Search - The History of Warfare: The Franco-Prussian War 1870-71 on DVD

A good historical review

W R Visser | Leusden Netherlands | 09/02/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Those looking for a sensational war film will be disappointed. Those looking for action, will be equally disappointed.

This DVD provides a well-balanced historical review of a very European war. Also in many respects a very important war, mostly due to its far-reaching political consequences. Anyway, a war resulting from the complex European politics most Americans aren't used to -- and don't like.

Be prepared for a couple of British university historians, extensively explaining this war and its whereabouts to you. Military as well as politically. The picturing on this DVD is meagre, for the simple reason that in 1870-'71 films did not exist and photography was primitive and clumsy.

Some criticism may be found in the (too) scarce use of maps. As well as in the lack of any modern shots of important 1870-'71 sites, and its memorials.

Watching this DVD is like getting a lecture on university level. It may be a little 'dry', but its quality is good.

"

What a disappointment!

Enrique Araujo | Miami, FL | 07/31/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This video is terrible. There must be hundreds of books with illustrations on the Franco Prussian war and yet they use the same pictures and engravings over and over again. They also over employ film related to the napoleonic wars and even WWI. There is no real critical analysis of the military campaigns, which is what I was really expecting. I was sadden to realize that I has wasted my money"

Just Awful

J. Grimsley | MD, USA | 12/12/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This is not a very good short film on the Franco-Prussian War. It jumps around to much, and doesn't seem to have a focus. The actors used look awful. The film uses little art from the period or about the war. I wasted my money because I'll never use this as a teaching tool."