Battle 360 - Season 1 (History Channel) (Steelbook)
starring: USS Enterprise
directed by: various
directed by: various
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Product Description:
Studio: A&e Home VideoRelease Date: 12/16/2008
Amazon.com:
It would be an understatement say that Battle 360: Season 1 has substantial appeal for World War II and naval history "enthusiasts." Considering the depth and thoroughness of the program and the sheer volume of data and information on hand--and with ten episodes, each more than 50 minutes long, there's very little that's not covered--it's likely that experts, fanatics, and obsessives will be well satisfied too. Using a combination of extensive computer-generated imagery (CGI), charts, graphics, statistics, file footage, photos, interviews with military men both past and present, and more, the program focuses on the Pacific Theater, where the United States and its allies battled Japan for the three and half years between Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and the end of the war in August 1945. At the center of virtually every battle during that span was the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. Launched in 1936, this Yorktown class vessel, also known as "a fighting city of steel" and "the Lucky E" (for its ability to avoid major catastrophe, at least for the most part), carried 96 planes, a huge amount of weaponry, and a crew whose average was an astonishing 19 years old. Proceeding chronologically, the series details such major conflicts as Midway (when the U.S. disabled no less than four Japanese carriers), Guadalcanal (when the Enterprise suffered serious damage while helping to thwart the enemy's plans to invade Australia), and Leyte Gulf ("the largest naval battle in the history of mankind"), finishing with the Japanese's last-gasp use of kamikaze pilots to attack the U.S. fleet. Much of this is genuinely gripping, as the episodes provide literally minute-by-minute accounts of every encounter and the size, speed, function, and firepower of every vessel and aircraft on both sides. But there are notable drawbacks as well, starting with the fact that for all of its detail, we see almost nothing of the Enterprise's interior or descriptions of daily life on board the enormous vessel. There's also the issue of how much CGI you can take; although there is some film footage (which may or may not be from the specific skirmish being described), the computer work, while generally pretty convincing, is pervasive and rather like a video game without a controller. What's more, each episode is kinetic almost to distraction, with a ceaseless flow of pounding music and sound effects, flashing graphics, and macho voice-over detailing the action. On the other hand, the reminiscences of those who were actually there are often very moving, not to mention a welcome surcease from the high-tech assault of the rest of the show. Bonus material is limited--a few additional scenes--but the steel box it all comes in is pretty cool. --Sam Graham
Studio: A&e Home VideoRelease Date: 12/16/2008
Amazon.com:
It would be an understatement say that Battle 360: Season 1 has substantial appeal for World War II and naval history "enthusiasts." Considering the depth and thoroughness of the program and the sheer volume of data and information on hand--and with ten episodes, each more than 50 minutes long, there's very little that's not covered--it's likely that experts, fanatics, and obsessives will be well satisfied too. Using a combination of extensive computer-generated imagery (CGI), charts, graphics, statistics, file footage, photos, interviews with military men both past and present, and more, the program focuses on the Pacific Theater, where the United States and its allies battled Japan for the three and half years between Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and the end of the war in August 1945. At the center of virtually every battle during that span was the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. Launched in 1936, this Yorktown class vessel, also known as "a fighting city of steel" and "the Lucky E" (for its ability to avoid major catastrophe, at least for the most part), carried 96 planes, a huge amount of weaponry, and a crew whose average was an astonishing 19 years old. Proceeding chronologically, the series details such major conflicts as Midway (when the U.S. disabled no less than four Japanese carriers), Guadalcanal (when the Enterprise suffered serious damage while helping to thwart the enemy's plans to invade Australia), and Leyte Gulf ("the largest naval battle in the history of mankind"), finishing with the Japanese's last-gasp use of kamikaze pilots to attack the U.S. fleet. Much of this is genuinely gripping, as the episodes provide literally minute-by-minute accounts of every encounter and the size, speed, function, and firepower of every vessel and aircraft on both sides. But there are notable drawbacks as well, starting with the fact that for