WAR CLASSICS - VOLUME 5 - 2 DVD Set

WAR CLASSICS - VOLUME 5 - 2 DVD Set

12 Classic WW II Documentaries

A global conflict lasting from 1939-1945, World War II was the greatest and most destructive war in history. Massive battles took place in Europe, Asia, Africa, and even the far-flung islands of the Pacific. More than 17 million military men of various warring nations perished during the conflict, and approximately 57 million civilians died as war casualties or were murdered in acts of genocide, such as occurred in Nazi death camps.
In the end, WWII had strained the financial resources of major nations so much so, they teetered on the brink of collapse. As the dust settled, these nations began the arduous process of rebuilding and starting anew—the memory of hard-fought battles and lives lost never to be forgotten.

SPEEDING UP THE ATTACK, THE MARSHALLS

Highlighted are the battles for the Marshall Islands, a skirmish that forced the Japanese to abandon their most important base—a critical supply site in Truk.

STEPPING STONES TO THE PHILIPPINES

Stepping Stones to the Philippines covers the combat prior to MacArthur's much-anticipated return, and explores the hand his ego may have had in the decisions he made.

BATTLE FOR THE MARIANAS

The Battle for the Marianas, one of the last U.S. offensive campaigns, proved to be a strategic victory that provided bases on captured airfields, allowing the Allies to continue with crucial air strikes.

THE WAR IN THE CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER

Though these battles are thought to be a side note to the "real" fighting in the Pacific, the crusade had an important purpose: to keep China supplied and able to stave off Japanese invasion.

PALAU: THE FIGHT FOR BLOODY NOSE RIDGE

When the islands of Palau were attacked by the Allies, the Japanese defended them with such viciousness that their importance became clearly evident. The brutal battle centered on the island of Peleliu and culminated at the top of a small hill known from then on as Bloody Nose Ridge.

MACARTHUR RETURNS TO THE PHILIPPINES

Upholding a vow he made four years earlier, MacArthur makes his resolute return to the Philippines and bitter fighting commences. Highlighted is the battle that nearly destroyed Manila.

BLOODY IWO

Featured here is the capture of Iwo Jima—a victory that meant the U.S. had a base for its battle-battered bombers and that also eroded the resolve of many of Japan's leaders.

AT JAPAN'S DOORSTEP: OKINAWA

The topic of this gritty documentary is the fight for Okinawa, which culminated from a campaign by the 1st Marine Division and the first attack on an island that was considered national property.

THE AIR WAR ON JAPAN

The Air War on Japan is centered on the U.S. bombing strategy which evolved into atomic bomb usage, though the previously dropped fire bombs were far more devastating in terms of Japanese civilian casualties.

THE SURRENDER AND OCCUPATION OF JAPAN

Finally—Japan surrenders. Covered here is how it happened and what occurred in the aftermath.

SHIFTING TIDES IN THE ORIENT

As the only world power capable of dominating regions of the Pacific, the U.S. was thrown into the awkward position of acting as protector—all the while trying to maintain U.S. interests.

WAR IN KOREA

War in Korea is an in-depth examination of the aftermath of World War II, specifically the Cold War's first gun battle in Korea.

Presented in Original Classic Black & White - Features Actual Footage

DVD Features: Digitally Mastered - Interactive menus - Chapter Selections - Digitally Enhanced Audio 5.1