I remember well this TV miniseries that ran in 1978 and 1979. My Grandparents and I would watch every episode and they would share WWII memories with me. This miniseries is highly detailed with excellent interviews with surviving field commanders, veterans and leaders from both sides. The episode about the Battle of Stalingrad where "the irresistible force met the immovable object," was unforgettable. This series was pulled from TV when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1980. When I saw another recent movie entitled "Enemy at the Gates," starring Jude Law and Bob Hoskiss, I remembered this TV series and am surprised that it has not been released on DVD or VHS yet. I highly recommend this TV miniseries for anyone seriously interested in World War II and it would be perfect also for classroom usage. Let's all hope that this classic miniseries becomes available soon.
Reviews
4 Reviews
The Greatest American Hero
(1981–1983)
Loads of Fun for Everyone!
7 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I remember watching this show when I was a boy (a special ed student age 15-16 back in 1981-82) and I always enjoyed this concept. Character Ralph Hinckley, a Special education teacher is suddenly paired with an FBI agent and given by aliens a Super Hero Outfit that bestows all sorts of superpowers. Together they and their friends attempt to solve crimes, protect the USA and perform otherwise good deeds. I loved the Sci-Fi angle as a child and now that I am a grown up Special Education teacher in a public high school I can definitely relate to the story premise. Sometimes I wonder when the alien spaceship is going to descend on me with my own suit. This show is marvelous fun for all ages and there is no blood gushing gore or otherwise raunchy lovemaking so prevalent in TV shows today. The theme song for the Greatest American Hero actually hit the Pop Top 40 chart in 1981 and always makes me smile when I hear it. I highly recommend this show and hope all who reads this enjoys it. Look for Markie Post, Danny Glover, Ed Winter and other well known actors and actresses in various supporting or cameo roles. The Greatest American Hero is great family entertainment.
War & Peace
(1972–1973)
Excellent film
3 April 2005
I am delighted to say that this miniseries is an excellent adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's famous book and it is remarkably faithful to the story line. What I do not understand is why this film version has not been set onto DVD yet. If it were I would buy it tomorrow. Nearly every major British Actor and Actress from the 70s appears in this version and I notice different items in the episodes every time I view my VHS version. I highly recommend this for anyone who wishes to read the book beforehand or afterward. I also enjoy seeing Anthony Hopkins as a very young man portraying a character full of energy, failings and then how the character through Anthony Hopkins matures by the end of the series.
Masada
(1981)
I thought it was masterful history and Peter O'Toole's greatest performance!
11 April 2002
This story brings out the idealist and the need for faith in me whenever I view it. The historical accuracy and the sheer information provided about the Roman Empire, the province of Judea circa 70AD, and the Roman Legions, are truly astonishing. Every semester, whenever I teach World Civilizations I at Essex County College in Newark NJ, I always include a classroom viewing of the 2 hour version for my students (and lament not time enough to show the full saga). Peter O'Toole's performance as the competant but troubled Flavius Silva I humbly believe is his masterwork and the life he places in his character is thought provoking and emotionally stirring. The music, the material, the true story and the detail from building the ramp to the costumes and location re-create what actually happened better than any textbook or lecture could. By the way, Barbara Cararra almost steals the show from Peter O'Toole and her acting performance also deserves special mention. I proudly own the full saga on VHS and eagerly await the DVD edition. This is a must-see for anyone interested in Roman, Israeli, or general history.
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