the music and laurence olivier sombre delivery set the tone perfectly for this outstanding documentary . this be still a must see for ww ii buff and descendant of the participant of that conflict and politician who think thing always go their way when they extend their foreign policy via the deck of an aircraft carrier ( do you hear that george bush . ) and anyone else curious or need to know the why who and hows of some aspect of that conflict . the 26 episode be roughly in chronological order but can be see out of sequence since they be more or less self contain . there be bind to be new insight for the new viewer because of the sheer volume present . actual footage of the battle be intersperse with interview of those involve in the story . many of the interview be with second line authority and that be and support personnel to the main character and private and captain and secretary and eyewitness and the like . you get a real upfront taste of what war be all about . i be presently watch the dvd version of the original television documentary . i strongly recommend this over the wear out and gaptoothed and overprice vhs offering available on ebay . i pay $ 120 cdn for five 2 side dvd disc . this new release include bonus material and be in full screen mode . the menu be easy to follow and there be first a choice of which episode you want to view and then after select that you be give the option of various chapter in the episode or to play the whole episode . it be understandable with such a comprehensive presentation there be a tiny amount more of navigation in the menu but the impact of what you will see be not diminish after 30 year and nay and after 60 year since the war finish . i remember watch the first broadcast on the buffalo pbs station just before move from london in 1975 and wish right from that time that i could have a copy . now my wish have finally come true . see this documentary . tell your friend . buy a copy for your library . remember and honour the sacrifice and challenge overcome by those from america and russia and britain and canada and all the other nation and people involve in the final victory . what an eye opener .