Customer Reviews

Battlefield: Battle of Stalingrad [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The series "Battlefield" is an outstanding presentation of
major engagements in the Second World War. The battles are
discussed in detail and emphasis is on the context of the
battle within the larger strategy of the war. This particular
film is very important because it discusses the gigantic
engagement at Stalingrad which marked (along with El Alamein) the turning part of the war. Western viewers have a hard time getting information about the battles on the Eastern Front which is why it is referred to as the Unknown War. Most television and movie documentaries in the West emphasize the contribution (important as it was) of the US and Britain to the defeat of Nazi Germany, but the fact is that 3/4 of the total strength of the German Wehrmacht was destroyed by Soviet forces. This outstanding film comes to correct this serious lack of perspective. The producers of this magnificant series have proven that with a low budget, using archive films and some good computer graphics for making clear maps, a very informative documentary film can be made. I watch these films over and over because there is so much information in them, it is hard to absorb it all in one sitting. I would say, though, that these films are designed for someone who has more than just a passing interest in the Second World War.

This volumn, like all in the series, covers all aspects of the battle in excellent detail. The generals, arms, tactics, and history of the competing armies are described. I was most impressed with the computer generated displays of the battle showing the relative movement of forces. Also, the detail of coverage was outstanding.

This series is easily the best set of documentaries on the great battles of The Second World War. It includes excellent computer generated graphics illustrating the positions and dynamics of the battles as they unfolded. Certainly, these docs would serve as ideal teaching aids and seem to have been designed to hold the interest of young students. I would recomend the entire series to anyone interested in history whether they be an enthusiast or just eager to gain some understanding.

This series describes in a general way the nature of the battle. However, many details are missing. For example, Fedor von Bock is listed as the German general for the battle but had been relieved well before the 6th army was anywhere near Stalingrad(dispute over tactics with Hitler). The city of Vorohnez is also mispronounced (this is nitpicking)and there are some other minor flaws such as showing general military pictures rather than finding relevant tape of the Stalingrad area. Also, the monumental struggle within the city needs much more time than the broad-brush this series provides. To really get to the heart of the battle, a book is more worthwhile than any video.

Even with these faults, I find much that is valuable in this series. The discussion of the general strategies and frames of mind of the leaders and soldiers is very valuable. A cursory look at some of the weapons is also interesting. Despite the flaws in this series, I wish I had the entire set.

A fair video that explains, in a very general way, the battle with graphic maps and lines. The film portions are disappointing. Many are repeated, and some I doubt were even taken near Stalingrad - just generic winter fighting scenes. END