying around, and thats it. When you get hit you fall down, you dont get thrown flying threw the air. Buildings dont burst into oil soaked flames either. Of course the unknowing public thinks those fireballs look cool I guess.
Equally funny though is stuff made actually during the war. Try and see if you can actually watch the "Why We fight" series without turning the volume off heheh. It drips propoganda that you can cut with a knife. The Victory At Sea Series has incredible footage and Walter Kronkite did some outstanding stuff on Russia. I have a series of tapes of the war in Korea. Its interesting to here views from people that did NOT lose a war but came to an agreed upon cease fire. The only trouble is a lot of these series are hard to ferret out. I buy what I can, but all to often I had to copy a tape from a rental location.
Suffice it to say though, until you have watched the documentaries, you cant really appreciate how Saving Private Ryan earned its respect, while Pearl Harbour is merely a flashy piece of shit. I have watched the actual attack on Pearl Harbour, the movie is a farce.
Pearl Harbor is to Saving Private Ryan as Ishtar is to Chariots of Fire.
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Charles2222
- Posts: 3687
- Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2001 10:00 am
One thing that annoys me about a lot of these documentaries, is that they feel that they have to tell the entire history of WWII all over again, they just can't stick to the subject matter. I can't tell you how many series I've seen where they may be talking about the Luftwaffe for example, but what you get instead is the entire retelling of WWII, with a few isolated short spots on the Luftwaffe. Often enough the story of WWII is the very same one some other series is telling albeit with perhaps different pictures, and the series is supposed to be about the Tiger for example.
How many different videos can you make, when you tell the history of WWII over and over, the same methodical plot, and then supposedly are focusing on another special area of that battle?
If I knew that the documentary would've been the same ol' story told the same old way, with a very minor contribution to the specific subject at hand, whatever that may be, I wouldn't have bought/viewed it in the first place.
[ June 18, 2001: Message edited by: Charles_22 ]
How many different videos can you make, when you tell the history of WWII over and over, the same methodical plot, and then supposedly are focusing on another special area of that battle?
If I knew that the documentary would've been the same ol' story told the same old way, with a very minor contribution to the specific subject at hand, whatever that may be, I wouldn't have bought/viewed it in the first place.
[ June 18, 2001: Message edited by: Charles_22 ]
Even though "World at War" was done over 20 years ago (man, I'm old), it's still one of the best all-round documentaries on WW2. Well-balanced, and combines newsreel footage with interviews of veterans/civilians.
It was one of the first, if not THE first, TV documentary to include the views of German, Italian, and Japanese veterans as well as Allied viewpoints.
Excellent resource.
It was one of the first, if not THE first, TV documentary to include the views of German, Italian, and Japanese veterans as well as Allied viewpoints.
Excellent resource.
"...these go up to eleven."
Nigel Tufnel
Nigel Tufnel
Satellite rules!! on pay per view,i was able to get a mint copy,letterbox of "Saving Pvt Ryan",and all those great history type channels,(TLC,History channey,Biography,A&E,and HBO-where i saw "When Trumpets Fade" when they fisrt released it)...My bill has never gone up in 4 years,and they keep adding channels..(My old cable co would raise rates quicker than Betty Boop would raise her skirts!)....and noooooooo,i do not work for a satellite company........bob 
The other night A&E channel had a 2 hr documentary on Iwo Jima with interviews from actual participants. they spent more time on the raising of the two flags controversy (on day 5) than the whole battle itself. I was disgusted.
Col Saito: "Don't speak to me of rules! This is war! It is not a game of cricket!"
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davidmiller
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2001 10:00 am
- Location: florissant, mo, usa
I've got the whole series of the World At War and I feel it is one of the better docs out. I have an inquiry about a series I seen back in the 70's. It only concerned the Eastern Front and it was called "The Unknown War." It was divided into various parts of the Russian Military, such as; 1 episode concerned only the Russian Marines, another episode the Air Force and so on. I've been trying to get that series since about 1990, but no one seems to have heard of it. It was made up on Russian and German combat films taken during the conflict. Would appreciate any help in finding that series.
In general, wish to complement the whole forum for the pleasure it gives to learn and participate. It is always a joy to read and also see how people all over help each other out. Now if I could only find a pbem player that might be a bit more foolish in battles than me. I am still in learning stage of competing against the human race. Computer is easy.
