It was one of the most devastating surprise attacks in
history-and it led to the most destructive war of all time. The bombing of
Pearl Harbor is profiled in fascinating detail in this in-depth documentary,
revealing the perspectives of both the Japanese pilots and the American
servicemen who took part in that day of infamy. 2 DVDs. 2000/color-b&w/150
min/NR/fullscreen. This History Channel production provides an in-
depth look at the Japanese attack on the American Pacific fleet in Pearl
Harbor on the fateful day of December 7, 1941. The documentary begins by
providing a background to the eventual conflict in the Pacific, noting how
Japan had been waging a war of conquest in China since the early 1930s. As a
power struggle with the U.S. loomed on the horizon, the Japanese built a
formidable navy marked by an innovative utilization of carrier-based aircraft.
Special attention is given to Admiral Yamamoto, who had studied at Harvard and
admired America but vigorously planned the assault on America's naval might.
The attack on the morning of December 7 is explained tactically, and films
shot at Pearl Harbor during the Sunday morning air raid, including shots of
the massive explosion triggered by a bomb hit on the battleship USS Arizona,
provide dramatic proof of how devastating the attack was. Personal stories of
the battle are recalled in interviews with veterans from both sides. Various
revisionist theories about how America had warning of the attack and
sacrificed Pearl Harbor are quickly dismissed, and a closing segment focuses
on Japanese and American veterans who have reconciled at a reunion (and some
American vets who would have no part of that). An additional documentary
provides a biography of Admiral Chester Nimitz, who rebuilt the U.S. Pacific
fleet following Pearl Harbor, and a bonus program features brief biographies
of other American commanders in the Pacific. --Robert J. McNamara