The Vietnam War

This History Channel two-disc compilation of documentaries on the Vietnam War presents Vietnam: On the Frontlines on the first disc, a four-part series combining abundant newsreel footage from CBS News with sober narration and extensive interviews with veterans, correspondents, and scholars, as it covers the conflict from the perspective of the solider in the field to the President of the United States, as well as various other links in the military chain of command, serving up firsthand testimony that is both powerful and poignant. The second disc is a more ad hoc affair, consisting of three unrelated programs. Unsung Heroes: The Battle of Khe Sanh presents an extended look at the titular fight, strengthened by the inclusion of solid interview material with combatants. LBJ and Vietnam draws on taped White House conversations involving President Johnson, members of his administration, and senators and congressmen, to trace the path of increasing American involvement in Vietnam, followed by general disillusionment on the part of the American people. Command Decisions: Tet Offensive is the oddball entry here, inviting viewers to test their tactical acumen by comparing how they would have responded to particular situations during the Tet Offensive to those actually taken by American commanders, including General Westmoreland. As a whole this collection can't rival the outstanding PBS-aired series Vietnam: A Television History (VL-10/87) for thoroughness, but the quality of the interviews here make The Vietnam War a fine complementary set. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)