Customer Reviews

Hindenburg [VHS]

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History buffs will enjoy this History Channel version of the Hindenburg story. Using still pictures, film clips, and eyewitness accounts the film details the history of the famous airship from its development to its fiery demise. Impressive close-up shots of the disaster from different angles give new meaning to the familiar images. In addition to the experiences of the crash survivors, especially memorable is the courage of the Navy ground crew, ordered to stand fast to assist victims in spite of the conflagration above their heads. One of the American nurses who tended the victims is also of special note. She disapproved of the Nazis, but the swastika remained at the door of the hospital, she asserts, and common humanity prevailed. It was the first air disaster to become a spectacular media event. On-the-spot radio coverage and especially the newsreel film vividly emphasized the terrible events in a way that eludes newspaper descriptions and history books. This single event heralded the end of commercial airship travel. The film tells the story of the great dirigibles from the days of the eccentric Count Zeppelin to the work of the brilliant Hugo Eckener. There is an ironic contrast between the success of the Graf Zeppelin and the dismal fate of the Hindenburg. The hydrogen vs. helium debate is resurrected, including America's political decision not to sell helium to Nazi Germany. Ultimately, everything from static electricity to sabotage was blamed for the disaster. The film draws no conclusions, other than to observe that the controversy continues. For zeppelin fans, there is an abundance of film showing a number of airships in flight. Recommended for multiple viewing. ;-)

Wonderful documentary about the Hindenburg. Very detailed. Has the obligatory early history of airships at the beginning. Rip Torn does a wonderful job of narator. If you are an airship enthusiast, get this one, you need it in your collection.

This is an excellent documentary. Of course, it includes the famous newsreel and radio broadcast of the airship's destruction, but it also describes the history of airships and sets forth the political and economic circumstances surrounding the Hindenburg. It also makes a balanced presentation of the various viewpoints on what caused the ship to explode. I heartily recommend the purchase and viewing of the videotape.

I'm in complete agreement with the other reviewers, this is great and probably the best documentary on airships around. Well-produced and narrated. I have it on VHS and I'd buy it again on DVD IF they ever release it. A must for any LTA buff.

I highly recommend this documentary. Verrry interesting. I just wish it was longer. I didn't want it to end.

The History Channel is always fascinating. Well done!