Jeremy Clarkson – War Stories [DVD]

I had only heard that Jeremy had done documentaries and couldn't find them on the US Amazon website, so I came here. Once I realised that I could order from the UK site, anyway, I excitedly bought this and one of James May's DVD's. It took one week to ship from the UK to the US (and not the three weeks that was estimated), so that was lovely. It seems that the DVD decided that en route to the US, it no longer wanted to be attached to the case. The case was a prison and it wanted freedom! So, upon arrival, it was sliding around the inside. This was alarming since I do my best to keep my CD's and DVD's in pristine condition. It seems to have sustained only superficial scratches, thankfully, and played the entire way through without mishap. I absolutely loved both documentaries. I'm interested in history, but not a history buff, so this was perfect. And if I am to be completely honest, I wouldn't have bought it at all had Jeremy not done it. The Victoria Cross one had me eating up every word. My ears pricked up when he mentioned the VC winner he was going to focus on, Robert Cain. I was dancing in my seat when he said that Major Cain was Manx. I knew for certain that he must have been his wife Francie's dad. Jeremy didn't reveal until the end that this was true. It was a wonderful story. It was well told, well informed, and I really enjoyed that there were interviews with those who knew him. The Greatest Raid, Ever, was the second documentary, which was equally fantastic, in all senses of the word. The special effects (for which there is a "making of" special) are magnificent. Jeremy did a lovely job outlining all the reasons this was one of the most daft plans ever thought of and why completing it was a suicide mission. I was very pleased that he included something that of the German officers told one of the British ones, that one particular commando should get a VC for his bravery and sheer stubbornness. That was just an amazing insight. Definitely consider purchasing this even if you aren't a fan of Clarkson and you like history. If you are a fan, like me, absolutely buy it. You won't be disappointed. I think that after he retires from Top Gear, someday, he needs to do more documentaries. If they showed these in school, I guarantee more kids would get interested.

Jeremy Clarkson side steps his usual motoring journalism with this superb little collection of tales of the bravery and courage by British and Commonwealth servicemen during the Second World War. Laced with his own brand of dry humour, Clarkson creates a lively account of the grim realities of war, yet always respectful to those who laid down their lives or who miraculously survived against the odds. Stories of extreme danger and suicidal heroism make for a thoroughly absorbing and fascinating documentary. The first of two one hour presentations examines the Victoria Cross medal "For Valour". How it came to be, how and where it is made, what it takes to earn one. Clarkson gives several accounts of individuals who have been awarded the VC but focuses on "Operation Market Garden". We find out why he has a personal interest at the end of the documentary. The second presentation describes the formation of Churchills Commando elite. The forerunners to today's special forces. "Operation Chariot" provides the backdrop for what is described as the most daring raid of all. A must see for military history enthusiasts and Jeremy Clarkson fans alike.

Love him or hate him, Jeremy Clarkson is a very effective photo-journalist. Story one is about the Victoria Cross, and while he concentrates on one particual recipient, to whom he had personal connection, he covers its inception, production, and tries to analyse what it takes to win one. In my opinion this is the best thing J.C. has ever done. Story two is about the Commando raid on the St. Naziarre dry dock. Told in the same style as story one, it is very good, but doesn't have the passion of story one. The d.v.d.is worth it's cost for story one alone, look upon story two as a bonus.

When he's not fooling about on Top Gear or the Grand Tour, Jeremy Clarkson is an excellent serious presenter. He explains the history of the Victoria Cross, and tells the story of how these remarkable people won them. Next, he tells the story of one of the most incredible military actions of all time, the raid on St Nazaire, which, to anyone hearing the obstacles that stood in their way, would have seemed like an insane mission. Well worth watching.

Jeremy Clarkson's War Stories is surprisingly good. At first it felt uncomfortable having Jeremy present serious, factual material, but if you can get over that the DVD is worth watching. The story of the Victoria Cross and its recepients was compelling and very interesting. If you are a Jeremy Clarkson fan or interested in military history then this is the DVD for you.

I'd been trying to find a copy of the Victoria Cross documentary written & presented by Jeremy Clarkson in 2003. And even better, it's teamed with another excellent piece of work by Clarkson describing the daring commando raid on St Nazaire in 1942. But it's the VC story which stands out; Clarkson skilfully weaves the history of the highest award for gallantry with, variously, contributions from living VC holders, the London jewellers who make the medals, plus amazing testimony from survivors of the ill-fated Arnhem operation of September 1944. And it's Arnhem which is the fulcrum of this superb documentary, telling the tale of Major Robert Cain who won his VC during this action. It's hard to think of an hour better spent if you're interested in WW2 generally or the VC in particular. I should also add that the conclusion of the VC story is wonderful - I will say no more, except you won't be disappointed. These two documentaries will open your eyes to what a talented journalist Jeremy Clarkson really is, regardless of your opinion of the man.