Hitler’s Bodyguard (2008/Athena/Acorn Media DVD)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Episodes: B+
As a
major companion to Churchill’s Bodyguard,
Hitler’s Bodyguard (2008) is a new
mini-series that covers a quarter-century of the people and arrangements that
kept Adolf Hitler alive and in power until his empire finally came crashing
down. You can read more about the
Churchill volume at this link:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/4384/Churchill%E2%80%99s+Bodyguard+(D
This
time, we get 13 hour-long episodes over four DVDs that cover the subject and
then some. It not only covers how this
protection grew from a few people to layered patterns of soldiers, bodyguards
and killers, but covers some of the less-discussed aspects of his rise to
power, his personal affairs and even seems to uncover information not
previously known or well known. We also
learn of how foreigners, communists and Jewish factions all tried to get rid of
him early on, one of the least-told stories.
Usually, too many pieces on the subject just have him suddenly in power
and it was never that simple.
This
justifies its length, but my only reservation was otherwise fine narrator Robert
Powell’s faux German accent, which does not work too well. However, Powell and co-producers Philip Nugus
and Jonathan Martin do a decent job covering the tale in chronological order in
a thorough fashion and it is compelling without trying hard.
The 1.33
X 1 image is a mix of vintage film footage, new video and passable digital
graphics to communicate various concepts throughout. There is some softness and staircasing here
and there and the result is uneven as documentary programs usually are. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is consistent
and is recorded well enough, though narration can sound too forwards at
times. Extras include Killing Hitler In The Movies list,
stills and a 20-page companion booklet inside the case.
- Nicholas Sheffo