In general, wish to complement the whole forum for the pleasure it gives to learn and participate. It is always a joy to read and also see how people all over help each other out. Now if I could only find a pbem player that might be a bit more foolish in battles than me. I am still in learning stage of competing against the human race. Computer is easy.
rabid lobo
Originally posted by david miller:
I've got the whole series of the World At War and I feel it is one of the better docs out. I have an inquiry about a series I seen back in the 70's. It only concerned the Eastern Front and it was called "The Unknown War." It was divided into various parts of the Russian Military, such as; 1 episode concerned only the Russian Marines, another episode the Air Force and so on. I've been trying to get that series since about 1990, but no one seems to have heard of it. It was made up on Russian and German combat films taken during the conflict. Would appreciate any help in finding that series.
In general, wish to complement the whole forum for the pleasure it gives to learn and participate. It is always a joy to read and also see how people all over help each other out. Now if I could only find a pbem player that might be a bit more foolish in battles than me. I am still in learning stage of competing against the human race. Computer is easy.
David I might take up pbem for the first time. I'll let you know. Good luck!
Sven
David,
I believe the series, "The Unknown War" was released in this country (USA) sometime during the late 70's or early 80's. I saw it and it was fairly good. It was co-directed by the Russian cameraman, Roman Karmen, who was on the spot and photographed the siege of Leningrad. It did receive some criticism for being more of a "plug" for the Russian view of the war rather than a more historical approach. It was put together in Russia. Karmen died of a heart attack in Moscow in the spring of 1978 while putting the program together.
The book, "The Unknown War" written by Harrison E. Salisbury, published by Nelson Doubleday (Military Book Club Edition-1978), is supposed to be the basis for the TV series. The program consisted of 20 one-hour
episodes. Russia released a lot of the 3,500,000 meters of film shot at the front for the documentary, and some of the film was never seen by the public previously.
Sorry I can't be of more assistance. I believe I have video tapes made of the programs somewhere, but I'm not sure I can even play them back on my modern VCR
I believe the series, "The Unknown War" was released in this country (USA) sometime during the late 70's or early 80's. I saw it and it was fairly good. It was co-directed by the Russian cameraman, Roman Karmen, who was on the spot and photographed the siege of Leningrad. It did receive some criticism for being more of a "plug" for the Russian view of the war rather than a more historical approach. It was put together in Russia. Karmen died of a heart attack in Moscow in the spring of 1978 while putting the program together.
The book, "The Unknown War" written by Harrison E. Salisbury, published by Nelson Doubleday (Military Book Club Edition-1978), is supposed to be the basis for the TV series. The program consisted of 20 one-hour
episodes. Russia released a lot of the 3,500,000 meters of film shot at the front for the documentary, and some of the film was never seen by the public previously.
Sorry I can't be of more assistance. I believe I have video tapes made of the programs somewhere, but I'm not sure I can even play them back on my modern VCR
David,
Oops! I forgot to mention--I don't believe the documentary is broken down the way you described it as concerning various aspects of the Russian military. According to the book on which the series is based, the 21 chapters (each hour program?) are somewhat chronological in nature--"A Quiet Sunday", "Leningrad in Danger", "The Victory in Stalingrad", "The Last Days of Berlin", etc. I believe that was the way the various segments were presented.
While the documentary covers what happened at Babi Yar, I don't recall it mentioning the Polish officer slaughter in the Katyn Forest. Perhaps the camermen were busy elsewhere that day.
Oops! I forgot to mention--I don't believe the documentary is broken down the way you described it as concerning various aspects of the Russian military. According to the book on which the series is based, the 21 chapters (each hour program?) are somewhat chronological in nature--"A Quiet Sunday", "Leningrad in Danger", "The Victory in Stalingrad", "The Last Days of Berlin", etc. I believe that was the way the various segments were presented.
While the documentary covers what happened at Babi Yar, I don't recall it mentioning the Polish officer slaughter in the Katyn Forest. Perhaps the camermen were busy elsewhere that day.
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davidmiller
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2001 10:00 am
- Location: florissant, mo, usa
Paul,
Appreciate the input. If you happen to find those prints, see if you can find who published them. You are right, they were in chronilogical order. I just remember the episode on the marines in particular. Even though the Russians did the killing of the Polish officers, I don't think they admitted it for some time. They blamed the Germans and Russia ended up with egg on their face. Thank you for your quick reply.
Sven,
Any time you feel ready to trade barbs and possibly a vitory for either of us, just let me know. When I win my first victory by pbem, I will probally have a party for a week. So far I have several draws and several losses.
Appreciate the input. If you happen to find those prints, see if you can find who published them. You are right, they were in chronilogical order. I just remember the episode on the marines in particular. Even though the Russians did the killing of the Polish officers, I don't think they admitted it for some time. They blamed the Germans and Russia ended up with egg on their face. Thank you for your quick reply.
Sven,
Any time you feel ready to trade barbs and possibly a vitory for either of us, just let me know. When I win my first victory by pbem, I will probally have a party for a week. So far I have several draws and several losses.
rabid lobo