WWII
Movies VHS Tapes and DVDs
The following are videos and DVDs recommended and bought by your
fellow fans. Please add your own comments about these or other WWII films.
WWII Documentaries:
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WWII the Lost Color Archives Recommended January 31,
2002: Contains absolutely spectacular color footage of battles in the Europe and the
Pacific. Includes Nazi rallies plus great smaller moments of soldiers smiling for the
camera and liberated prisoners from the concentration camps staring in pained
bewilderment. Originally aired on the History Channel. This gives you a new view of a war
many of us baby-boomers have only seen in black-and-white. I highly recommend!
(Available in 3-tape VHS
video set or 2-disc DVD
set) |
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Why We Fight - Series Set (1942)
Recommended by Rick Yoshida (Flyboy)
Picked up this five-video set last week at Wal-Mart for about $20, which is actually a
seven-part documentary produced by that fine producer Frank Capra between 1942-44 for the
Army Signal Corp. Covers Prelude To War, The Nazis Strike, Divide and Conquer, The Battle
of Britain, The Battle of Russia, The Battle of China and War Comes To America. These were
originally produced to be shown to the troops but soon included the general public through
theater release. Buy your war bonds and do your duty. Give it 3 bayonets.
[7-tape set available at Amazon.com] Leave your own
comment about this film |
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Mein Krieg
(1993) - English subtitles
Recommended by J.J.
Fowler (Panzertrak) This movie is developed from six ordinary German
soldiers who brought along their home movie cameras capturing scenes from training camp in
Germany to the fighting on the Eastern Front. Scenes of devastated Warsaw, to the Crimea,
to Kiev are shown in both b&w and color. The only voices are those surving camermen
explaining some 50+ years later whats happening since no sound was captured. Interesting
movie but not recomended for young kids due to certain scenes. Runs about 90 minutes with
English subtitles. Might be hard to find but worth the time. Give it 3 bayonets. Leave your own
comment about this film |
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Your fellow fans recently purchased the following documentary titles:
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Fan Recommendations of WWII Movies:
The Story of G.I. Joe
(1945) VHS and DVD
Recommended by Nancy Lionstorm Collectors
of Hollywood's greatest WWII movies will be happy to know that the acclaimed "Story
of GI Joe" (1945) has been republished and is available now in both VHS and DVD at Amazon.com. Movie critic
Leonard Maltin gives this movie ***½ and says: "Meredith is superb as war
correspondent Ernie Pyle living with Yank soldiers on front lines to report their stories;
Mitchum's first outstanding film role as soldier." This film was nominated for: Best
Supporting Actor - Robert Mitchum, Best Writing - Screenplay, Best Music - Scoring of a
Dramatic or Comedy Picture, and Best Music - for the song, "Linda." Leave your own
comment about The Story of G.I.Joe |
When Trumpets Fade (1998) Recommended
by Rick Yoshida (Flyboy): I had heard about this movie about a year ago
but just recently picked up a copy for under ten bucks. This movie deals with a forgotten
campaign in the fall of 1944, the battle of Hurtgen Forest. This is usually overlooked
because the Battle of the Bulge is launched by the Germans shortly later. The movie is in
some ways better than "Saving Private Ryan". It didn't have the budget as SPR
but I felt almost caring more with the characters. Filmed on location in Hungary which
gives it a real believable setting. The forest, the mud, the shelling and the maddness
abound throughout. Stars Ron Eldard, Frank Whaley, Martin Donovan and a surprising Dwight
Yoakam. Rated R for language and violence, color, dolby surround, running time 92 minutes.
Nancy LionStorm (349hvywpnscrew) says: As good as
"Saving Private Ryan" is, I liked "When Trumpets Fade" much, much
more. I've watched it again and again. "WTF" was a powerful and incredible
'sleeper' that unfortunately didn't get the praise it so richly deserves.
Sharon Hazlett (Ivy) says: I agree, "When Trumpets
Fade" is a top notch movie, realistic and at times very intense. Ron Eldard is
excellent, I keep wondering if he made it back in the end - if Doc were there he'd be
saying "it doesn't look good". I don't know if this was Dwight Yoakam's first
movie gig but he was pretty good. Does anyone else notice that Dwight always wears a hat -
be it a Stetson, GI Helmet or toque. No offence Dwight, love the music and Gap commercial
but...what's under the lid?
