The Third Reich (History Channel DVD Set)

 

Picture: B-     Sound: B-     Extras: D     Episodes: A

 

 

The History Channel has taken one of its most compelling documentaries to DVD with this two disc set.  The Third Reich explores the horrors of the Nazi atrocities during WWII, but does so in a novel fashion.  The words of the German people themselves come alive through actual letters recounting the events.  Compellingly read by a cast of talented actors, these letters at once communicate horror, regret, pride, and terror.  Disc One is entitled “The Rise,” and Disc Two is fittingly called “The Fall.”

 

This feature covers every aspect of the war, including the events that led to Hitler’s rise to power, all the way to the apocalyptic ending of his regime outside of the German Chancellery building in Berlin.  The footage presented contains both black and white and color images, and many offer scenes of stark brutality.  The disturbing images of the death camps will haunt viewers, and these scenes are accompanied by letters from U.S. servicemen and holocaust survivors.  

 

There are no extras to speak of on these two discs, but the 180 minutes of documentary footage will provide the viewer an education into the real nature of WWII in Germany.  The picture quality varies due to the wide range of footage old and new, while the sound can range from mono to new stereo recordings.

 

The History Channel continues to deliver incredible coverage of WWII and the Nazis, presenting the complex issues surrounding the Holocaust with an unvarnished view of the events as they unfolded. A team of excellent narrators and readers lends the subject matter the gravity it deserves.  If WWII documentaries are your thing, The Third Reich delivers.

 

 

-   Scott Pyle