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The War: A Ken Burns Film, Directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick 6PK DVD

$99.99 $89.99
Item #: WA8762
THE WAR, directed and produced by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, explores the history and horror of the Second World War from an American perspective by following so-called ordinary men and women who become caught up in one of the greatest cataclysms in human history. This epic 15-hour film focuses on the stories of citizens from four American towns that ... More
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THE WAR, directed and produced by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, explores the history and horror of the Second World War from an American perspective by following so-called ordinary men and women who become caught up in one of the greatest cataclysms in human history. This epic 15-hour film focuses on the stories of citizens from four American towns that went through the war’s four devastating years.

The Emmy® award-winning documentary THE WAR explores the history and horror of World War II from an American perspective by following so-called ordinary men and women who became caught up in one of the greatest cataclysms in 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 altered their lives.

Episodes include…
- A Necessary War
- When Things Get Tough
- A Deadly Calling
- Pride Of Our Nation
- Fubar
- The Ghost Front
- A World Without War

Special Features include…
- Making of The War
- Commentary Track
- Deleted Scenes
- Interview Outtakes

This program contains mature content, including graphic imagery, and strong language that may not be appropriate for more sensitive viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

Producer: Ken Burns, Lynn Novick
Executive Producer: Ken Burns
Production Company: Florentine Films
Production Year: 2012
Copyright Year: 2006
Rating: TV-14
Director: Ken Burns, Lynn Novick
Narrator: Keith David
Actors: Tom Hanks
Talent: Tom Hanks
Writers: Geoffrey C. Ward
Number of Discs:
Length: 900 minutes
Subtitled: Y
Subtitle Languages: English (SDH)
Language Track: English
Audio Format: 5.1 Surround
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen

