Customer Reviews

World War II - Greatest Battles: The Battle of Midway/Global War

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Unfortunately, there seems to be some confusion about this video tape. This is not the classic film made during the war about the Battle of Midway, but rather this is one of the films
about famous battles of World War II from the "Battlefield" series. This series gives a comprehensive view of the battle from the point of view of the upper echelons conducting the war. The battle is explained within its context as part the wider stragtegic issues of the war. A considerable part of the film deals with the lead-up to the battle including discussion of the political and military leadership of the opposing sides, the weapons involved and the military action preceding the battle. In this film, the Battle of the Coral Sea is discussed in detail as a prelude to Midway. The Battle of Midway was an extremely complex engagement that is hard to follow even when reading detailed descriptions of the battle in books. This film makes the battle and its various components clear to the viewer. This film certainly made me appreciate the genius of naval air power commanders such as Halsey, Spruance, and Fletcher who had to move around large numbers of ships and aircraft in both attack and defense at the same time. This series is highly recommended for someone who has more than just a passing interest in the Second World War.

This is not John Ford's documentary. It is a "Discovery Channel" produced documentary that uses some of Ford's footage. But if you're look for John Ford's own work, you'll have to find another source.

I bought this dvd because I believed it to be the original documentary directed by John Ford. Instead it was a program I had seen earlier, I think on the History Channel that used footage from Ford's movie. The interviews and additional footage was interesting and helpful I suppose but it was not what I thought I ordered. Still trying to find a copy of Torpedo Squadron 8 also directed by Ford for my collection.

The battlefield series are truly amazing in their analysis of select Battles of WWII. The examination of the events leading up to, the leaders, and the outcome of the battle is the most clear and comprehensive I have ever seen. It provides maps and troop movements in addition to actual battle footage. The Battlefield Vietnam series (currently on PBS // 1999) follows the tradition of these very well done military history pieces. I've been searching for these for two years since they went off of PBS and at last I've found them. Thank goodness for Amazon.com. They have everything you could ever want.

The Battle of Midway was the crucial turning point in the Pacific Theatre duting WWII. Against incredible odds and public opinion, Admiral Chester Nimitz dispatches his entire remaining fleet (wounded after the Battle of Coral Sea) to stop the Japanese Fleet from taking Midway Island. This movie has excellent period footage, and great big name actors(of the time) that fit perfectly into their roles throughout the film. Acutal war footage throughout the movie plays on the great acting in this movie. I would recommend this movie strongly to any WWII buff that enjoys sea battles. Next to the John Wayne classic "In Harm's Way", this is a must see.

This film shows the real heart of America and what we were like truly free although the war wasn't won yet. No political "correctness" back then. Patriotism at its best.

This is one of my all-time favorites of movies about WWII. It shows how even the little things and a little bit of luck can have a huge impact on the outcome of a battle. I can watch this, along with Tora,Tora,Tora, A Bridge Too Far, and a few others. over and over again.

this series is the most definitive explaniton of any of the battles they cover. Unfortunately they dont cover enough ww2 battles for me.

I feel that "Battle of Midway" is unique amongst films of this genre, in that it shows how even the smallest decisions made by admirals or captains on either sides of the battlelines can have such a devestating impact on the overall outcome. To give a perfect example, how one commanders decision to equip their fighters with bombs as opposed to torpedoes (or vice-a-versa) could be the hingpin that holds their battleplan together, or the mistake that tears it apart. Take it from an ex-sailor, the depictions of naval combat in this film are as close to real as a filmaker could probably get, especially considering the era the film was made in. Add to all this the all star cast that reads like a whos who of hollywood, you wont find a better film in this genre. To sum it up, this was the "Pearl Harbor" of the 70's!

I bought this dvd because I gained the impression from other reviews about it that it would be a documentary about the battle of Midway. When it was delivered to me, it turned out to be the feature film 'Midway' starring Charlton Heston (which I already own). I was not happy and returned the dvd for a full refund.