Back in Time with the "America at War" Megaset
by Reg Seeton

Much like A&E, The History Channel has come a long way in recent years. Both networks have revamped their programming to appeal to a younger generation of TV viewers instead of relying on shows that only our parents and grandparents can relate with. Good move! The perfect example is the recent History Channel series Dogfights, which recreates some of history’s most dangerous and well-known aerial battles in the skies above the most notable wars of the last century using the latest CGI technology while hearing commentary from the actual pilots and historians. If you’ve never seen Dogfights, you need to do yourself a favor and check it out. It’s one of the most innovative new shows and best pieces of historical programming to ever appear on TV.

Keeping in line with their original programming slate and the use of modern 3D recreations, The History Channel now offers up the critically acclaimed documentary series America at War on DVD (February 26) in one complete and impressive Megaset. Spread across 14 individual discs, the Megaset includes 25 comprehensive documentaries that chronicle the entire history of American combat and the many wars the country was involved in throughout the years. From the Revolutionary War that began in 1776 to the most recent (and current) "War on Terror," America at War leaves virtually no combat stone unturned as the set takes an in-depth look at America’s history on the Western frontier with The Alamo (featuring actor Dennis Quaid), the bloodbath of the Civil War, the differences between World War I and World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and lastly the Iraq War and the fallout from the fall of Saddam Hussein. Given the 32 hour educational and historical scope of America at War, it’s almost a prerequisite for history teachers to have this set in their classrooms to serve as visual aid instead of force-feeing history through tedious text.

Narrated by History Channel staple Edward Herrmann and featuring a slew of historians, military experts, engineers, and war correspondents, America at War delves deep into the reasons for America’s entry into the various wars while also dissecting the many layers and affects of combat that average citizens don’t often get to see. To varying degrees, each documentary provides insight into the political philosophies behind certain decisions to put Americans in harm’s way while also exploring the country’s many technical achievements in weaponry and political victories plus the well-intentioned mistakes and blunders the military made and encountered along the way. One of the most interesting aspects of the set is the fact that America rose to worldwide prominence to become a superpower through many victories on the battlefield, but the last three wars the country has been involved in have all been highly controversial conflicts that have come with more visible mistakes and ideological complexities than in years past despite possessing the most technically advanced arsenal of weapons in the world.

The decision to go to war isn’t easy. As the America at War Megaset reveals, the act of war has worldwide ramifications in addition to the many lives it affects on the battlefield and at home. Given how America is currently at war in the Middle East, the documentary series transcends history as entertainment to show just how senseless war really is. After watching all 14 discs, it’s hard not to walk away thinking of the many lives lost and the soldiers who are currently putting their lives on the line on behalf of the country. Still, America at War also reveals that at times war is sometimes necessary and the only option to combat the forces of evil or global threats to world at large.

On a technical level, you can’t expect historical documentaries to hold the same level of visual quality as a recently release movie on DVD. That’s not the point with historical sets. After all, much of the footage is cobbled from old news reports, archival film, and battlefield cameras from different eras. Despite the varied technology from years past, as stacked up to recent footage (as is the case with the Gulf and Iraq Wars), The History Channel and A&E have cleaned things up as best as possible for maximum effect in its 1.33:1 presentation with Dolby 2.0 audio. As a fan of war documentaries, they’re both what they need to be and don’t take away from the overall experience. As is the case with most TV to DVD transfers, shows often look better on DVD simply because of the conversion to digital format.

As for bonus features, history buffs will find four highly educational and historically captivating "Bonus Programs" that all center on the conflicts of the last twenty years - "Weapons of War: Smart Bombs" (Gulf War, Volume 12), "Eyewitness in Iraq", "U.S. Weapons Against Iraq," and "Hardcore History: Iraq War: Insurgency and Counterinsurgency" (Iraq War, Volumes 13-14). For deeper perspective on what’s currently going on overseas, I’d recommend watching the enthralling and scorching "Eyewitness in Iraq" for its realism and raw power. As far as the overall quality of historical value in each disc, it really depends on what era appeals to you most.

For a closer look at the quality, detail and the educational and historical value within the set, I’ve listed the entire contents of the America at War Megaset below. Although DVD Megasets come with a steeper price tag than your average Special Editions (this one at $124.99), it’s a much more time-efficient journey than reading 25 history books.

The Iraq War: Insurgency and Counterinsurgency

-- Reg Seeton

     

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