Sir Jeremy Isaacs has rightfully received numerous accolades for his documentary work, including the Royal Television Society's Desmond Davis Award, an Emmy, and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. His monumental series remains the definitive visual history of World War II, distinguished by the extensive visual documentation preserved by both the Axis and Allies. This war is uniquely understood through its powerful images, with the Nazis meticulously documenting their atrocities in surprising color footage. The series was among the first to fully utilize these resources, providing an extraordinary visual narrative of the 20th century's greatest event. Key highlights include: "A New Germany 1933-39," showcasing Hitler's rise; "Whirlwind," depicting early British losses; "Stalingrad," marking a pivotal defeat for Germany; and "Inside the Reich," offering a captivating look at life in Nazi Germany. The series also features "Morning," one of the few unromanticized views of the Normandy invasion, and "Genocide," a widely shown introduction to the Holocaust. While primarily focused on Europe, it also addresses wartime Japan and the Manhattan Project in "The bomb." This series stands as an essential resource for historians and students alike, ensuring that no serious collection is complete without it. Rarely is film so crucial to understanding history.
