Good concept, poorly executed.

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

I first remember watching "The World at War"when i was in my late teens and it hit me like a ton of bricks.At the time i had not seen a documentary series quite like it.....it was in my view,and i still believe this today,the most powerful,well written and engrossing documentary series ever made.Anyone who has not watched it must do so.

First, the indisputable and unparalleled first-handedness of the material. One half of the documentary is composed of the original footage shot in every aspect of the war, at every stage, in every country. The other half is the interview of all the people who have not only personal but also quite unique experience of the war. This makes the documentary hugely authoritative on each parties' psychology behind their decisions. After all, who has clearer idea about wolf-pack tactic's origin than Karl Donitz (Nazi Naval Head Command) himself, or more submarine battle experience than a U-boat captain. Second, the war is proportionally rendered with superb broadness of view. Meaning that the civilian life is considerably covered. From the German people's fanatic support of Hitler, to the reluctance war preparation of the British people in the beginning, from a fatigued Russian worker in the siege of Leningrad, to a Polish Jew's miracle survival from Auschwitz, these images/words shows the bigger chance how one might live through the war, because even in the heat of the biggest campaign, only a fraction of the population are combatants. Destruction and suffering is always the dominant theme.A definitely recommended watch.

Viewing this magnificent piece of TV art, the World at War, narrated by the famous thespian of all thespians Sir Laurence Olivier, this show provides in 26 episodes over ten years worth of war and conflict, fleshing out in each episode the pivotal moments and battles that shaped the greatest event in human history, Sir Laurence's narration adding an authority of authenticity, acclaim, and awe unmatched by before and since its inauguration, the presentation of each episode and the series as a whole layered with fair and even attention to all details, and presented with greater resonance with the inclusion of varying participants, irrespective of their major or minor rank and importance to the conflict as a whole.

I have a passion for military history, and believe The World at War is best documentary about World War 2. There is no bias with the series, just solid documented facts. The series documents battles, strategies, leaders, personalities, equipment, what the conditions where like etc. The strongest part of the series is the interviews with the people who were actually there, and many are prominent people. (I E Albert Spears). Olivier is a great narrator and creates a level of excellence for the series. The World at War never becomes dated, and can be watched repeatedly. I give the series a ten out of ten. Watch the series on the military channel.