- Additional Details
- Format: DVD
- Rating: Not Rated
- Number of Discs: 3
- Run Time: 455 Minutes
- Region: Region 1

- Aspect Ratio: Fullscreen
- Language: English
- Studio: A&E Video
- DVD Release Date: January 26, 2010
- Audio:
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital Stereo - Cast: Frederic Lumiere, Matthew Ginsburg
- Genre: Special Interest
- Color: Color
- Includes:
Character Profiles
Behind-The-Scenes Featurettes: Finding The Footage; Preserving The Footage - Release Date: 2009
Seventy years in the making. Three thousand hours of color footage few knew existed. The first documentary to show original color footage of World War II in immersive HD, the world premiere HISTORY™ series WWII in HD uses the journals and accounts of those who served in the war’s biggest battles to create a personal, introspective and detailed look at life on and off the front lines.
Follow 12 unforgettable Americans, and experience the war through their eyes, in their own words, as it really looked and sounded. WWII in HD transforms their stirring journey into a tangible piece of history. Culled from rare color film found in a two-year worldwide search and converted to HD with meticulous technique, WWII in HD provides a picture of World War II as it has never been seen before.
Featuring the voices of:
- Josh Lucas
- Amy Smart
- Rob Lowe
- Justin Bartha
- LL Cool J
- Steve Zahn
- Jason Ritter
- Ron Livingston
- Tim Dekay
- Mark Hefti
- James Kyson Lee
- Rob Corddry
- The ultimate, accurate view of WWII. For the first time, experience what the battles were really like by seeing them in full HD as if you were in the battle
- 70 years in the making, culled from thousands of hours of color footage of WWII, some never seen on television before. Broadcast in Dolby Surround Sound 5.1
- History told through the epic personal accounts of real soldiers. Some survived the war; some made the ultimate sacrifice
- Major historical figures and battles seen with real life clarity for the first time
Television history will be made with WWII in HD, the first WWII documentary in full, immersive HD color. Viewers will experience the war as if they were actually there, surrounded by the real sights and sounds of the battlefields. Culled from thousands of hours of lost and rare color archival footage gathered from a worldwide search through basements and archives, WWII in HD will change the way the world sees this defining conflict.
You will meet a group of soldiers who represented different branches of the service and fought in each of the major theaters of war. Their wartime diaries and journals show in visceral detail what the war was really like. They lived, triumphed, and sometimes died in a conflict so huge it threatened to dwarf them, but couldn’t. It is history told from a profoundly human point of view.
Through a meticulous process that refines and enhances clarity to the lost color footage, the sights and sounds of war come to life. The series begins in 1940, when the free people of the world find themselves on the verge of defeat, and charts the long, hard road to victory. It includes never-before-seen footage of pivotal battles like Tarawa, Anzio, Attu, New Guinea, Battle of the Bulge, Market Garden, Okinawa, Normandy, naval engagements, and bombing raids. WWII in HD also features rare footage of military and political leaders like Roosevelt, Hitler, Patton, and Rommel, seen for the first time with high-definition clarity. The power of the footage and the individual journeys of the soldiers reveal the civilian toll at Nazi Concentration Camps and in cities wrecked by war.
EPISODE GUIDE:
- DARKNESS FALLS:
As Europe falls under Nazi control, America is unprepared for war and the attack on Pearl Harbor. The first bloody battles are fought on Guadalcanal and in North Africa. - HARD WAY BACK:
The Allies take on the daunting forces of the Axis, with victory far from certain. Charles Scheffel battles Rommel’s forces in Tunisia and Jack Werner faces bitter combat in the northern Pacific. - BLOODY RESOLVE:
The Marines assault Tarawa in one of the bloodiest battles yet waged. MacArthur island-hops and Italy’s front lines claim a casualty. - BATTLE STATIONS:
The Allies lay plans for the invasion of France; Bert Stiles and the 8th Air Force attempt to clear the skies over Normandy, while the Pacific remains a quagmire. D-Day arrives. - DAY OF DAYS:
The Allies are bogged down in Normandy’s hedgerows in the aftermath of D-Day, while on Saipan, victory turns to horror. - THE BREAKING POINT:
The Allies race toward Germany as American Marines battle for ground on Peleliu and across the bloody Pacific. - STRIKING DISTANCE:
American forces storm the Philippines while Shelby Westbrook is shot down over Europe. Jack Yusen battles the dangers of the deep when his ship is sunk after a heroic duel. - GLORY AND GUTS:
The Marine assault on Iwo Jima brings horror and glory. Pilot Bert Stiles engages a German fighter with disastrous consequences. Reinforcements arrive in Europe to push the Allies toward victory. - EDGE OF THE ABYSS:
The Battle of the Bulge pushes the Allies to the brink, and Rockie Blunt barely survives the fight. Okinawa erupts as the Japanese make their last stand. Hitler is handed a final ultimatum. - END GAME:
With the end in sight, Okinawa is a bloody obstacle to victory. The Third Reich ends with a single gunshot. America delivers the final blow to Japan and the world celebrates the fall of the Axis.