all of its detail, we see almost nothing of the Enterprise's interior or descriptions of daily life on board the enormous vessel. There's also the issue of how much CGI you can take; although there is some film footage (which may or may not be from the specific skirmish being described), the computer work, while generally pretty convincing, is pervasive and rather like a video game without a controller. What's more, each episode is kinetic almost to distraction, with a ceaseless flow of pounding music and sound effects, flashing graphics, and macho voice-over detailing the action. On the other hand, the reminiscences of those who were actually there are often very moving, not to mention a welcome surcease from the high-tech assault of the rest of the show. Bonus material is limited--a few additional scenes--but the steel box it all comes in is pretty cool. --Sam Graham
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- A New Look At A Old Veteran
Battle 360 (season 1) revolves around the USS Enterprise in the fight against Japan in WWII. This aircraft carrier saw most for the war in the pacific by being there the major campaigns. She took major damage and delivered some too. In this series of programs I loved the genius of the computer graphics ...they are awesome. It makes you feel you are there. The producers did their homework by including details we the views may not know. They explain the ships, aircraft, guns, bombs and ammo. They give ... Read More
Rating: - Amazing History
This was a mesmerizing series.My respect for the men of the US navy in WWII(and frankly now) has grown beyond belief.The Battle of Leyte Gulf has to be the single most heroic series of events I have ever heard of.Don't miss this.
Rating: 
- Two stars for effort, five for Enterprise and her crew
For the past few months I have noted with astonishment at the numerous accolades written on both the History Channel website and Amazon about this series. Yet in my circle, which is mostly middle aged historian and military types, I have heard nothing but expressed disillusionment and heartfelt disappointment of a failed opportunity. Though it appears I am alone in my views in certain venues, I know for a fact through feedback that I am not. And it needs to be said.
First and foremost, ... Read More
Rating: - An Exciting Documentary
The History Channel has done a marvelous job of depicting the World War II exploits of the USS Enterprise in this highly informative and entertaining documentary.
Drawing on interviews from veterans, current military experts, and authors, this great documentary takes the viewer directly into the battle.Actual World War II footage is combined with excellent computer animation to give this documentary an extremely unique feel.The viewer gets all of the data on Japanese and American ships ... Read More
Rating: - WW2 as you've never seen it before!
Well put together. Portrays a number of hisorical WW 2 battles with awesome, computer generated recreations.
- A New Look At A Old VeteranBattle 360 (season 1) revolves around the USS Enterprise in the fight against Japan in WWII. This aircraft carrier saw most for the war in the pacific by being there the major campaigns. She took major damage and delivered some too. In this series of programs I loved the genius of the computer graphics ...they are awesome. It makes you feel you are there. The producers did their homework by including details we the views may not know. They explain the ships, aircraft, guns, bombs and ammo. They give ... Read More
- Amazing HistoryThis was a mesmerizing series.My respect for the men of the US navy in WWII(and frankly now) has grown beyond belief.The Battle of Leyte Gulf has to be the single most heroic series of events I have ever heard of.Don't miss this.
- Two stars for effort, five for Enterprise and her crewFor the past few months I have noted with astonishment at the numerous accolades written on both the History Channel website and Amazon about this series. Yet in my circle, which is mostly middle aged historian and military types, I have heard nothing but expressed disillusionment and heartfelt disappointment of a failed opportunity. Though it appears I am alone in my views in certain venues, I know for a fact through feedback that I am not. And it needs to be said.
First and foremost, ... Read More
- An Exciting DocumentaryThe History Channel has done a marvelous job of depicting the World War II exploits of the USS Enterprise in this highly informative and entertaining documentary.
Drawing on interviews from veterans, current military experts, and authors, this great documentary takes the viewer directly into the battle.Actual World War II footage is combined with excellent computer animation to give this documentary an extremely unique feel.The viewer gets all of the data on Japanese and American ships ... Read More
- WW2 as you've never seen it before!Well put together. Portrays a number of hisorical WW 2 battles with awesome, computer generated recreations.
