Ken Burns' The War (1 Viewer)

[jazzeum]

Ken Burns' treatment of World War II will begin broadcasting on PBS starting Sunday, September 23. Here is a clip from the series.

Here is a synopsis of the series from PBS: The documentary THE WAR explores the history and horror of World War II from an American perspective by following the fortunes of so-called ordinary men and women who became caught up in one of the greatest cataclysms in human history. This epic film focuses on the stories of citizens from four American towns taking the viewer through their personal and harrowing journeys, painting vivid portraits of how the war dramatically altered their lives.

There will be seven episodes: Episode One: A Necessary War, Episode Two: When Things Get Tough, Episode Three: A Deadly Calling, Episode Four: Pride Of Our Nation, Episode Five: Fubar, Episode Six: The Ghost Front. Episode Seven: A World Without War.

The 6 DVD, 15 hour set is already available for pre-order here from PBS.

I don't know how you feel about Ken Burns but he's had mixed success. Civil War was, of course, very good, Baseball was ok but nothing special and his series on Jazz received a critical thumbs down from the jazz community. I'll be interested to see his treatment of World War II but I wonder how much he can improve on such series as the World at War or the BBC History of World War II.

 

[debrito]

Brad,

A few years ago they made a special tribute to Louis Armstrong with Winton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center jazz orchestra. Did you have any idea about this DVD?

Thank you.

 

[jazzeum]

I must have missed that one. Part of the criticism of the Jazz series was the strong role that Wynton Marsalis. He's a divisive figure in jazz because he's seen as a self promoter so not a lot of people like him. I'm not a big fan but I don't get that worked up about it.

 

[Harrytheheid]

Dunno zilch about jazz - But a guy called Kenny Burns used to play football (soccer) for the Scotland national team. Wuzn't much of a football player - but he sure could kick opposition players off the park....!!!
Used to play for Nottingham Forrest I think......

 

[jazzeum]

Pretty sure it wasn't the same guy

 

[sirsydney]

I must have missed that one. Part of the criticism of the Jazz series was the strong role that Wynton Marsalis. He's a divisive figure in jazz because he's seen as a self promoter so not a lot of people like him. I'm not a big fan but I don't get that worked up about it.

I remember some of the forum fights about the Jazz series in general and Wynton Marsalis in particular. They were truly bruall. Made anything on the Treefrog seem like kiddy play.

 

[Harrytheheid]

Pretty sure it wasn't the same guy

Was only kidding Brad.

 

[jazzeum]

Was pretty sure you were Harry. Not a Nottingham Forest supporter myself. I lean towards Arsenal although it doesn't seem to be shaping up as a good year with no Henry.

 

[debrito]

Is good to see that we have here some Futebol fans, I'm Brazilian, so, no need introduction. This year Champions League has 2 teams very strong, AC Milan and Barcelona FC.

Milan just bought PATO, plus KAKA and Ronaldo (still fat but dangerous) and Barça with Henry and Ronaldinho.


Cheers

 

[Harrytheheid]

Is good to see that we have here some Futebol fans, I'm Brazilian, so, no need introduction. This year Champions League has 2 teams very strong, AC Milan and Barcelona FC.

Milan just bought PATO, plus KAKA and Ronaldo (still fat but dangerous) and Barça with Henry and Ronaldinho.


Cheers

Aaaaah Debrito......but you've missed out THE team of the century.....Aberdeen FC...!!!
Most DEFINITELY, only kidding!!

 

[damian]

My wife and I made the mistake of catching a train into Gklasgow on the day of an old frm match which apparently Celtic won. IT was a bit disturbing I must say. I have never seen so many police all over the place
Regards
Damian

 

[debrito]

My wife and I made the mistake of catching a train into Gklasgow on the day of an old frm match which apparently Celtic won. IT was a bit disturbing I must say. I have never seen so many police all over the place
Regards
Damian

Damian,

It is just a preview for 2010; get ready for next World Cup, South Africa 2010.

Cheers

 

[modwalls]

I thought I'd check on WWII series, and a soccer match broke out. I never could digest the game, nill to nill is like watching grass grow. I enjoyed playing the sport in High School, but playing it and watching it are a different story. Ken Burns does good documentaries, I hope this is as good. Mike

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Guys,

Funny how some of these discussions due ebb and flow through many different subjects before they get back to the main topic. I am interested in the series but hadnt seen much on it in the way of advertising so I wonder how it will fare. Still it may prove interesting so i guess I can spare a few hours.

All the best

Dave

 

[damian]

I agree with Brad
He will have to do a really good job to top the BBC's World at War series. I think that must rate as one of teh best documentaries ever
Regards
Damian

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Damian,

You hit the nail square on the head there the BBCs Series the World at War was amazing I watched every episode when I was a kid and was totally absorbed.

So he does have a very high mark to hit only hope he can...


Dave

 

[jazzeum]

I just saw this regarding the Ken Burns series which premieres a week from this Sunday.

 

[Currahee Chris]

I think I saw that KB got Wynton to play for some of the soundtrack for this show as well.............

there was a very interesting point I took from the preview I watched a couple weeks ago- one of the vet said something to this effect:

"I am very interested in getting the history of the war correct. It is of most importance to me." I thought that was a pretty poignant (paraphrased my me here) statement- I had gotten off the forum that evening and wondered what the big deal everyone gets into with "historical accuracy". Well, listening to that gentleman gave me something to think about.....

I am looking forward to it- I am also hoping that they (PBS) replays "One Day in October)- a very touching story about Nam. If they don't play it again, I gotta buy it.

 

[Combat]

I'm looking forward to it. Just hope Burns does not get too sappy. He tends to play up the subject matter of any film like a political ad.

 

[Combat]

I watched some of the first part last night. Mostly mixed feelings. It seemed a bit jumbled and not much new from a historical standpoint. Even though it is 14 hours long they were discussing Midway about a half hour into the show! And of course the war could not have been won except for US participation - took Burns about ten minutes to reach that conclusion. Primarily first person accounts of various events with some historical narrative to keep things in context.

They do seem to be addressing a few uncomfortable issues - like the internment of Japanese-American citizens, racial discrimination, and execution of Japanese POWs. Even these are glossed over as real criticisms - war is hell - and the POV is that it is inspirational that somehow everyone pulled together to fight the bad guys so it turned out ok in the long run. Some interesting pictures and footage - although there are still a lot of the same material that crop up in every WWII show. I can't wait to see that lady who is pulling a cart down the sidewalk in the rubble of Berlin just when a building collapses and then goes running off screen or the freezing German POW at Stalingrad with the cardboard boxes on his feet. Hopefully it will get better as it goes along.