Documentary covering Stalin and the Soviet Unions war with Nazi Germany.
I saw this series (10-parts) back in 2002 on History International. It is, without a doubt, the best series on World War II's "Front of Decision." Not only does it cover all of the major battles that punctuated this struggle, it delves into issues that are ignored in more cursory treatments. For example, the NKVD's "blocking forces" are discussed at some length--we're even treated to interviews with NKVD veterans who shot recalcitrant officers; it covers Germany's administration of the occupied territories and the privations visited upon the civilian population--the Holocaust among these "difficulties;" and we learn about the partisan war--not just fighting by pro-Soviet partisans, but Ukrainian and Polish freedom fighters--some of these conflicts persisted until 1947.
If you like the World at War dvd's, you will enjoy this as well. OK, perhaps enjoy isn't the best word to use, as there is nothing enjoyable about the actions of Stalin against his own people. If you think that Hitler was the end all-be all of psychotic despots, this will be a real eye opener.
This series is laid out in similar format to the World at War, with each episode covering a specific subject, beginning from when Stalin first came to power until his death. Also, as with the World at War, if you blink you will miss something; the wealth of information and images are just riveting.
There is an incredible amount of real footage, and as far as I know, only one recreation in the entire series. There are also numerous interviews, including a brief appearance from Vasily Zaitsev. Not interviews with analysts, but with actual participants. Had this series not been produced, and these interviews recorded, so much would have been lost. They are not always pleasant to view, but they are candid. There is also some attention paid to the Russian women who fought in every capacity during WWII. Who would have ever thought that there would be a need for a team at the back of the troops to shoot people who turned and ran from battle???
