World at War - 26 Episode Series Collection (DVD, 2004)

This 11-DVD set includes the 26 episodes from the original 1973 TV series, plus the following valuable programs:

* The Making of the Series.
* Hitler's Germany: a two-part documentary on life in Germany from 1933-1945.
The Two Deaths of Adolph Hitler: the question as to whether Hitler shot himself to death or took poison.
* Secretary to Hitler: a 20-minute interview with Traudl Junge, Hitler's secretary from 1943 until the end. (Her story is also portrayed in Oliver Hirschbiegel's stunning 2005 film Downfall.)
* Warrior: Film footage of battle and carnage with the voice-overs of American and British soldiers remembering their experiences.
* From War to Peace: a 20-minute interview with historian Stephen Ambrose (with very long hair back in the mid-70s!) about the post-war period in Europe and America.
* The Final Solution: a two-part documentary on the death camps, the survivors, and the Nazi mindset towards the genocide.
* Making the Series: A 30th Anniversary Retrospective.
* Experiences of War.

It is hard to compare this documentary series to any others because it is ONE-OF-A-KIND! At the END of the first DVD there is a an original "making of the series" special and I strongly suggest that a new viewer watch that first as it really puts the whole series into a unique perspective. the makers went out of their way to use only original film footage and never anything that was knowingly staged or propaganda material and saying so if it is. EVen the "making of" special (which was done originally, not recently for the dvd release) is one of the best "making of" I have ever seen.

What is so great is that they broke wwii down not just into the biggest battles but to other areas, In fact, only about 15 of the 26 episodes is dedicated to major battles/engagements. The other 10 or so cover factors like political build-ups, civilian issues, etc.

What makes this arguably the BEST WWII DOCUMENTARY ever is the timing of when it was made and the interviews within. They flat out state that they were against the clock as they did this. In the early 70's, many of the key people who had great things to share were starting to die from old age, especially those who were middle aged during the war.

It is just chilling to hear former top NAZIS speak about their personal experience in Hitler's top group. Albert Speer, the "architect" of the NAzis is interviewed extensively. This is where the importance of watching the "making of" episode FIRST comes in. OTher interviews such as citizens and soldiers who were in the war are equally incredible.

The most important thing about this documentary? It was filmed long before everything had to be run through a politically-correct filter so as to not offend anyone. The interviews cover the gamut of opinions during the war, even from BOTH sides of the "jewish problem".

I think if it were made today, much of the great interview footage would have never been released because somebody could be offended.

While there are some shocking images, most of it is just PG material. I would let a child down to maybe 9 or 10 watch it depending on the child but would absolutely be sitting there with them to discuss and answer questions. I think it would provide invaluable information for kids and young adults that could spark a lifetime interest in history.

This DVD could be had for less than $40 delivered in brand new factory sealed condition and I would have probably paid DOUBLE that, especially after I watched some of the content and saw how great it is.

HIGHEST RATINGS!! one of the nest deals for the money you can get for so much history and knowledge

Greetings Dear Reader,

This TV series, it must be said, admits it's own limitations....primarily how can an entire World War be compressed into 26 hours of documentary television. Mr.Jeremy Isaccs, the series producer, confirms as much. For what it's worth though, it succeeds in presenting the program's stated objectives.

However the World At War must never be viewed as authoritative or comprehensive historical fact.

It is far from the whole truth, or even partial truth. There are no outright lies or gross inaccuracies, but the viewer must not be satisfied that this is the history of WW2.

It is a program heavily "Euro-centric" in it's scope & what little detail it presents.

The Pacific, South East Asian and North African theatres of conflict are hardly covered to say the least. Detail on what is covered is scant and generalised. The efforts of individuals, particular military units & formations are all but ignored.

The effect of one action or battle, for example, on the conduct of the next action or battle or indeed the war as a whole is completely ignored. These are just some of the many failings of the World At War series.

The barbarity of the Japanese militarist expansion and the courage, endurance & sacrifice of Aussies, Yanks & their Allies who defeated the Japs is all but ignored.

The significance of this as a presentation of WW2 history is a dramatic, indeed unforgivable, failing on the part of the producers of World At War series.

For the new viewer, the current generation who remain all but ignorant of WW2, they will not comprehend the brutality & insanity of the Japanese regime, military & general population, a brutality that would have embarrassed even the German Nazis.

To ignore this immense scope of WW2, relegates World At War to being predominately a worthwhile visual compilation of WW2 and not a worthwhile historical documentary.

The program brings together a great deal of film footage that, if viewed along with an individual's personal studies on the subject matter, provides benefits for the viewer or student.

The Great Generation of English Speaking men & women - Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, Americans, South Africans & Indians, along with the great Russian peoples - who fought and defeated the hell-on-earth that insane Germans, Italians, Vichy French, Japanese and their collaborators unleashed,.....that Great Generation is rapidly passing into history.

Along with the Great Generation goes their knowledge, experience, courage and endurance. Their deeds & heroism will never be excelled. Their sacrifice will never be equaled. They are immortal. We Will Remember Them, Lest We Forget.

Thank you Dear Reader for your consideration.

I have watched many a War story and let me tell you nothing comes close to this true jewel of television history. If you think you know all there is to know about WW2 and have not seen this series you are truly missing something.
This series hits on all points of view. Yes there are many unbelievable, if not unforgettable, rarely seen images of war. Many of which are graphic in nature and emotion. Those images, coupled with the unwavering and masterful commentary of Laurence Olivier, guide you along the path of this very robust collection.
Its hard to even describe the depth of scope this series covers. Through each examination of combatant nations you see and feel what each country felt, desired, and believed. You almost can't help but feel compassion for all sides when you see what tremendous perils and losses every nation had to endure.
There are a lot of "cookie cutter" WW2 documentaries out there, but this series takes no shortcuts. This series shows a bluntly honest and true description of the most important war in the World's history. If you are looking for The standard in all war documentaries, let alone WW2, this is the series to own.

The World At War dvd collection is an excellent look at WWII and the events that led up to it, how it was fought and also how it was won. Unlike other documentaries on the subject it relies heavily on people who were actually part of the war and the civilians that survived the chaos that ensued.
Here is told the human story of the war and not just constant hours of battlefield footage like most documentaries show.

Many events are covered in this documentary that you just don't see elsewhere. It gives a more complete view of the entire situation in my opinion.

I definitely recommend buying this dvd box set if you want to learn about the whole story of WWII.