D-Day: Down To Earth – The Return Of The 507th (PBS)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: D Program: B-
On the 60th
Anniversary of D-Day, odd things like the passing of Ronald Reagan and the
increasing scandals in Iraq were distractions, and some political; forces were
perverting the event for their own political gain and no one was
objecting. What a sad way to look at a
very important event. Fortunately, the
PBS special D-Day: Down To Earth – The
Return Of The 507th (2003) does justice and dignity to an event
that wanted to accomplish one thing, and witnesses its 60th year at
a time when the world has gotten as dark again, including domestically.
This
includes the testimony of men who died during production and of the 507
especially as an example of what it took in the last full war the Allies needed
to fight. It is very poignant to see
after being barraged at the time of this review by what feels like perpetual
falseness. Much of the history is
covered and the show ends on how this troop is belatedly honored. It is strange it takes forever to honor so
many heroes, but I guess that would get in the way of the propaganda.
The full
frame image originated on professional NTSC equipment and looks good enough for
being just made. The Dolby Digital 2.0
Stereo is credited as having surrounds, but the Pro Logic-type surrounds are
limited and incidental to the spoken interviews. There are no extras, but you get a way to
link to PBS’ site. The program is the
thing here and it is worth your time as a sort of truth serum against
propaganda in a dark time.
- Nicholas Sheffo
