Now all roads lead to France and heavy is the tread
Of the living; but the dead returning lightly dance.
Edward Thomas, Roads

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Recommended: France's 50th Anniversary Battle of Verdun Documentary

This mesmerizing documentary on the Battle of Verdun has some unique features. On its 50th Anniversary, Verdun still had a large number of survivors of the battle alive. Dozens of them are interviewed in the presentation. Members of the present-day French Army explain some of the finer points of the battle. The battlefield film footage is not perfectly restored—none of the tricks Peter Jackson has mastered—were available at the time. However, the battlefield and the soldiers are captured very well and the overall effect of the images is powerful. 

One thing to be aware of. On YouTube, the film is divided into five pieces and is intended to move from one segment to the next with a single click. Sometimes this worked for me, sometimes not. Consequently, I've presented links to all five parts below. In any case, this is a must-see presentation for anyone who has an interest in the Battle of Verdun. 

Part 1
 

Part 2

   

Part 3


Part 4


Part 5

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