The Great Ships - The Aircraft Carriers (History Channel) (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I enjoyed the History Channel's subject on the origins of the aircraft carriers up to the present day. It was an eye opener also that some of the innovations of the modern US aircraft carriers were designed by the British. However, I noticed that the jeep carriers of World War 2 were not included and that although the Forrestal class was discussed at lenght, the Kitty Hawk and JFK class of aircraft carriers were not part of subject. The Enterprise is a class of its own and the Nimitz class ships were very detailed. I would have preferred though that the latest and most modern and recently commissioned Ronald Reagan included in the film. The LHAs and LHDs were also not brought out when one can see that they resemble the carriers, they still are by and large aircraft carriers. Otherwise, the documentary was very good and I look forward to other films about modern ships not only of the US but also with the former Soviet Union.

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Today’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers are the most powerful warships to ever take to the seas.Able to stay at sea for over a million miles at a time, they can reach any corner of the globe to deploy their incredible arsenal an air strike force more powerful than most nations’. Learn the incredible history of these amazing vessels.See how the first aircraft carriers were invented in WWI.Revisit the epic carrier battles that were essential to Americaís victory in WWII.Footage from some of the greatest engagements in military history shows these mighty ships in action, and interviews with the men who fought aboard them offers a unique glimpse into life and battle aboard these behemoths.And a tour of a modern carrier offers an inside look at the most powerful and complex weapons system ever built.

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Dogfights - The Complete Season One (History Channel) (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)The History Channel's "Dogfights" series is a huge step forward for air combat documentaries. Rarely can gun camera footage capture what actually happened in a dogfight. Instead you just see the final couple seconds before the target explodes. The "Dogfights" episodes overcome this limitation by adding in computer-generated reenactments of the air battles that make you feel like you are there watching it all unfold right in front of you. You come away with a much better appreciation of the tactics. For archival footage fans, don't worry--there is still plenty of that in these programs. But because they also have the vivid computer imagery, the episodes don't have to rely on showing the same stock footage over and over and over. I especially appreciated this for the jet era battles, where there is generally a short supply of good footage. In particular, I thought the "Mig Alley" episode was a tremendous improvement over previous pre-CGI documentaries about the air war in Korea. And in that episode, the reenactment of Robby Risner's epic mission is the most incredible air battle story I have ever seen.
The whole series is amazing. It is absolutely essential viewing for anyone interested in air combat. That said, let me also offer three minor warnings:
1. Air battles in Europe during World War 2 get surprisingly little coverage in Season 1--only a episode of "Greatest Air Battles" bonus episode and a flashback in the "Air Ambush" episode about Robin Olds. Likewise, World War I air combat is not covered except at the beginning of the "Greatest Air Battles" episode.
2. There is a glitch on the "Greatest Air Battles" episode. When I hit 'play all' or 'introduction' for that episode, it starts with Rickenbacker's mission. It seems like the logical starting point, but that isn't actually the start of the episode. There is a lot of interesting material before that, but you have to manually rewind in order to get the real beginning of the episode.
3. When last I checked, you could get "Dogfights" for much less money from Deep Discount.
Finally, if you want to learn more about the dogfights of World War 2, I strongly recommend VICTORY ROLL by William Wolf. This massive book (460+ pages with over 600 photos) is the most comprehensive history of all the US aces from World War 2 that I have ever encountered.

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DOGFIGHTS:COMPLETE SEASON ONE - DVD Movie

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American Fighter Pilot (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is by far the worst editing I have seen. You will enjoy if you suffer from schizophrenia or Attention Deficit Disorder, since no single video clip lasts for more than 1 second. Had this series been produced as a traditional documentary it would have been fascinating, but so much for that idea. I sat through three episodes before I could no longer stand it and turned it off. Thank God it was a rental. DO NOT BUY THIS DVD 1) you will regret it and 2) you will always hear me saying "I told you so!"

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Complete Season One Set -- contains 7 hours of programming, plus bonus materials including "the making of" documentary, interviews with Tony Scott, Jesse Negron and Leon Malas, additional footage, effects and animation and much more!

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Weaponology (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'd never seen this show before and bought it on a whim cause I love military documentaries. What a treat; it was WAY better than I expected and a bargain. I also liked how they start at the modern evolvement of different weapons and trace the history and different componenets that go into bringing it about. If you've ever seen the show "Connections" on PBS you'll recognize the presentation format and really like it. I'd give this a show 10 stars if it was an option.

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Get caught in the crosshairs for a targeted look at the history of firepower, as in-depth as only the Military Channel could deliver. From the most devastating destructive devices ever developed to the most protective technology, Weaponology demystifies the simple Molotov cocktail, the cumbersome yet deadly Gatling rifle, submarines that ferry nuclear missiles, deadly booby traps and so much more.Get fired up for these 13 exciting episodes! SNIPER RIFLES BODY ARMOR RAPID FIRE ARTILLERY SUBMARINES VERTICAL TAKEOFF BOMBER FIGHTER BOOBY TRAPS FRAGS, PINEAPPLES AND RPGs FIRE WEAPONS ARMORED PERSONAL CARRIERS TANKS

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Wings: Evolution of Air Power (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)I would have given it five stars, but the special "Wings Over Afghanistan" did not feature the aircraft, but merely mentioned jets in the context of Afghanistan missions. I would have liked to hear more about all of the various aircraft used in Afghanistan as well as see them in flight.
The special on the Thunderbirds was spot-on, delivering an in-depth look at maneuvers and training of the Air Force Thunderbirds. I'm not sure what I expected the third special to be, but it would be an excellent introduction to someone not familiar with powered flight and "heavier-than-air" flying machines.
For a short time I worked on F-15 Avionics and was afforded much exposure to various flightcraft. My brother just recently finished 6 years of being a crew chief for C-5s, the largest transport plane currently in use, and my grandfather was a mechanic on P-38 Lightnings during WW2.
I would recommend this set for the look at the Thunderbirds, and the mild education on flight physics, but I would suggest you keep looking if attack aircraft interest you.

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Take to the skies as Discovery soars to the limits of mankind's imagination and ingenuity in this comprehensive look at the majesty of flight. In PLANES: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE, learn how aircraft evolved into one of the most important inventions in history as experts probe the earliest 20th century designs that forever changed travel as well as modern warplanes that have revolutionized combat. Next in WINGS OVER AFGHANISTAN, witness as American forces launch an air campaign that combines covert action and sheer brute force in a way the world had never seen before. And get the exclusive inside track on the U.S. Air Force THUNDERBIRDS, who amaze millions every year as they defy death in precision-flying air shows. The rigorous training and breathtaking beauty of the Thunderbirds will astound and delight you!

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