Search - World War II - Greatest Battles: The Battle of Midway/Global War on DVD

Outstanding Film about Midway From The "Battlefield" Series

givbatam3 | REHOVOT Israel | 06/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unfortunately, there seems to be some confusion about this video tape. This is not the classic film made during the war about the Battle of Midway, but rather this is one of the films
about famous battles of World War II from the "Battlefield" series. This series gives a comprehensive view of the battle from the point of view of the upper echelons conducting the war. The battle is explained within its context as part the wider stragtegic issues of the war. A considerable part of the film deals with the lead-up to the battle including discussion of the political and military leadership of the opposing sides, the weapons involved and the military action preceding the battle. In this film, the Battle of the Coral Sea is discussed in detail as a prelude to Midway. The Battle of Midway was an extremely complex engagement that is hard to follow even when reading detailed descriptions of the battle in books. This film makes the battle and its various components clear to the viewer. This film certainly made me appreciate the genius of naval air power commanders such as Halsey, Spruance, and Fletcher who had to move around large numbers of ships and aircraft in both attack and defense at the same time. This series is highly recommended for someone who has more than just a passing interest in the Second World War."

Not John Ford's documentary

History's Angel | New Haven | 06/19/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This is not John Ford's documentary. It is a "Discovery Channel" produced documentary that uses some of Ford's footage. But if you're look for John Ford's own work, you'll have to find another source."

Not what I thought it was

Russell W. Toalson Jr. | Mexico, MO | 09/25/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this dvd because I believed it to be the original documentary directed by John Ford. Instead it was a program I had seen earlier, I think on the History Channel that used footage from Ford's movie. The interviews and additional footage was interesting and helpful I suppose but it was not what I thought I ordered. Still trying to find a copy of Torpedo Squadron 8 also directed by Ford for my collection."

WWII Battles of the Pacific :How so much hinges on so little

Greg Jones | Phoenix, AZ | 06/20/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I feel that "Battle of Midway" is unique amongst films of this genre, in that it shows how even the smallest decisions made by admirals or captains on either sides of the battlelines can have such a devestating impact on the overall outcome. To give a perfect example, how one commanders decision to equip their fighters with bombs as opposed to torpedoes (or vice-a-versa) could be the hingpin that holds their battleplan together, or the mistake that tears it apart. Take it from an ex-sailor, the depictions of naval combat in this film are as close to real as a filmaker could probably get, especially considering the era the film was made in. Add to all this the all star cast that reads like a whos who of hollywood, you wont find a better film in this genre. To sum it up, this was the "Pearl Harbor" of the 70's!"