This groundbreaking 26-part 1974 British documentary series weaves together extraordinary newsreel clips, previously unseen battle footage, and even home movies to create a rich historical tapestry tracing WWII's genesis from the rise of fascism through the liberation of the Nazi death camps and the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Incorporating a wide range of interviews, often with surprising figures including Nazi architect Albert Speer and the controversial American diplomat Alger Hiss, the series presents not so much a repeat of well-known history but rather a real-life morality drama, played out across a global stage--viewers will not only learn "what" happened, but the "why" behind the war and "how" it affected everyone involved, from the leaders and foot soldiers to the partisans and ordinary people caught up in the maelstrom. Throughout, the late Laurence Olivier's narration remains both graceful and unobtrusive. A&E's 30th anniversary release comes packaged in a handsome 11-disc boxed set, with no less than four discs devoted exclusively to bonus features, such as six additional documentaries (on Hitler's Germany, his secretary Traudl Junge, etc.), a two-part history of the Holocaust, two "making-of" documentaries, and a collection of interviews. Hands down, the finest World War II documentary series ever presented, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Hall)
The World at War
(1974) 11 discs. 1,194 min. DVD: $149.99. A&E Home Video (tel: 800-423-1212, web: <a href="http://www.aande.com/">www.aande.com</a>). PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 0-7670-6575-1. November 29, 2004
The World at War
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