Customer Reviews

World War II in Color - The British Story

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

 

 

Released in the UK as "Second World War in Colour, the British Story". It is by the same people who did "Second World War in Colour" (in the UK) which was released in the States as "World War II the Lost Color Archive". It follows the same format as the earlier title: John Thaw narrates as others read letters, diaries, etc, as the images go by. There is no studio filler, just original color footage from the war (and some before). In three parts "Darkest Hour", "Beginning of the End", and "Unknown Warriors" (which also shows some of the people as they are today). I don't think this is quite as good as the original- which I reviewed as "the best documentary I've seen"- it is still excellent. The DVD also includes Wyler's original "Memphis Belle" and some footage not shown in the UK broadcast. These are not on the VHS release

The actual content of this Video/DVD is very good - as is the majority of the quality of the photography.
However, while the title is 'The British Story', this is only partly true - and, then, only in the beginning. The final 85 minutes, or so, is devoted to the last bombing raid of the Memphis Belle - in itself a marvelous, interesting, and thoroughly praiseworthy incident in the war. But, except that the planes engaged in the raid took off and landed in the UK, there is nothing whatsoever British' about this memorable incident. Before this, about 50 minutes are takekn up with various photographic shots of Britian taken during the war - however, with absolutely no commentary, there was no sense or reason for this 'Tourist' advertisement! Another grating point was that too few 'witnesses' were interviewed, resulting in only a relative few people telling their stories - over and over - in different ways and in different sections of the video/DVD.
The first couple of Sections were fair enough - although a lack of cohesion was caused by incidents and happenings being 'reported' out of sequence. The impression was given (although admittedly not said) that the US Forces were in the UK almost from the outset. Of course, they weren't! Far too little importance was given to the (literally) vital North Atlantic theatre of war. NO OTHER THEATRE HAD THE ABILITY TO DECIDE THE FATE OF THE UK - and the eventual outcome of the war. Even the 'Battle of Britain' would have proved unimportant, had the Germans severed the life line of ships and their cargoes of food, war supplies and later personnel, from the USA and Canada.
The covering of the North African Campaign was badly portrayed. El Alamein is only touched upon, whereas the joint landings of operation 'Torch' were dwelled upon. 'Torch' was a third class 'show' in Africa, and had far too many set-backs. In and of itself, it barely constituted a success. (Lessons, however, were learned by 'Torch' and the Americans gained vital fighting experience). El Alamein was THE battle in N. Africa and the reason Rommel was thrown out of Africa. Finally, the landings in the South of France were shown as being important. This was rubbish. These landings were virtually unopposed - and barely necessary.
In truth, the title 'The British Story' is very misleading and - as far as half the video/DVD is concerned - totally inaccurate.
The Video/DVD would have scored 3 stars, in my opinion, IF it had covered the V-weapon bombardment of London and the South East area (mainly) of England. This V-weapon bombardment caused as much if not more damage to London and the citizenry, than the original 'Blitz'. It was a huge and important 'incident' in the long war - yet it was totally ignored!!! This, in itself, was highly opprobririous.

We have always seen the Second World War in black and white but why not a little bit in colors, the way that are parents and grand parents have seen it the streets, in the air and on the sea. Shooted some time by ordinary people, it is a different point ov view about the war. Very interesting if you are interested by the real story.

World War 2 in Color - The British Story is an enormous disappointment simply because it lacks the narration by John Thaw as advertised on Amazon's website and also on the DVD sleeve notes. In fact it lacks any kind of narration at all and while the pictures are fascinating and good quality they are virtually meaningless without an explanatory narrative.
I've got a copy of this programme on VHS so am able to make an accurate comparison. The video is identical to the VHS but the audio is missing from the DVD. It's therefore not the same product.

It's possibly significant that the DVD which I have received has a completely different cover to that shown on this review page and I believe Amazon should have a good look at this as they are clearly selling a product which is not exactly as advertised.

Summing up I'd say 'Buyer beware'. Without the narrative the DVD is as good as useless.

Sincerely,

Ken Taylor.

I watched the whole thing in one sitting. Great footage, most of which I've never seen before.

The reviewer which gave this DVD a poor rating was mostly critial about the 'extra's'- that is were you'll find the 85 minute Memphis Belle story (which includes the visit to the crew by the King and Queen). This DVD is 'well' worth the money.

WWII In Color: The British Story is a unique documentary showcasing the British experience in World War II through the means of color photography and film. The latest addition to the outstanding Goldhil Home Media (Digital Collector's Edition) this DVD presents truly amazing color war footage, as well as letters and diaries, and enhanced for the viewer with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, timelines, British WWII wall posters, and "Bonus Footage". WWII In Color: The British Story is a superbly presented and very welcome addition to any community library or military buff's World War II reference collection.