Leave your own
comment about "When Trumpets Fade" |
Sands of Iwo Jima
Recommended by
Nancy LionStorm (349hvywpnscrew), Oct 6, 1999
I recently inherited a copy of the 45th Anniversary edition of the
"Sands of Iwo Jima (VHS)"
from my late brother, Anthony. We first watched it together on TV, when Anthony was just a
little kid and played with G.I. Joes. Sands was Anthonys all time
favorite WWII movie.
I never gave much thought about John Wayne as an actor 'til I saw him in this
flick. It's no wonder Wayne got his first Oscar nomination for his portrayal as the
tough-as-nails Sgt. Stryker that "catapulted [Wayne] from Hollywood leading man to
All-American hero." When Wayne's acting was combined with actual combat footage, and
the film's superb directing, screenwriting and, cinematography it's no wonder that this
flick was a major cinematic event. "Sands" is a moving historical tribute to
those who lived, fought and died in one of WWII's most famous battles. I can't recommend
it enough.
Rachel L. Ohlendorf (Whitequeen1) Oct 6, 1999: I agree!
"Sands of Iwo Jima" is on my Top Ten John Wayne Movies list. That's quite a
reccommendation from me, considering the fact that The Duke is my hero and I like a lot of
his films. I think he did his finest acting work in "Sands" and "The
Searchers." In both films, his characters had to deal with insubordinate people,
overwhelming numbers of foes, and situations where thinking was as important as shooting.
Anyone who likes watching WWII movies should definitely see John Wayne's contributions,
and I believe the finest of those is "The Sands of Iwo Jima."
Dodger here... I got the DVD
version of "Sands of Iwo Jima" a couple months back. The DVD is a great
version, remastered from Republics original print, and includes the original theatrical
trailer, and a featurette on "The Making of SoIJ" that tells a lot of behind the
scenes stories. I believe there are comments by actor John Agar in this featurette.
Leave your own
comment about this "Sands of Iwo Jima" |
STALINGRAD
(1993)
Recommended y J.J.
Fowler (Panzertrak)
Released in 1993, it is in my view the finest movie dealing with the epic
struggle of life and death on the steppes of the Volga River. From that hot summer to the
frozen winter that lay ahead two vast armies clashed among the ruins of a shattered city.
Stalin and Hitler refused to yield an inch and used men as pawns in a clash of egos. From
the same producers who brought us "Das Boot" in 1981, "Stalingrad" is
indeed another powerful movie dealing with the misery and the suffering but mostly the
hopelessness of the average Wehrmacht soldier. The scenery is excellant and the acting top
notched.
Available with English subtitles or [dubbed in English] or [DVD] Leave your own
comment about "Stalingrad" |
A Midnight Clear (1992)
Recommended by Sharon Hazlett (Ivy) on Monday,
November 15, 1999:
A Midnight Clear is definitely worth a look. It's set in the Ardennes
forest near the French/German border, mid Dec. 1944. Six young & frightened GIs, the
remaining members of an intellegence & recon squad, encounter a company of German
soldiers. The Germans know the end of the war is near and are trying to make it through
without getting killed. The two groups attempt a peace but a misunderstanding leads to
tragic results. Cast- Ethan Hawk, Gary Sinise, Peter Berg, Rated R, running time 107 min.
I'd rate this one 3 out of 4 bayonets. [...read more fan
comments] |
Twelve O'Clock High
Recommended by Nancy LionStorm
"12 O'Clock High" is one of the finest movies I've ever seen. After watching it,
I looked at the back of the video box and read that it was a "spellbinding
psychological drama". THAT, I realized, is why I love "Combat!", and the
books, "Roll Me Over", "Before Their Time", and "If You Survive." It's 'cause they all take you into
one person's (or TV character's) head. In the case of "Combat!" we get a chance
to get into more than one character's head, often, but not always, at the rate of one
character per episode. Now I understand why I don't appreciate "Citizen Soldiers" and "The
Longest Day" as much as I thought I should or would. Leave your own
comment about "Twelve O'Clock High" |
Battleground (1950)
Recommended by Nancy LionStorm What
can I say about "Battleground" to Combat! fans, except that if you
havent yet seen it, DO SO. If you cant get it on TV, BUY IT. Youll watch
it again and again and again. From its onset its readily apparent why this splendid,
realistic portrayal of the Battered Bastards of Bastogne was nominated for 6
Oscars (including best picture) and won two (Including one for Piroshs script). I
learned today that it is the favorite movie of WWII re-enactors. This movie definitely
rates 4 bayonets!
