Customer Reviews

Hitler's Bodyguard

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

 

 

NEW FACTS will be learned, emotions will be churned. WWII buffs and historians will be delighted even upward to 5-stars and beyond with the inside information of what took place beside the ruthless Nazi Hitler. For viewers who thrive on continual education, this will enlighten you about the enemy of WWII, not just the "bodyguard" element. It you seek 'light' entertainment, keep in mind this Athena DVD is a documentary, a very good one, and sometimes graphic.

This 13 episode DVD set contains astonishing historical photos and film in sienna, B&W, and color. Some film segments or portraits are used repeatedly in different episodes as the footage is used to visualize the expert commentary continually being presented by the narrator, Robert Powell (also on the SUBTITLE option.) The repetition suggests the DVD could have been shorter in length, but because it was initially presented as segments on TV, the repeated views were important for each episodes' portion of the story that was being highlighted on that day.

This series is not just about the many bodyguards. But it is the story of the man, Adolf Hitler, his rise to political fame, his ruthless pursuit to conquer Europe, his eventual fall, and his need for protecting himself. It's a combined series of Hitler AND the teams of bodyguards including the escort command, Gestapo, headquarters guard, RSD, internal security, SA, SD, and the fierce SS. The series tells of their beginning to end, leaders to traitors, and members closest to Hitler. Details previously undisclosed. There are live eyewitness interviews with some of the German survivors of these groups.

Although Hitler was a ruthless and ugly ruler, part of the history of the 1930s and 1940s Germany is told in an extensively detailed and accurate way as part of the German Political and War story that has seen little prior attention. Hitler's life and evil humanity history survived because of a unique system of personal guards, no regular schedule, frequent last minute changes, unpredictability, rivalry among guards and leaders, layered protection and, ultimately, chance.

Included in episodes are photos, film, diagrams, and commentary in detail about the cars (Episode #8), planes (#9), and trains (#10) used by Hitler and the adaptations created for his protection. It tells of the key personnel who operated them. Great nostalgic views of old transportation.

Over 40 attempts on Hitlers life over 25 years. Why were none successful? This documentary series tries to answer that question. It also leads the viewer to consider 'What would the world be like if Hitler's Bodyguard had NOT been successful?' Or on occasions when the bodyguards were instigators, "What would have happened had they killed Hitler, the man and institution?"

It's a thought provoking, and emotional series. A "Churchill's Bodyguard" companion.
Extras include "A Viewer's Guide" booklet filled with episode highlights, questions to ponder, photos, bibliography, Bodyguard Who's Who, and a description of each unit. A list and description of films made about Hitler assassination attempts. Photo galleries on each disc and...
SUBTITLES, extremely helpful with the German names and locations.

Episodes:
How Hitler's Bodyguard Worked
Early Attempts on Hitler's Life
Kill the New Chancellor!
Night of the Long knives
Jewish and Emigre Attempts to Kill Hitler
Kill Hitler Before War Starts
Bombs and Paranoia
Dangerous Car Journeys
Flights Into Danger
Hitler's Dangerous Train Journeys
Attempts to Kill Hitler at the Wolf's Lair
Nearly Assassinated at the Berghof
Poison Gas Plot in the Bunker

The memory Adolf Hitler leaves exists in infamy for most, and hero worship for a few. He was the principle architect for the horror resulting in the deaths of more than 16 millions people throughout Europe and which was only concluded by his suicide in 1945 as the nation he led fell into the ruin and devastation of World War II. What is not so well known is that Hitler was also the target of numerous assassination attempts, more than 40 of them, over the 25 years that he led the Nazi party. To protect his personal safety an ever expanding network of bodyguards developed. This is the story documented and illustrated by the thirteen episode DVD boxed set "Hitler's Bodyguards" now available from the Acorn Media Group. Combining archival footage, period photography, captured SS documents, and eyewitness interviews, and computer generated illustrations, this 661 minute documentary provides a wealth of insider information into the rise of Hitler's security services, how his unpredictable patterns of movement, his diverse strongholds, and his transport security measures aided in his physical survival. Of special note is the detailed background into the suitcase bomb smuggled into a high command meeting in the Wolf's Lair that came closet to ending his life and which did result in serious and enduring physical wounding. Enhanced with the inclusion of a 20-page viewer's guide, a 'Killing Hitler in the Movies' filmography, photo galleries, and SDH subtitles, "Hitler's Bodyguard" is a very highly recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library World War II reference collections and supplemental viewing lists.

How did Hitler manage to survive more than 40 assassination attempts? -- some by his own generals!

Using captured SS documents and eyewitness interviews, this detailed documentary reveals the secrets of Hitler's elite bodyguards who swore loyalty oaths to the Fuhrer himself. It shows how Hitler created rivalries among his closest guards to ensure his own safety, and how his unpredictable behavior - by design and chance - saved his life numerous times.

Episodes include: How Hitler's Bodyguard Worked, Early Attempts on Hitler's Life, Jewish...Attempts to Kill Hitler, Dangerous Car Journeys, Attempts to Kill Hitler at the Wolf's Lair, Poison Gas Plot in the Bunker and more.

Carefully assembled obscure historical footage from many archives, much of it never seen by the general public, reveals rare glimpses inside Hitler's infamous strongholds - including the Berghof, the Wolf's Lair and the Berlin Bunker. Effective computer generated graphics make plain the unusual security measures used on Hitler's trains, planes and cars. I liked the meticulous re-enactments that bring to vivid life many of the lost incidents documented here.

This exceptional historical record, first broadcast on Discovery's Military Channel, is a truly riveting look at how one of the 20th century's more evil tyrants (there were others like Mao and Stalin) managed to survive as long as he did.

This amazing production is from the same British team of Philip Nugus and Jonathan Martin, who are also responsible for the acclaimed historical documentaries CHURCHHILL'S BODYGUARD and THE CENTURY OF WARFARE.

I really can't say enough about this excellent documentary. Hitler's Bodyguard takes a look at the inner workings of the third Reich from a very different perspective. If you have any interest in the History of Nazi Germany what-so-ever, this is a must have.

Can anyone doubt that Hitler had the most fascinating life ever? With rock-star performances he put Germany's millions into ecstasy to start, and into total despair to finish, a whole nation turned bipolar. This from a man who was next to homeless in his youth. He was a tempting target, but his incredible luck, unpredictability and huge bodyguard protection saved him. This excellent documentary is the best Hitler history I have seen, amazingly detailed. The best read: Hitler by Ian Kershaw, a 2-volume set.

I caught random episodes of this incredible series on the Military Channel but missed quite a few. I was so happy to see the entire set available on DVD. This four disc set is an outstanding documentary on Hitler and the many assassination attempts on his life from the beginning of his political life to the point when he took his own life on April 30, 1945. Each episode in the series goes into great detail about how his rise in power resulted in an ever-increasing number of enemies that wanted to see him dead. This series highlights documents, photographs and archive footage in a way that gives the viewer an up close look at this fascinating but maniacal leader of the Nazi party. It is amazing that anyone could survive over 40 assassination attempts, but this series shows how Hitler's erratic behavior and unpredictable and frequent change of plans were the basis of his escape from death. Hitler truly believed he had been chosen for a divine mission and began to think he was immortal. The other great aspect of this series is the in depth look at the circle of officers and bodyguards that surrounded him till the end. A DEFINITE must see for anyone interested in World War II. Even the most learned history buff will learn something new! There at least one other documentary in this series called Churchill's Bodyguards, however, I have not seen any of the episodes.