The World Wars [Blu-ray + Digital HD]

Excellent!

This video attempts to provide context for WW2. This is done with personal biographies, not with national history. I think this gives insight to decisions and what motivated these leaders. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that there are broader and deeper forces at work. For example, the rise of Marxism, nationalism, Darwinism, capitalism, militarism, etc., etc..Video focuses just a few prominent leaders. MacArthur the military genius; Patton the soldier with lust for battle; Churchill the statesman determined to save western (British) civilization; Stalin the tyrant planning to succeed where Hitler failed; Roosevelt the one with the most influence; Hitler the ex-corporal commanding the entire German military; Mussolini the one who taught Hitler how to take control; Rommel the skeptical genius; Tojo the imperialist; Bradley the humble general; all these are well done!One theme is the deep trauma WW1 inflicted on the men discussed. Churchill haunted by the massacre at Gallipoli, Hilter enraged because Germany surrendered 'without being defeated', MacArthur overconfident from past success, Stalin exporting communism as a new world revolution, and so on. This method connects ideas, experiences and decisions that gives more than isolated facts, but understanding.For example, covers the reasons why Truman dropped the bombs. This was in part to forestall Stalin from invading first, along with avoiding another Normandy invasion.Empathizes the unique place of this war in human history. Nothing similar before. Shows Colin Powell saying 'that nothing like this (can?should? will?) happen again.' Highlights Patton discovering the camps. Appalled. He then forced German soliders and citizens to tour and experience the shame. (I had never heard this. Facinating.)This is human history that should never be forgotten.

Good price for product

The stories depicted on this documentary / reenactment about these WWII leaders is one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. It brings details and little known facts about the background of the characters from their early days as soldiers or politicians in WWI to the final days of WWII. The actors chosen to portray the real subjects present the similarities in physical attributes as seen of the actual ones from old archival footage. I was very impressed by that. I won’t give out any spoilers about some of the defining parts of the series, but I will say that it will hold your attention from beginning to end.As far as the Blu-ray format I will say that is the best way to truly enjoy this feature. I saw it when it was broadcast on the History Channel HD channel and watching it again on Blu-ray format showed how much better it can be. The narration and commentary by military, historians, veterans, and other experts on the background and history of these leaders and the conflict settings, add to the detail and comprehension of the subject at hand. In all, a must have to any military or historical collection of this nature.

This is a fascinating and stimulating account of the wars that will be most enjoyed by those with little knowledge of the pertinent history. Many not falling in this category will, while not objecting in principle to a superficial account, likely find this one egregiously misleading in important respects and will consider some of the omissions dramatically as well as historically misguided. But all this being said, I found its approach to the storytelling very compelling and believe it imparts important, basic information about the wars that everyone should have..

Above average decent portrayals of the power figures and some unknown incidents

First, it should be noted that this is not so much of a history of two World Wars, but a character study on the major (and some minor) players. What first drew me to this documentary was the fact that it starts with World War I, and how that war shaped the people who would clash again some 20 years later. This doc also points out that this was really all one war. (The 31 year war)Some of the intriguing issues covered are:What's with Hitler's funny little mustache?How Hitler's supreme ego helped save the world.Why did the Japanese switch sides from one war to another?What was the young, and arrogant, Churchill's reality check that would make him England's savior in latter yearsHow George Patton became a strong proponent of mobile gun platformsWhy did we ally ourselves with Stalin, who has as bad as HitlerWhy Stalingrad was so important to the allied causeWhy the U.S. was fighting the Japanese alone after Germany surrenderedAnd many more...

I cannot recall when I have enjoyed a television series more. I watched the whole series twice before I purchased the dvds, and I intend to watch it again. I consider myself an educated person, but I was astonished at how much about World War I and II that I didn't know. The first installment about the key figures, Hitler, Churchill, Stalin, Patton, Montgomery, and more, was such an eye-opener about these men in their younger years. I had no idea how the Treaty of Versailles basically set the stage for World War II, and that it was essentially just a continuation of World War I with a 20 year gap in the middle. I recommend this series for anyone with an interest in this period in our history, and more so for people who have never been interested in it. It makes so any aspects of our world today make more sense.

Great historical drama providing new perspective on the formative years of the principal characters of WW2 - highly recommend!

Muy buen producto y tiempo de respuesta del vendedor

I have several multi-format multi-region BLU-RAY players, as well as many encoding and remuxing configured computersAnd NONE of them could play this Blu-ray, it shows the into splash screen, then immediately freezes upon selection of one the into optionsBorn Discs failed

Great documentary.

Purchased the blu ray looking forward to watch however the product received is now unwatchable unable to open.