Fan Bill Jensen (aka King Six) says: "Battleground" is my
favorite WWII movie. Though not as action packed as "Battleground," try "The Gallant Hours" starring James
Cagney as Adm. William F. Halsey (he was a distant cousin of my father).
[Leave your own
comment or question about "Battleground"] |
Patton (1970)
VHS,
VHS widescreen, DVD.
Recommended by THOMAS RUCKI (Patton) on Sunday,
September 5, 1999: "Patton" represents the summit of war movie.
"Patton" is a great film mainly due to the outstanding performance of George C.
Scott in the title role. "Patton" has one of the best music ever composed for a
movie, owing to Jerry Goldsmith. And "Apocalypse Now" Francis Ford Coppola wrote
the script and Franklin J. Schaffner directed it. Moreover, it is the story of an
individual and a rebel who believes in action and poetry. The music is particularly
relevant here with a lot of echoes which give to the movie a very mystic dimension.
What I like in the Patton character is his love for France and Germany and
his dislike for Soviet Union. Patton is a patriot, a man of honor. The end is really
fascinating. He is dismissed for his feelings. Patton is too straight for modern war, he
is a man from another time, a noble man from the past who believes in tradition : a
Spartan. "Patton" is more than an average movie about war, it is a tragedy.
Patton is the last war hero. It is also the last decent movie about WWII.
And "COMBAT!" is my single favourite war series with it. Nowadays, there are no
more individuals, no more heros in cinema. And that's too bad. After 1970, no movies can
be as good as those in the past even if there were not perfect.
Leave your own
comments about "Patton" |
The Train
Recommended by J.J. Fowler (Panzertrak) This movie is set in Paris
during those anxious days of mid-1944. The Wehrmacht are quickly withdrawing from the city
but a German general played by that fine actor Paul Scofield is ordered to confiscate much
of France's art treasures and have it shipped by rail back to Germany. However, word is
quickly spread among the French Resistance to prevent this from happening. They try to get
the Chief French rail inspector played by Burt Lancaster to help. He reluctantly turns
them down but after a co-worker is shot he agrees to help. Soon a cat-and-mouse game
ensues as they try to outwit each other. [Available in both The Train in VHS and The Train in DVD] [...read more fan
comments] |
Movie: Home of
the Brave (1949) Video Description
Based on the play by Arthur Laurents, this film recounts the story of a young
black private who suffered a nervous breakdown. Peter Moss' condition was induced by his
experience on a reconnaissance mission during WWII and by a lifetime of racial
discrimination. Crippled by rage and trauma, he has developed psychosomatic paralysis. But
if he can overcome his anger and frustration, he might just walk again. One of the first
bold stances taken on the race issue in Hollywood, though tame by today's standards, the
universal message is obviously still very relevant and worthwhile. Interesting footnote:
the original play dealt with a Jewish soldier and the anti-Semitism he faced. Hollywood
changed it to a black soldier. [Leave your own
comment about this film] |
The Enemy Below (1957)
Recommended by Nancy LionStorm: I
just saw a flick that took me by complete surprise. I havent felt this way since
Das Boot first came out. If you havent seen this yet let
me tell you right now that its definitely a PSYCHOLOGICAL drama that doesnt
skimp on tension or action. IMO Curt Jurgens could have easily been nominated for Best
Actor for his portrayal of the anti-Nazi U-boat Captain.[...Read more fan
comments and leave your own comment about this film]
Das Boot (1982)"Das
Boot" available from Amazon.com in:
DVD
VHS dubbed in English, and
VHS widescreen sub-titled in English |
Men in War (1957) DVD
Recommended by Nancy LionStorm Tell me the story of
the foot soldier... begins the excellent, suspense and action filled, Men in
War. This film masterfully depicts the exhaustion, fatalism, bravery and fears of an
American platoon, cut off and surrounded in war-torn Korea.
