Victory at Sea

There isn't much to say about this fondly remembered series that hasn't already been said. This World War II documentary is just about as good as it gets. The writing, the music, the editing, the narration (which tends to get a bit pompous at times, but it's a small price to pay) are absolutely superb. Watching this is actually sort of a chilling experience; after awhile you begin to feel as if you've been transported on board the ships, or in the subs, or at Pearl Harbor, or on Iwo Jima--not just sitting in your living room watching it on TV. This series deserved every award it won, and more. It is a magnificent achievement, and nothing has equalled it since. Don't miss it.

I watched the series "Victory at Sea" when it was first aired in 1952 and 1953. My dad had me sit with him to watch the documentary week after week. I loved it! Even when my brother was born 10 January 1953. The doctor said my mom would be in labor quite a while, but dad said she would have the baby and he would be home to watch Victory at Sea. He was!

I viewed this several times over the years on PBS, and eventually purchased the VHS copies. I cannot watch this without recalling my dad telling me the places shown where he was stationed, and the events he witnessed. I totally associate this set with my father.

Now I have the DVD set, and just watched it again between Vet's day and my father's 85th birthday in 2005. I miss him all the more since his passing in 2002 watching this set. I LOVE the music!While my dad told me about the war my mom told me about the music. Much of the music is from musicals composed by Richard Rodgers in collaboration with hart. The music for all planes flying is in F sharp, and many other specific key usages. You really need a musical ear to fully appreciate Victory at Sea!!!!

Watching this series is overwhelming to say the least. I once watched the first eight episodes in one day straight through. THat was hard to take, but I sure appreciated this being recorded!

Terry Klasek Saint Louis, Missouri

Victory At Sea is a great television series about World War 2 produced by NBC in conjunction with the U.S. Navy. Most of the footage was shot by Navy cameramen. NBC edited the footage, added a host and the musical score by Richard Rogers. That was reality TV in the early days of television production. While this a comprehensive and educational series and should be watched, viewers should be aware the version released by A&E on DVD is substandard as the sound level constantly fluctuates. The version released by Studio 1 has much better sound but the episodes are abridged and the distributor does not warn consumers. But, for the price buy the Studio 1 release. It is much more satisfying than the A&E version. Buyer beware.

I first watched this film series at the age of 13 and to say the least I was enchanted. Richard Rogers Music was a huge boost to a documentary that was unequaled then and since. The stark black and white film and the real footage went a long way in providing the realism. I found the Narration excellent along with the haunting refrains of Rogers' score in the background. I have watched the film all 26 episodes time and time again and of course have the original records including the one with sound effects. I strongly recommend the series to anyone interested in the History of World War 11 as it pertained to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corp.

Remember it is only 7 years since war's end when NBC undertook to present this series. Great actual film footage and superb narration. The musical score is original and is married to the subject perfectly. If you do not feel this presentation, I suspect you have not allowed yourself to feel it. It seemed like every man who played a part of this film became a bit of myself. It is impossible to recreate these events with the depth of sadness and triumph the reality conveys. The series did a great job of presenting the naval war in logical pieces - each piece is a well knit square that makes up one twenty sixth of the whole quilt. Having lived those years young enough to be home and old enough to hear the concerns - to watch the tears of loved ones left home and rejoice with them who returned, I think this film presents it all in an inspired way.