50 Reviews
P
Paulette
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
01/14/24
Learning things we never knew!
Review by Paulette on 01/14/24 review stating Learning things we never knew!
My husband likes everything WWII. He is enjoying the DVD's.
J
Jeanette
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
01/08/24
Very informative. Well done. Love
Review by Jeanette on 01/08/24 review stating Very informative. Well done. Love
Very informative. Well done. Love Ken Burns films!
D
Dorothy
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
01/23/23
great
Review by Dorothy on 01/23/23 review stating great
I loved this production. On Dec. 7 when Pearl harbor was bombed, I was in high school. I particularly enjoyed the Pacific part of this saga. I had no idea that Hawaii was the only island we held in the whole pacific. Most of our news was from Europe, so we were much more aware of news from there. The boys that came back didnt talk about it until many years later. My oldest son who was interested in history got my neighbor to talk by asking him interesting questions. I never knew what another very close friend went through until I read his obit in the newspaper.. My God! what he went through and never talked about. I was glad to have a better sense of what happened from the Burns account. That man really knows how to dig out truth from survivors. I thank him and his assistants - DM. Kerrville, Tx.
M
Mary a.
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
12/09/22
Received purchase in timely fashion
Review by Mary a. on 12/09/22 review stating Received purchase in timely fashion
Received purchase in timely fashion and good condition - thanks!
J
James
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
11/08/22
The War
Review by James on 11/08/22 review stating The War
Great exposition of WW2 perception by those at home and those on the battlefield. Ken Burns at his best.
S
SHIRLEY
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
09/19/22
Ive watched all 6 episodes
Review by SHIRLEY on 09/19/22 review stating Ive watched all 6 episodes
Ive watched all 6 episodes of The War by Ken Burns 2X it was aired on PBS. I really liked how it was filmed. It was an excellent idea that Ken Burns film was shared with the public. I actually purchased the DVD for a friend in the Philippines who had no access to the same programming as we have in America. He hasnt viewed it yet as the package is going by sea. However, I told him about how much I enjoyed all 6 episodes and he cant wait to get his hands on these DVD. Hes into historical stuff. Thank you for making it available on TV and in your Shop PBS. Ill let you know other orders Ill be making as soon as I hear from my friend. More power to the PBS programming. Thank you.
R
Robert
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
06/20/22
Great documentary for WW II work.
Review by Robert on 06/20/22 review stating Great documentary for WW II work.
Typical highest quality for Ken Burns documentaries. Just what I have come to expect from his work.
P
PETER
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
03/21/22
Quality and Truth
Review by PETER on 03/21/22 review stating Quality and Truth
Ken and Lynn make the Best Movies ever made, and whats most important they tell you the truth.
V
Victoria
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
12/22/21
Great buy! Informative!
Review by Victoria on 12/22/21 review stating Great buy! Informative!
Great documentary and the perfect gift for a teacher!
J
Jenny
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
10/30/21
LOVE NPT
Review by Jenny on 10/30/21 review stating LOVE NPT
Ordering a lot of dvds for my grandson to have when hes older even if Im no longer around. Also got the planets, Pluto and beyond, and the farthest. For a change of pace got the First horse warriors. Thats just a few I still have on my desk. I check your listings on TV every morning and probably spend 65 to 70% of my TV watching on your station. Thank you for being there! Jenny B.
B
Bnd
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
10/04/21
A war at all levels.
Review by Bnd on 10/04/21 review stating A war at all levels.
This series addresses almost all aspects of U.S. involvement in World War II, from combat operations to the Home Front in a very unbiased, and sometimes disturbing fasion. It destroys the myth that we were all in it together when it addresses the racial tensions that occured, both in the factories, and in the military. It also is very good at showing that wars are fought by young people, not Supermen. Most had no idea what they are signing up for, they are just good people who believe they are doing the right thing. As a retired NCO, I recognized many people I could have served with, in circumstances that are horrific to say the least. Ken Burns hit all these issues, without putting any special twist on the subject, he just let the people who lived through it do the talking.
R
Richard
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
10/03/21
Great Quality and Service
Review by Richard on 10/03/21 review stating Great Quality and Service
Always great information and educational!
H
Helenka
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
09/06/21
People, not war
Review by Helenka on 09/06/21 review stating People, not war
This series may be named The War but I found more about people and their emotions than fighting and war. Those who bravely took part in the atrocity called war represented the best of the best. As shown by Ken Burns brilliantly, they often quaked in their boots as they trod over and alongside their brothers-in-arms, were sickened with the sights, sounds and smells of war. These are brave heroes who did what had to be done to conserve our freedom at any cost. The lives lost, the tears shed, the hearts broken were done so to conserve life in America, the life we all take so for granted today. Born in 1943, as the second World War had just begun, I feel privileged to have been able to view the many sides of this war. So many of us lost relatives in this war. The heart is unable to adequately demonstrate the appreciation owed every single one of our countrys noble unsung heroes.
P
Perry
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
06/01/21
The War
Review by Perry on 06/01/21 review stating The War
I watch this on the local LPB station when it first appeared. I remembered it when I watch the Pacific or the things about the war in Europe. thats why I ordered it I wanted to see it again. it oughta be mandatory for people to watch this and understand what was happening in this world and what it took overcome the evil that was permeating the world. this younger generation has it too good they dont know what it means to suffer and do without and fight to the death of something you truly believe in. I could go on but everyone should watch this and listen closely and pay attention to what these people had to say. Especially the black people they just think they have it bad they have no idea. I grew up in the 50s it was a shame some of the stuff that was done to them. Its too easy to say its just the way it was some of it cannot be excused.
T
Timothy
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
04/24/21
Outstanding series
Review by Timothy on 04/24/21 review stating Outstanding series
Outstanding series
C
Cawtbay
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
03/06/21
Worth every penny and moment watching...
Review by Cawtbay on 03/06/21 review stating Worth every penny and moment watching...
The War tells the story never told....How the hardships and trials were dealt with in the country as well as outside. It does this in a unique way ..from the perspective of four cities across the U.S. If someone shares history in a better way than Ken Burns, I have yet to see it..
M
Mimi
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
03/06/21
This was well worth my time and tears.
Review by Mimi on 03/06/21 review stating This was well worth my time and tears.
My daddy was a gunner and had flown in the bombers out of England to Germany and in preparation for D-Day to France I now understand. He had flown his number of missions prior to D-Day but was kept in England - I suspect in case they were needed after D-Day. My daddy had kept a diary about his feelings missions while in England. I read his diary along with each of the episodes on PBS and understood so much better the purpose of his missions. I admire and appreciate the bravery of my daddy and the service people of his era and those of today. I have ordered this series for my son and grandchldren and plan to give this to them along with my Dads diary.
T
The M.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
01/12/21
EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD WATCH THIS
Review by The M. on 01/12/21 review stating EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD WATCH THIS
THIS SHOWS HOW AMERICA BECAME THE TOP WORLD POWER BY STILL HELPING OTHERS AND NOT BECOMING AN EMPIRE.OF CONQUERED TERRITORY.
G
Gladeslady
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
01/12/21
Difficult but amazing...
Review by Gladeslady on 01/12/21 review stating Difficult but amazing...
This documentary is lengthy (6 discs) and often difficult to watch. The grim violence of war is always hard to handle. But Ken Burns is a master story teller and a master filmmaker. His ability to take a complex subject and approach it from several different angles, to embody the emotions of a nation...an entire generation of Americans, his fluid use of old film footage and still photos, the various Americans caught up in the war who appear in this film, the excellent narration, all these combine to offer one of the finest documentaries about the American involvement in World War II ever produced. You cant go wrong having this collection in your video library. Its one of the best history lessons ever.
J
Johny R.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
01/12/21
Truly the Greatest Generation
Review by Johny R. on 01/12/21 review stating Truly the Greatest Generation
This film gives an incredible look and feel to what it was like, what sacrifices had to be made, when America was at its greatest. And it provides a heart-breaking, realistic account of the cost and horror of war.

