The World At War - Complete TV Series (11 Disc Box Set) [DVD] |
| |
|
|
|
Staring:
Laurence Olivier
Average Customer Rating: 
List Price: £99.99
Our Price: £67.98
|
|
|
|
|
Amazon.co.uk Review
When this epic series was first broadcast in 1973 it redefined the gold standard for television documentary; it remains the benchmark by which all factual programming must judge itself. Originally shown as 26 one-hour programmes, The World at War set out to tell the story of the Second World War through the testimony of key participants. The result is a unique and unrepeatable event, since many of the eyewitnesses captured on film did not have long left to live. Each hour-long programme is carefully structured to focus on a key theme or campaign, from the rise of Nazi Germany to Hitler's downfall and the onset of the Cold War. There are no academic "talking heads" here to spell out an official version of history; the narration, delivered with wonderful gravitas by Sir Laurence Olivier, is kept to a minimum. The show's great coup was to allow the participants to speak for themselves. Painstaking research in the archives of the Imperial War Museum also unearthed a vast quantity of newsreel footage, including on occasion the cameraman's original raw rushes which present an unvarnished and never-before-seen picture of important events. Carl Davis' portentous main title theme and score underlines the grand scale of the enterprise. The original 26 episodes were supplemented three years later by six special programmes (narrated by Eric Porter), bringing the total running-time to a truly epic 32 hours. --Mark Walker
|
 Fantastic Series, 2010-08-21
Although not totally comprehensive The World At War TV series is a compelling and informative collection.
The most intriguing aspects for me were the first hand accounts given at a time when WW2 was still fresh and raw in hearts and minds of those who were involved. The series follows the war from outbreak in a chronological sequence giving detail on background aspects and issues surrounding the events on the battlefield. Both sides are represented and the heartfelt accounts given paint a grisly picture of life on the frontlines, air raid shelters, running from the Nazis etc.
I love the grainy images which capture the image of the time, with silent pictures and film reels producing the most powerful and profound effect. The narration by Sir Laurence Olivier who does a superb job of giving a dignified account of the events which unfolded is second to none and it just doesn't feel the same when one of the later episodes is voiced by someone else.
I would strongly recommend this series for anyone interested in one of the most important events to shape the world we live in today.
Brilliant, 2010-09-06
This world at war series first came out in 1973, I did watch a couple of episodes and was fascinated by what I saw but unfortunately was too young at the time to really appreciate it. Today is different (I am a lot older), they are so interesting, well filmed and beautifully narrated by Sir Laurence Olivier. A brilliant collection.
Top-notch TV, unbeatable, 2010-08-29
I'm up to 1942 in the series and having remembered being scared by the severity of the unfolding human tragedy when I was a child it serves as a reminder of how catastrophic war is. This is a tribute to the film-making as though it acknowledge the bravery, courage and occasional brilliance of those fighting tyranny it does not do this in a jingoistic, unrealistic way. At the same time seeing images of the dead bodies, refugees and the utter destruction is an eye-opener even for those like me who think they know a lot about the war.
The quality of the production is simply outstanding. The film clips and commentary are intertwined with interviews with "real" people who tell it is as was. I was stunned to hear the chap in the blitz say he'd been told by an anti-aircraft gunner that they were only shooting to boost the morale of the local people, they had no chance of hitting anything! The extent of the propaganda and media management of the whole campaign by both sides is highlighted.
Overall anyone interested in history, politics, human tragedy or classic TV documentaries will be enthralled by this series.
Amazing, 2010-08-26
I got this box set for my birthday and ive been blown away by how detailed and well made this programme is.
It details everything about the war and i really like how there is so much real footage and use of people that were actually there. If you want to know more about a realyl imporant part of our history, sit down and watch this. Its 35 hours long but once you watch one episode you won't want to put it down. 10/10
a lesson, 2010-09-05
this is the series as broadcast 40 years ago without concession to modern technology. Just what i wanted so that i can watch it the correct order which i never managed on tv.
|
|
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 - 1.33:1
Audience Rating: Exempt
Binding: DVD
EAN: 5030697008817
Format: PAL
Label: Fremantle Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Fremantle Home Entertainment
Number Of Items: 11
Publisher: Fremantle Home Entertainment
Region Code: 2
Release Date: 2005-04-25
Running Time: 1352
Studio: Fremantle Home Entertainment
Theatrical Release Date: 1973 |
|
|