The World at War—World War II: 1942-1945, A World at War

The final entry in the four-volume series World War II (which is also part of the 24-title series The World at War), this program combines overlaid narration with tightly edited historical newsreel footage and photos to bring to life—from an American perspective—the final years of a conflict that truly spanned the globe. Clearly explaining concurrent actions that took place in multiple theaters as the Allies fought through major battles on their way to eventual victory, the documentary looks at key figures such as Mussolini, Rommel, MacArthur, and Truman, along with the contributions of minorities and women, including the all-Nisei 442nd regiment (incorrectly referred to as the 444th on the back of the DVD cover) and the Women's Army Corps. While the wide scope doesn't allow for substantial commentary on complex topics such as military strategies, genocide, the Japanese-American internment, or the use of the atomic bomb, this production provides an excellent overview of one of history's most significant episodes. Although many of the images are potentially disturbing or even gruesome—not surprisingly, given the subject matter—most contemporary viewers have seen similar (in fact, footage of soldiers in Stalingrad engaged in house-to-house battles with snipers seems eerily reminiscent of current images from Iraq). The other three titles in the World War II series are: 1929-1939, Roots of War; 1939-1940, Axis Power Rising and 1940-1941, America & Japan. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)