World at War - 26 Episode Series Collection (DVD, 2004)

Greetings Dear Reader,

This TV series, it must be said, admits it's own limitations....primarily how can an entire World War be compressed into 26 hours of documentary television. Mr.Jeremy Isaccs, the series producer, confirms as much. For what it's worth though, it succeeds in presenting the program's stated objectives.

However the World At War must never be viewed as authoritative or comprehensive historical fact.

It is far from the whole truth, or even partial truth. There are no outright lies or gross inaccuracies, but the viewer must not be satisfied that this is the history of WW2.

It is a program heavily "Euro-centric" in it's scope & what little detail it presents.

The Pacific, South East Asian and North African theatres of conflict are hardly covered to say the least. Detail on what is covered is scant and generalised. The efforts of individuals, particular military units & formations are all but ignored.

The effect of one action or battle, for example, on the conduct of the next action or battle or indeed the war as a whole is completely ignored. These are just some of the many failings of the World At War series.

The barbarity of the Japanese militarist expansion and the courage, endurance & sacrifice of Aussies, Yanks & their Allies who defeated the Japs is all but ignored.

The significance of this as a presentation of WW2 history is a dramatic, indeed unforgivable, failing on the part of the producers of World At War series.

For the new viewer, the current generation who remain all but ignorant of WW2, they will not comprehend the brutality & insanity of the Japanese regime, military & general population, a brutality that would have embarrassed even the German Nazis.

To ignore this immense scope of WW2, relegates World At War to being predominately a worthwhile visual compilation of WW2 and not a worthwhile historical documentary.

The program brings together a great deal of film footage that, if viewed along with an individual's personal studies on the subject matter, provides benefits for the viewer or student.

The Great Generation of English Speaking men & women - Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, Americans, South Africans & Indians, along with the great Russian peoples - who fought and defeated the hell-on-earth that insane Germans, Italians, Vichy French, Japanese and their collaborators unleashed,.....that Great Generation is rapidly passing into history.

Along with the Great Generation goes their knowledge, experience, courage and endurance. Their deeds & heroism will never be excelled. Their sacrifice will never be equaled. They are immortal. We Will Remember Them, Lest We Forget.

Thank you Dear Reader for your consideration.