BONUS FEATURES: Character Profiles; Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes - Finding the Footage, Preserving the Footage
Disclaimer - Program shot and mastered in High Definition. Presented on standard definition DVD that will play in any standard definition DVD Player.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 96 reviews)
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Informative (88)
- Engaging characters (79)
- Great cinematography (74)
- Original (72)
- Entertaining (71)
Cons
- Not what I expected (3)
Best Uses
- Adult viewers (77)
- At home (70)
- Perfect gift (53)
- Younger viewers (42)
- Travel (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual viewer (37), Movie buff (28), Avid moviegoer (15)
Reviewed by 96 customers
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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
10-10 AMAZING
By Cameron
from Pennsylvania
About Me Avid Moviegoer
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Entertaining
- Great Cinematography
- Informative
- Original
Cons
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- At Home
Comments about this product:
This is probably one of the best documentaries of the Second World War II I have ever scene. The footage being authentic and in high definition really makes you look at true horrors of War and makes you also look at World War II from a different perspective as it is told from the memories of Veterans. If you are very interested in the Second World War get this, you won't regret it.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
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(8 of 9 customers found this review helpful)
A War Fought Under Censorship
By profaith
from Willoughby, Ohio
About Me Casual Viewer
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Entertaining
- Great Cinematography
- High Production Value
- Informative
- Original
Cons
Best Uses
- Younger Viewers
Comments about this product:
As a viewer who lived through this war I recommend it heartly since it reveals much previously concealed informaion in a war fought under extreme censorship, The enormous casualties of the Pacific war should create understanding of the use of the Atomic bomb to end the conflict. without its use we would still be fighting the Japanese.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(8 of 9 customers found this review helpful)
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(6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)
Entertaining, but not true HD !
By AFZ
from Carrollton,TX
About Me Movie Buff
Pros
- Entertaining
Cons
- Not What I Expected
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- At Home
- Younger Viewers
Comments about this product:
There IS some new color film in this but there is also a fair amount of colorization presented.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)
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(9 of 42 customers found this review helpful)
Don't wast your money!
By MoreNormandyplease
from Georgia
Pros
- Great Cinematography
- Original
Cons
- Disappointing
- Misleading
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
Comments about this product:
This documentary is completely misleading. Why, you may ask? Simple, a good example is the Episode featuring Saipan and the "break out" of Normandy. About 45 minutes of this is based on Saipan and showing dead bodies on the island. And a massive 15 minutes at best of the break out of Normandy or the European Theatre. Now this is not something that is unique to this episode either. If you want a Pacific Theatre documentary then sure this is for you. But the neglect on the Eastern and Western fronts is inexcusable and doesn't deserve the name WWII in HD. Maybe Pacific in HD instead? But if you are looking for something focusing on Europe or that actually shows more than 10 minutes of Europe every hour, there are MANY better documentaries out there.
Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend
(9 of 42 customers found this review helpful)
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(10 of 11 customers found this review helpful)
A new take on mankind's most significant
By Sonny
from Chico, CA
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Entertaining
- High Production Value
- Informative
- Original
Cons
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- At Home
- Perfect Gift
Comments about this product:
This documentary gives WW2 an entirely new perspective. The story just intensifies as it unfolds and tales of the survivors are compelling. You'll walk away understanding the true loss and the raw human emotions that the survivors feel to this day.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(10 of 11 customers found this review helpful)
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(8 of 9 customers found this review helpful)
All Americans Should See
By Markymarko
from San Gabriel Valley, California
About Me Casual Viewer
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Informative
- Original
- Required Viewing
Cons
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- At Home
- High School W History
- Perfect Gift
- Younger Viewers
Comments about this product:
Don't Forget The Sacrifices Made Then...For The Freedom We Enjoy Today. For Those Who Complain About Their Lives Today Can Only Blame Themselves. This Will Wake You Up.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(8 of 9 customers found this review helpful)
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(10 of 10 customers found this review helpful)
Amazing.....
By FishStick
from DFW, TX
About Me Casual Viewer
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Entertaining
- Great Cinematography
- High Production Value
- Informative
- Original
Cons
Best Uses
- At Home
- Perfect Gift
Comments about this product:
Simply amazing documentary of WWII. Worth every penny and more. Fantastic job of pulling the videos together!
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(10 of 10 customers found this review helpful)
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(13 of 13 customers found this review helpful)
The best series since "The World At War"
By Blue State WWII Buff
from Los Angeles, CA
About Me Casual Viewer
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- High Production Value
- Voice Casting Perfect
Cons
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- Perfect Gift
- Younger Viewers
Comments about this product:
Liberal or Conservative (and I am the former), this series personalizes in a way few others have, the universal nature of our involvement in WWII. From Jewish immigrant to Tuskegee airman to adventure-seeking girl from the Midwest---this is America. Once upon a time we were together, united in a common goal. Now, specifically about this production: The voice-over casting was downright phenomenal, the music inspiring, and the editing, in particular the voice-overs at the end of segments (preceeding commercial breaks)was flat-out terrific. Documentary series' don't get any better than this one. Bravo!!
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(13 of 13 customers found this review helpful)
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(7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)
WOW!!!
