Leaves out too much information.

For my money, when it comes to making a documentary, Ken Burns has no equal. Certainly many of today's so-called documentarians such as Al Gore and Michael Moore could take valuable lessons from Burns. Two previous documentaries by Burns, "Baseball" and "The Civil War", were two of the best I've ever seen. THE WAR, however, is far from being Burns' best work.

Don't get me wrong, the content you find here is quite good. My consternation is found in the content that has been omitted. Of which, there has been a considerable amount.

First and foremost, the title is inappropriate. This is not "The War", but rather, "American involvement in World War II". Even though the former includes the latter, this film falls far short from telling the entire picture of "The War". To be considered an all inclusive feature on "The War" means the format should have been vastly expanded to include such events as the development of Axis powers, the dual invasion of Poland and subsequent ghettoization of the Jews by both Germany and Russia.

There is no mention whatsoever of the German u-boat terrorism that took place right off American shores on the east coast and the Caribbean, nor of the American citizens who aided them with fuel, food stuffs and other necessities. We see nothing mentioned of the results of the post war Conferences or their resulting suppression of so much of the world's population to communism.

Of course this information is available if viewers choose to research, but I believe the overwhelming purpose viewers would watch a program such as this is to gain a full picture of the war. Even though this film is well done, it leaves that picture quite incomplete. Perhaps the war itself was so immense, it cannot possibly lend itself to a singular presentation.

What's here is good stuff. It's what is NOT here that left me a little disappointed.

Very informative

As a history professor for 35 years, I feel that Burns' chronicle of WWII in this format is excellent. It focuses on the effect that the war had upon individuals. Both those that fought in the war and family members who waited at home, are represented in a clear and engaging way.
Using three different areas of the country as a background is an excellent way to personalize the war and draw us into these experiences and feelings.
The sacrifices made by those on the home front, as well as those who served, enable us to relate to these experiences in a way that other documentaries have not done as successfully.

Excellent if somewhat laborious

This is a comprehensive social history of the effect of the Second World War on America both at home and on the battlefield. It is by necessity US-centric but I presume this is its intention. The show is quite emotional and gives a good impression of the thoughts of the period. My only criticisms are: the repetition (maybe needed as episodes were shown with a time interval on television); some historic inaccuracies and myths (for example, the Germans never had any intention of invading America); and the irritating piano 'music' which worked in the 'Civil War' but is irritating in this programme. In fact, the sound track is all a bit overwhelming - I found myself getting distracted when it played over interviews (I would love a switch that would allow me to turn the music soundtrack off!) However, when everything is considered, it is quite an achievement in history based television.