World War II in HD Colour

Miniseries

TV-PG

Rare footage, state-of-the-art colorization and newly uncovered documents are used in this examination of the strategies and battles of World War II.

Where to Watch Miniseries

13 Episodes

The Gathering Storm
E1
The Gathering StormJust years after World War I, Germany and other nations are in an economic depression. Leader approval ratings of Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain are shallow, giving the rise to military dictators along with their parties. Years after Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany, he and his generals plot the invasion of Poland.
Lightning War
E2
Lightning WarThe German Blitzkrieg allowed them to overrun both Poland and France within weeks. See how this radical military tactic caught the Allies totally unprepared.
Britain at Bay
E3
Britain at BayIn July 1940, Britain stood alone against the Nazis. Hitler had more troops, abetter air force and the better weapons. Britain came extremely close to defeat, as its exhausted air force struggled to fight off the German Luftwaffe. However, because of critical errors by the Luftwaffe commander Hermann Goering, Britain was able to regroup. Then using its brilliant team of code crackers and specially trained spies, Britain began the fight back, working alongside the resistance movements in the occupied territories.
Hitler Strikes East
E4
Hitler Strikes EastWhen Hitler expounded his intention to invade Russia his generals looked at him in horrified silence. The Soviet Union was vast and had matchless resources. Hitler’s whole plan depended upon striking a swift and decisive knock-out blow. A long, drawn-out war would ensure a loss for Germany. Hitler was certain his forces could do it since no country had yet defeated them, but here had never been a military gamble like this. This episode covers Stalingrad and the battle of Kursk, the biggest tank battle in all history.
Red Sun Rampant
E5
Red Sun RampantJapan attacks the USA on 7 Dec 1941. For the next 6 months, they continue to have successful attacks. However, by the end of the battle for Guadalcanal in Feb 1943, they are completely on the defensive.
The Mediterranean and North Africa
E6
The Mediterranean and North AfricaMussolini’s ambition had always been to recreate the old Roman Empire. The trouble was, he was a disaster militarily. After failed attacks in North Africa and Greece, his armies were on the run. Hitler now faced a difficult choice. Did he divert troops needed at other fronts to support his ally, ordid he let Mussolini fall? Hitler chose to support him —a decision that would spell disaster for both of them. Hitler would lose hundreds of thousands of troops and Mussolini would lose his life. This episode tells the extraordinary story of the war in North Africa and features the heroics of the tiny island of Malta as it withstood wave after wave of Nazi assault. It ends with the Allies fighting their way up Italy and Germany in retreat.
Turning the Tide
E7
Turning the TideAllies turn the tide in the Atlantic, where initially German U-Boats harass freely convoys to supply Britain. The Kriegsmarine calls off their submarines. The route to bring American soldiers who will land on D-Day is clear.
The Soviet Steamroller
E8
The Soviet SteamrollerTheir attack on the Soviet Union having failed, the German Army suffers a series of counter-offensives on the Eastern Front. Hitler's constant orders to stand ground backfire, and the Wehrmacht's losses are huge as the Soviets advance West.
Overlord
E9
OverlordAfter a careful campaign of disinformation that throws the German defenders off-guard, the Western Allies finally land on Normandy. After fierce fighting, they establish a foothold in Europe. France is liberated.
Closing the Ring
E10
Closing the RingThe Western Allies secure supply routes that will allow them to enter Germany, and the Ardennes counter-offensive fails. The Red Army advances rapidly, and Stalin shows uses the war for Empire-building. The SS implements the Holocaust.
The Island War
E11
The Island WarThe Marines succeed in the "island hopping" strategy against suicidal resistance. The US Navy establishes supremacy, cutting off Japan. Re-capturing the Phillipines and Burma is costly, but now Japan is fully in the defensive.
Victory in Europe
E12
Victory in EuropeIn 1945, Germany is crumbly on both fronts. The Western Allies cross the Rhine and take most of Germany, while the Red Army quickly advances into Berlin. After Hitler's suicide, Germany surrenders and is divided among the allied powers.
Victory in the Pacific
E13
Victory in the PacificJapan keeps continues its suicidal resistance, and invading it looks costly. After 2 atomic bombs, the Emperor intervenes and stops the War. Stalin grabs territory in East Asia. The War is over, and the Atomic Era and the Cold War start.