Educational Media Reviews Online

This DVD aims to increase appreciation for the B-17 (the Flying Fortress). In particular, the producers hope to increase the number of flying B-17s, and generate interest in the 13 that currently fly.

The main feature, a 50-minute documentary on the B-17, covers its production, its role over Europe in World War II, and the subsequent lack of interest in the plane. Several veterans recount their experiences flying the B-17, and a German veteran speaks of fighting it. The veterans tell their harrowing stories simply and directly; the younger B-17 aficionados interviewed are less articulate but seem to feel an equal nostalgia.

The DVD also contains a collection of captioned photographs, as well as an interesting photo essay of one young B-17 navigator shot down over Germany, imprisoned, and eventually released. The 1944 documentary The Memphis Belle, which tells the story of one particular B-17’s 25th (and final) bombing raid, is also included. There are three other bonus features: additional interviews, more information about the last flyable B-17s, and a B-17 virtual tour. The technical quality is very good, except of course for the war footage (most of it in color) and the war documentary The Memphis Belle.

The whole thing is well done; Fortress Films has done a real service to all those interested in the history and continued existence of the Flying Fortress. The main feature’s emphasis on preserving flying specimens makes it a less-than-perfect fit for the history classroom, but it nonetheless provides a vivid picture of the air war over Europe and has great educational value. The 45-minute Memphis Belle (included on the DVD) may be a better choice for showing in a classroom, since it is more strictly historical and is itself a product of the era. For institutions with no class specialized enough to justify spending a whole class period on the B-17, the library would do well to carry it for student reports or research projects (the DVD is modestly priced).

Recommended for high school and college libraries supporting classes that cover World War II.

Awards

• Platinum (1st Place) for a documentary at the Houston International Film Festival