In a significant supporting role, Vic Morrow portrays the very young and vulnerable
Private Zwigley. Overwhelmed by the horrors of war, Zwigley maintains a tenuous grasp on
reality, yet retains enough awareness to be shamed by the involuntary tremors that wrack
his body. Mr. Morrow's skillful performance pays tribute a citizen soldier, shattered by
the agonizing realization that each moment may be his last, yet able to find redemption in
this magnificent study of the psychological effects of war. IMHO this is a MUST for Vic
Morrow and Combat! Fans. Leave your own
comment about "Men in War" |
The Counterfeit
Traitor (1962)
Recommended by Nancy LionStorm The Counterfeit Traitor
is a 1962 movie based on the ordeals of Eric Erickson, an American-born, Swedish oil
broker who is blackmailed into undertaking a combined British/American intelligence
mission in 1942. William Holden superbly portrays the disillusioned and increasingly
desperate oil broker who must pretend to be a Nazi sympathizer in order to travel to
Germany and obtain industrial secrets. His immediate reward is the alienation of his wife
and friends, and the blacklisting of his business. You wont see any big battles in
this flick, only the quiet, secret ones desperately played out by [... read more]
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The Longest Day (1962)
Recommended by Nancy LionStorm The other day
I watched The Longest Day for the first time in 30 years. What a FLICK! It won
Oscars for Special Effects and Cinematography, and stars John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Red
Buttons, Henry Fonda geez, the list of top-notch actors just doesnt end. A
few weeks ago I read Cornelius Ryans The Longest Day: June 6, 1944.
Reading the book first made the movie even more enjoyable. And now that Ive seen the
movie, Im buying my own copies of both the book and the movie so I can revisit them
any time I want.
Available from Amazon.com:
VHS (1-tape edition), VHS (2-tape edition)
VHS widescreen
DVDLeave your own
comment about this film |
Saving Private Ryan
You've seen the movie, now read the books:
Saving Private Ryan, The Men, The Mission, The
Movie : A Steven Spielberg Movie A visually stunning photo book, this is both a
history of D-Day and an insider's look at how the film Saving Private Ryan was brought to
life by Steven Spielberg. Interviews with the creators and lots of color and
black-and-white photos. (Also available in hardback)
"Now
You Know": Reactions After Seeing Saving Private Ryan
And don't forget Saving
Private Ryan: A Novel by Max Allan Collins
Piano
Music from Saving Pvt. Ryan This deluxe songbook
features 9 piano solo selections from the Academy Award-winning Steven Spielberg film,
including the moving "Hymn to the Fallen." Also includes full-color photos from
the film, historical information and background on the making of the film, plus commentary
from Steven Spielberg and cast.
Saving Private Ryan: Music From
The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on CD |
The Man Who Never Was
(1956)
Recommended by Nancy Lionstorm This
intelligent and absorbing movie depicts the true-life story of how the British tricked
Hitler into dispersing German forces from Sicily to nearby Greece and other Mediterranean
locales just prior to the 1943 Allied invasion. Time is running out on the Allies and the
British Admiralty foresees a massive casualty rate Leave your own
comment about this film |
Hollywood Canteen
(1944)
Recommended by Nancy Lionstorm Can you
imagine Chip, Gil, Caje, Kirby or YOUR favorite "Combat!" G.I. doing the
jitterbug with Bette Davis or one of the other gals in this 2-hour flick? The
"Combat!" cast may not be in this movie, but there are lot of nice looking
actors in uniform and young ladies in fabulous wartime fashions and hairstyles. Great fun
for the whole family! The cast includes Bette Davis, The Andrew Sisters, Carmen Cavallaro
and Orchestra, Gold Gate Quartet, Jimmy Dorsey and His Band, and scores of actresses as
USO hostesses. Leave your own
comment about this film |
Also read The Thin Red Line by James Jones
The 1964 film version of The Thin Red Line is available in VHS and DVD
Videos for COMBAT! fans, featuring:
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