The war against Japan fought on the far side of the world is vividly brought to
life in this compelling series of documentaries that recount the legendary
battles in Guam, Iwo Jima and New Britain and continues to the final surrender
of Japan.
Appointment in Tokyo:
This World War II documentary covers the American war effort in the Pacific
from the fall of Bataan and the Philippines to the surrender of Japan on the
deck of the U.S.S. Missouri. Covering events through the use of Army Signal
Corps film footage as well as captured Japanese newsreels, the documentary
presents the war with an up close feel and a realistic, though opinionated,
approach. Run Time: 55 minutes
Attack in the Pacific:
After a fascinating introduction to the diverse Pacific islands and their
inhabitants, the documentary segues to the rise of Japanese military might from
its home base all the way to Australia, including the critical turning point
attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. We see, at first hand, the methods
used by the Allies, particularly the U.S., to ready counterattacks against
Japan, including a harrowing island by island advance that generated a
devastating body count. Run Time: 52 minutes
Attack! The Battle for New Britain:
This gripping documentary chronicles the relentless and bloody 1943 Allied
assault on the entrenched Japanese forces on Arawe Beach and Cape Gloucester,
New Britain. Beginning with unsparing training footage of the Allies preparing
for the assault, you are then presented with the three-prong Allied attack to
retake the island of New Britain. Despite the heavy losses, the Allies were
victorious in this pivotal battle of the South Pacific theatre in World War II.
Run Time: 59 minutes
Battle of China (The):
In this fascinating documentary we learn about the nation of China, its
populace and the countries resolve to stop the invading forces of the Japanese
during World War II. Starting with a short historical background to the country,
we discover the reasons behind the Japanese desire for its conquest, and why
they were confident of success. Ultimately, the events of the war in that region
are chronicled, showing the Japanese forces taking control of portions of China
to aid them in conquering all of Asia as well as the iron resistance of the
Chinese people, who use all their ingenuity to fight Japanese aggression to the
end. Run Time: 1:03
Marines at Taraw-Return to Guam:
The documentary covers two of the Marine Corps' most savage battles. Tarawa
was characteristic of the vicious island fighting that was the hallmark of the
war in the Pacific. Fought within an area the size of the Pentagon, three days
of fighting claimed almost 10,000 lives. The second part of the documentary
portrays the return of the Marine Corps to their recaptured base on the island
of Guam. Run Time: 40 minutes
Payoff in the Pacific:
This fascinating documentary gives a firsthand view of the critical battles
of World War II fought near Japanese territory, around the Central Pacific
islands, especially New Guinea and Guadalcanal. It chronicles most of the major
battles fought in that large ocean; from the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor
to the ultimate surrender of Japan. Run Time: 1:17
To The Shores of Iwo Jima:
This Academy Award-nominated documentary graphically depicts the American
assault on the Japanese-held island of Iwo Jima and the massive battle that
raged on that key island in the Allied advance on Japan. The five marines and
one sailor who raised the American flag on Mt. Suribachi are shown. Run Time: 41
minutes
