The Americans on D-Day

Going beyond typical documentary methods of re-enactment, filmmaker Richard Lanni brings to life American involvement in World War II's D-Day, with battlefield historian Ellwood von Seibold guiding viewers on a chronologically accurate review of that “day of days” on the beaches of Normandy. Driving a ‘43 Dodge command car and wearing period-correct GI-issue gear, von Seibold's passion for military history shines through. Veterans of the battles (both American and German) recount details of the brutal and pivotal incidents that were at the center of this historic confrontation. The tragedy of faulty intelligence, the success of superior strategy, and the role of good luck are explored here with stunning visuals, compelling interviews, and clear graphics and maps. In one scene, von Seibold dons the garb of a WWII paratrooper—complete with chutes and weaponry weighing 150 pounds—to illustrate how some of the jumpers were easy targets, giving up their lives before ever touching the ground. Techniques like this, combined with intriguing coverage of well-known battles, make this a powerful program. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)