By Centurion
from San Jose, Costa Rica
About Me Avid Moviegoer
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Entertaining
- Great Cinematography
- High Production Value
- Informative
- Original
Cons
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- At Home
- Perfect Gift
- Younger Viewers
Comments about this product:
I'm a historian. I've seen several WW II documentaries before. Usually, they're in B/W and they're too repetitive one to each other.
WWII in HD has color scenes never before seen in a great definition. You'll learn even if you are an expert in WWII: about the soldiers strive and suffering, battles you never knew. Also, you'll get a glance of ordinary life in USA during the war years, but especially you'll understand why "war is hell", as defined by Civil War General William Sherman.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)
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(10 of 11 customers found this review helpful)
Awesome
By YoShar706
from Nottingham, PA
About Me Casual Viewer
Pros
- Informative
- Original
Cons
- Very Graphic
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- At Home
- Perfect Gift
- Younger Viewers
Comments about this product:
We watched this series absolutely glued to the television and in total silence with each episode. This was a unique and special generation who fought this war and this series is just indescribable.. you have to "experience" it to appreciate it. It is graphic, but real.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(10 of 11 customers found this review helpful)
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(9 of 13 customers found this review helpful)
GREAT!
By Yeah
from Whatever
About Me Avid Moviegoer
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Entertaining
- Great Cinematography
- High Production Value
- Informative
- Original
Cons
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- At Home
- Perfect Gift
- Younger Viewers
Comments about this product:
Kids need to watch this, stuff I didn't learn in school. Thanks goverment run liberal school system.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(9 of 13 customers found this review helpful)
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(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
absolutly amazing
By beerat29
from hagerstown , md
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Entertaining
- Great Cinematography
- High Production Value
- Informative
- Original
Cons
Best Uses
- At Home
Comments about this product:
this war is the sole reason that we as american's are free today. this is the most amazing video i have ever seen about this war. god bless the lost souls who gave all for what we are able to do today. this is a must see for everyone who loves the fact that they are an american. THUMBS UP .
absolutly amazing
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
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(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
bravo history channel
By mitoklap
from haslett,mi
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Entertaining
- Great Cinematography
- High Production Value
- Informative
- Original
Cons
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- At Home
- Perfect Gift
- Travel
- Younger Viewers
Comments about this product:
i am a 52 y/o ww11 lifetime student,this series by far,is the best i have ever seen. i also wish this would be used in every classroom.fantastic use of actual footage with first person accounts,i'll wear the dvd out!!! this should win some awards!!!!! kudos to everyone involved!!!
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
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(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
A great Show
By KC_79
from Boston, MA
About Me Casual Viewer
Pros
- Informative
Cons
Best Uses
- At Home
Comments about this product:
Both of my grandfathers served in WWII- one served in the Pacific and one served in Europe. Unfortunately both of them died before I could ask them anything about their expierences. This was a wonderful way to gilmpse into what they could have expierenced. I am extremely proud of both of my grandfathers. Even more now.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
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(1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
Read the fine print
By Caveat Emptor
from Lawrence, KS
Comments about this product:
This is a great series but the fine print says that this was shot and mastered in hi-def but that the DVDs you can buy are only in standard definition. If you watched it in high definition on tv you won't be seeing it in high definition if you buy these DVDs.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
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(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
very informative
By mr person164
from palatine IL
About Me Casual Viewer
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Entertaining
- Great Cinematography
- High Production Value
- Informative
- Original
Cons
- Poor Visual Effects
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- At Home
- Perfect Gift
- Travel
Comments about this product:
I really liked this series. I know that I'm going to get it right away
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
OUTSTANDING
By truckertaxman
from Metro St Louis
About Me Movie Buff
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Informative
Cons
- Not necessarily for young
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- At Home
Comments about this product:
This is one of the most outstanding pieces on WW II to have come out in years! It is not a 'story,' it (as Walter Cronkite would have said)is, "and that's the way it is." Taken from the view of the individuals whom actually did the fighting, not the leaders, it details how the front-line soldier felt and delt with thier responsibility. EXCELLENT!!!
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Outstanding
By Joe
from Long Island
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Entertaining
- Great Cinematography
- High Production Value
- Informative
- Original
Cons
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- At Home
Comments about this product:
Compelling documentary. I was glued to my TV. My appreciation for the sacrifices of these brave soldiers, sailors and nurses was never greater. Very, very well done.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
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(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
Not a bad thing to say about this!
By Dragonis57
from Elko, NV
About Me Movie Buff
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Entertaining
- Great Cinematography
- High Production Value
- Informative
- Original
Cons
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
- Best at school
- Younger Viewers
Comments about this product:
Best WWII footage I've seen in a long time! Totally original filmography! Definately an homage to our WWII vets. I salute you!
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
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(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
Outstanding-emotional-rivoting
By Bob
from Pembroke, MA
About Me Movie Buff
Pros
- Engaging Characters
- Entertaining
- Great Cinematography
- High Production Value
- Informative
- Original
Cons
Best Uses
- Adult Viewers
Comments about this product:
Very powerful-emotional. One of the best documentaries ever. Thank you History Channel. Our Greatest Generation proved just that.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
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