A Month to Remember
In honor of Veterans Day on November 11th, Smithsonian Channel is premiering a special six-part documentary Apocalypse: The Second World War. Along with the premiere of this groundbreaking series, all month long we will be honoring the individuals who have made a sacrifice for the common good. We will be sharing their stories, and we ask you to share your stories as well. Whether you are a vet, know a vet, or love a vet, help us document the stories that touch the lives and hearts of many.
A father goes off to war. A scene from Apocalypse: The Second World War.
To be able to understand world history through the eyes of the men and women who have witnessed war is a unique gift, and their narratives of that time are important to our collective history. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to sit down and interview my dad’s former college professor, Professor Carver. He was a tail gunner in WWII. In a soft, trembling voice, sitting beside his wife of 50 years, he told me of his wartime experiences. It was hard to imagine the 82-year-old man sitting before me, in the heat of battle, shooting at enemy planes and evacuating injured pilots on the runway. But, as he spoke of the intense missions, the colors, the smells, and the sounds, I imagined it all in black and white images influenced by so many monochromatic documentaries.
Now, thanks to a super intensive colorizing technique, the black and white images of the Second World War are restored in color. The distance of time implied by black and white evaporates. Restored images filmed by the men and women who experienced the war provide a greater coherence of the events that changed the world. The armies are more apparent in their colored uniforms, and the time of day is evident by the color of the sky. The bright red flames of the cities that were destroyed flash before your eyes, just as they must have flashed before Professor Carver’s eyes more than 70 years ago. The color, combined with the sound, gives each event new meaning.
Produced by Louis Vaudeville and directed by Daniel Costelle and Isabel Clarke, Apocalypse: The Second World War is an intimate look at WWII, 70 years after the war began. The resulting story, culled from more than 600 hours of footage, is narrated by Martin Sheen and offers an invaluable look into the war as seen through the lenses of those individuals who knew they had an important story to tell.
Director Daniel Costelle sums up the experience of creating the series by quoting sociologist Gaston Bouthoul: “If you want peace, know the war.” There is much to be learned from the past, and we hope that our stories inspire you to share yours. Let us know about the heroes in your life. Leave a comment below or become a fan and visit our Facebook page to share stories and images of individuals that helped change the world.
November 17th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
I am a volunteer with Honor Flight of Oregon. I just received a request from a WWII Vet who saw your program within the last week or two. The show was about personal stories of 3 WWII Vets one by the name of Lee Phelps. The show also had comments by Earl Morse of the Honor Flight Network. This Vet saw himself in some of the film you showed about Iwo Jima. He he is trying to get a copy of that show to share with his grandchildren. Could you please advise me on how we can make this happen for this Vet.
November 17th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Gail, thanks for contacting us. I believe the show that you’re referring to is “Wings of Honor.” It’s exciting to know that Mr. Morse watched the film.
It is not available on DVD at this time but I will be sure to contact you when it’s available on DVD or for download. In the meantime the show airs a few more times this month so you can try to catch it again. Dates are below:
Thursday, Nov. 19 - 9:00PM
Monday, Nov. 23 - 10:00PM
Sunday, Nov. 29 - 9:00PM
November 17th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Is or when would Apocalypse: The Second World War be available to buy on dvd?
November 20th, 2009 at 4:17 am
When will Apocalypse: The Second World War be available for download or on DVD? I can’t watch because you are not carried on COMCAST in Chicago.
November 26th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
I love the idea you are giving the WWll vets their glory and don’t get me wrong I am very thankful for their lives being put on the line but I do wish we could see stories done on the men and women who are fighting to make us safe once agian against the terrorism that has been inflicted upon us. I have a brother over in Afganastan and several other freinds and family being shipped out all the time. My brother is the last surviving son my mother has and he is also the youngest son. He has two awesome boys and a loving wife who have not got to bee with him much. I feel that these brave men and women need t be reconized for the hard work they have and are doing for all of us here at home. So if you would please consider doing something for them and also remembering all those who have fallen in the line of duty. Thank You. GOD BLESS AMERICA
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Please email when Apocalpse, The Second World War is available on DVD. I am able to see the 6 episodes. They are superb. Concentrating on real film, people, and history. The narration by Martin Sheen is sensitive and compelling.
Ed Campbell
December 14th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Please e-mail me when the DVD “Apocalypse, The Second World War” is available for purchase. Thank you.
December 14th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
My husband and son truly enjoyed this . . . . family served with great honor.
January 2nd, 2010 at 9:45 am
Please email me when available on DVD. I live in Israel and was only able to see two of the episodes and want to see them all. thanks
January 20th, 2010 at 12:29 am
Please email me when “Apocalypse: The Second World War” is available for purchase on DVD. Loved it when it aired!