"Ken Burns's 14-hour epic on WW2 may be fall's top event." -Adam Buckman, THE NEW YORK POST

"...a brilliant piece of work from Burns... 'The War' should be a hit." -Tim Goodman, THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

"When it is shown beginning September 23rd on PBS, many will call it a masterpiece." -Mike McDaniel, THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE

"An overwhelming portrait of ordinary humans being pushed to extremes. Even when the world descends into darkness -- which happens quickly at the movie's start -- the spark of humanity persists." - Peter Carlin, THE OREGONIAN

"A towering film. Ken Burns's finest work. America's best documentary filmmaker has vividly captured the very best generation of Americans. Just as the men and women of World War II answered the call and saved the world, Ken Burns has created a monument to their sacrifice and bravery." -Brian Williams, ANCHOR AND MANAGING EDITOR NBC NIGHTLY NEWS

"Ken Burns is one of the great cinematic artists of our time." -Rod Dreher, DALLAS MORNING NEWS

"A new masterpiece...The War promises to be an unforgettable experience and could well rival Burns's breakthrough landmark The Civil War in its simple yet profound artistry and universal appeal." -TV GUIDE

"One reason we're excited about 'The War' is simply because of how good it is. In my opinion, it's not only the best thing Ken Burns has done since 'The Civil War,' it's the best thing he's done ever." - David Bianculli, NPR "Fresh Air" and the DAILY NEWS

" 'The War' will be just about the best documentary... ever seen about the Second World War." - Adam Buckman, NEW YORK POST

"It's hard to believe 17 years have passed since the Civil War documentary came out, but 'The War' is sure to capture the nation's attention as much as that milestone project." - DENVER POST

"The film received a standing ovation from the World War II Conference crowd, which actually cheered the news that the documentary runs to 14 hours." - NEW ORLEANS TIMES-PICAYUNE

"There was barely a dry eye in the house when Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson played host to a special screening." - WASHINGTON TIMES"


Highlighted Customer Reviews


Great gift for the Greatest Generation
Review by Bryan review stating Great gift for the Greatest Generation
Purchased and shared with my 85 year old Navy veteran father. He served in the Pacific Theater in Boganville. He loved the entire series. He reads volumes of WW II history so it was perfect Fahters Day gift for him.
the war
Review by Bobby review stating the war
I like the work put into making the war, it gages the mood of the nation during the war years and how every town and city pitched in working toward victory which was by no means a sure thing. my parents where of the greatest generation. my mom made mortar shells dad was in army air corps this gives me and all the kids a chance to see what they went through freedom is not free
very well done,
Review by Charley review stating very well done,
it made me feel as if i knew the people sharing thier stories. historically correct, as with all of ken burns, documenteries exemplary in depth coverage. gives credit to the generation of americans and all the allies to stand up to tyranny, and dictatorship. thanks and respect to all that gave thier lives so we could be free to give reviews like this.

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