June 6, 1944: As It Happened 2005
Distributed by Human Relations Media, 41 Kensico Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549; 800-431-2050
Produced by Mary D. Schloat/NBC News
Directed by NBC News
VHS, color, 60 min.
Sr. High - Adult
American Studies, Drama, European Studies, Film Studies, History Journalism, Military Studies, Photography, World War II
Date Entered: 12/02/2005
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Head, Web and Digitization Services, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las VegasThis video is a reenactment of D-Day, using today's video technology, archival footage, and breaking news stories on that day to simulate a live coverage of the event. Familiar analysts and reporters of present-day NBC assume the roles of "embedded correspondents" with historical footage of the Normandy Invasion during World War II going on behind and around them. The video even has a late-breaking news scrollbar on the bottom to simulate the illusion of actual real-time events.
This is a wonderful teaching resource for modern students to understand this crucial event in 20th century history, and the video includes a well-written teacher's guide for just that reason. For the many of us who have only experienced this event through stories, grandfathers, or historical books and films, this is truly a film that could only have been accomplished using modern-day technology. For those who experienced it first-hand, or will experience it for the first time outside of recent movies, this is a highly recommended film for everyone to see.