Victory at Sea
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Movie Reviews of Victory at Sea
Movie Review: This set is superior to the History Channel edition
Summary: 4 Stars
I conducted a head-to-head comparison between the more expensive collection by the History Channel and NBC and this economy edition produced by Mill Creek Entertainment, and here's what I found: the picture quality is indistinguishable between the two sets (both appear to be digitally remastered), but the sound quality of the Mill Creek production is clearly superior. As other reviewers have noted, the music is too loud and the narration is too soft on the History Channel set; the viewer must constantly adjust the volume to hear Leonard Graves' voice-over and to avoid being blown out by the formidable Richard Rodgers score. Both come through crisp and clear--and at equal volume--on the Mill Creek discs.
"Victory at Sea" was an NBC TV series first broadcast in 1952 using combat footage and period films along with some re-enactments, which were obviously made within seven years of the war's end, so none of the source material was up to 21st-century standards to begin with. Hence, the picture quality is largely dependent on the original sources, which vary from fairly rough to roughly fair. The History Channel set features introductions to each episode by Peter Graves, which were added by the History Channel for its re-broadcast of the series and were taped on the USS Intrepid. This is the only extra you get with the History Channel set that you don't get with the Mill Creek edition.
Movie Review: Wide ranging, bombastic
Summary: 4 Stars
I grew up enamored with WWII and enjoy trying to identify the aircraft as they zip across the screen. Yes, the music does get overwhelming at times, particularly in the long action sequences. Yes, the narration is bombastic. I found it interesting that the British were trying to protect their Empire and that is complimented, but that Japanese were trying to establish their own Empire, and it was to be stopped. The British did their own share of abusing the natives in the years of Empire, after all!
Even so, the original footage from the main combatant nations is interesting and informative.
It does make one compare the current Iraq War and the failure of the administration to get the American public behind it. We see the public here working long hours to support the war machine during WWII. We see them watching sailors depart for combat, cheering and waving. What a sad contrast to 2007, when most of the general public does nothing to support the war effort beyond maybe sticking a magnetic yellow ribbon on a car.
Oh, and this comes from someone who has opposed the Iraq war from the very start. . .
Movie Review: Abridged or not, you owe it to yourself to get this documentary
Summary: 4 Stars
Few documentaries stand the test of time as well as "Victory at Sea"-the rousing music by Richard Rodgers, the stirring narration, and the splendid documentary footage and photography rivals that what we see on the History Channel today. For this modest outlay, (actually, I purchased mine at Ross Dress for Less for $5.99) you can own a piece of history. Compared to the more expensive History Channel version at $29.99, the sound on this set is far superior. Not what I expected for a low-budget product, but pleasantly surprised. Transfers are decent for what you pay for and, keep in mind, this footage is over 60 years old.
So many episodes are worth noting here, but my favorite is "Mare Nostrum" about the Italian and British fleets in the Southern Mediterrean--engaging, with good footage, it is certainly worth a look. "Southern Cross" is another winner to savor as well. Should please all WWII armchair historians, or something for those who prefer watching something of substance rather than this fall's dull TV season's line-up.
Movie Review: A Landmark Achievement
Summary: 4 Stars
Considering "Victory at Sea" was made for TV in 1952, this series of 26 episodes is remarkably gripping, real and honest. I remember watching a few episodes as a kid and being awestruck. Today, long after seeing Director Michael Bay's "Pearl Harbor" and visually riding the tail of a bomb down to the deck, it would be easy to dismiss "Victory at Sea" as antiquated, jingoistic newsreels, but it's far better than that and worth every penny of the DVD price. A few of the scenes are obviously staged (OK, run fast, now hit the deck like you've been shot), but most of the footage is real war and chilling, real death. I just wish someone had put together a special feature or two: the making of the documentary, its impact on the future of TV documentaries, etc. This set just has 2 DVDs, 26 episodes, nothing else.Movie Review: Amazon Marketplace purchase
Summary: 4 Stars
This version of Victory at Sea appears to be a faithful reproduction of the original television program. While I have only viewed a few episodes, they are without distortion and of good visual and audio quality. This version was purchased through DVD Legacy/Lorsay, Inc., an Amazon Marketplace pariticpant. The $9.95 purchase price for all 26 episodes on 3 DVDs is an outstanding bargain.