Victory at Sea (1952–1953) User Reviews

Interesting to see 50+ years later

[rsgre · 8/10 · 4 September 2006]

I just found the entire 3 DVD set at Wal-Mart in the bargain bin for $5.50, so I thought I would take another look. Total of 13 hours to watch it all (26 episodes). I was born in 1948 and saw most of them on TV in the sixties. Many independent stations repeated them for many years.

Better than I expected actually, time has been kind to the obvious sincerity of it's creators, and to the obvious gratitude and respect they give to all the Allied fighting men and women. More abstract and arty than a straight forward documentary, but very truthful in it's depiction of the causes and final results of WWII. That war was greatly dependent on sea transportation, and the final victory was dependent on who achieved the final mastery of the world's oceans. The Allies were the ones who were able to do it.

Interesting too, to see how they try to strike a balance between big events, and the individual soldiers and sailors that made them happen. The score is impressive, if a bit too much by today's standards. I read somewhere that Robert Russell Bennett contributed just as much as Richard Rodgers to final score. I imagine that Rodgers provided all the major themes, and it was up to Bennett to fit them to the images. Great job!

Should be seen by every ruler, or potential ruler. A warning to tyrants that wars are eventually won by ideals, determination, and the supplies to back them up. Logistics: their quality and delivery will determine the eventual victors. The Allies outproduced and surpassed the material quality of the Axis, attacked their very source in the process, and insured their eventual defeat.

Sorry to see that the producer, Henry Salomon, lived a very short life. IMDb's facts were rather skimpy, I have to find out more about him. He did a few more outstanding documentaries before his early death. Might have more to say at a later time

Trivia: I had all 3 LP records made of the background music, pretty good overall. Unfortunately, the producers decided to add sound effects to the last one, relegating immediately to just novelty status, rather than for serious music listening. Too bad too, because it contained some interesting but more minor themes in the series. Silly stuff like 16 inch guns firing, torpedoes being fired, bulldozers, planes...just for kids mainly.

RSGRE

And now...

[nickenchuggets · 10/10 · 4 May 2021]

Victory at Sea quite literally invented a genre. It was basically the first show to introduce historic war footage coupled with a narrator to a large amount of viewers. Not even 10 years had passed since the end of world war 2, and people, especially those who had relatives who fought in the pacific, wanted to know more about what horrible (and heroic) things went on there. The series is a very in depth look at one of world war 2's most talked about theaters: the ocean. Victory at Sea methodically goes through pretty much every major naval event of the war at least once. The show does not just focus on the pacific theater against the japanese, and some episodes center around the war in the mediterranean against the italian navy, the mid atlantic with german submarines sinking british merchant ships left and right, and supply convoys being assaulted by u-boats en route to the soviet ports of murmansk and archangel. The narration is one of the show's strongpoints, and the footage of chaotic fighting between the allies and axis forces has become iconic unto itself. There are a lot of world war 2 related things that always seem to be done to death because they focus on the same confrontations and battles over and over again: d-day, the battle of the bulge, el alamein, barbarossa, etc. What separates Victory at Sea from them is that it is naval based, and explores an angle of ww2 that usually gets overshadowed. It also paved the way for other war documentaries like World at War with its use of narration over archival footage, and deserves praise for that too.

Bringing The Great Second World War Home and into the 1950's Living Rooms to the Veterans and their Families,Who were too Young to Remember its Occurrence.

[redryan64 · 10/10 · 28 August 2007]

GLORIFYING not GLAMORIZING World War II.

We've had quite a few documentary series about World War II on the regular Television programming. Without looking up any information in some encyclopedia or film book, it seems that this old memory can recollect most names entirely on it's own.

There was CRUSADE IN EUROPE,which was the title of the war memoirs of one General of the Army and later the 33rd President of the United States of America, Dwight D. Eisenhower. It told the story of the conflict in Europe as viewed by the Supreme Allied Commander.

Then there was a CRUSADE IN THE PACIFIC(subject matter self-explanatory),which I don't remember much about. Newspaper Man/Author, Jim Bishop was the host/navigator of BATTLELINE.

And there was the excellent WINSTON CHURCHILL, THE VALIANT YEARS.* The Series was a co-production of the British Broadcasting Corporation and the American Broadcasting Company. It first aired in 1960-61 season here in The States and boasts of having Richard Burton's speaking the words of Sir Winston.

It is the 1952 NBC Television Network's Production of our subject matter today, this VICTORY AT SEA that wins the cigar, hands down.

To begin with, this had to have taken the production several years of carefully and literally sorting through thousands of hours of film. The movie footage referred to here was the official filmed record taken by members of the Armed Forces of the United States, independent newsreel film, Motion Picture Record of our other Allied Partner Nations,as well as captured Axis pictures from Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Imperial Japan.

Once that was accomplished, the various corresponding film had to be cut and edited into a series of 1/2 hour installments. This was done with great skill, being that there were so many scene changes, whether done abruptly or as a dissolve. The look of ever episode appears as smooth as if it had been a single motion picture project.

The writing of the Spoken Word to accompany this finest of real life film was no less amazing and unique. The highly polished and meaningful eloquence wastes not a word and at times even understates the description of action, rather than exaggerating it. The narration goes to Mr. Ralph Graves, who was a talented Actor of Stage, Film, Radio and Television. He certainly gained a measure of immortality by way of his golden toned voicing of the written episode descriptions.

Lastly, VICTORY AT SEA enjoys the luxury of having an original score, both opening theme and incidental music, penned by Richard Rodgers of Broadway fame.(Rodgers & Hart, Rodgers & Hammerstein) His compositions are intricate, full, variable and even "classic" in the true sense.

The Classical Arrangement was played by the NBC Sympphony Orchestra under the Direction of Robert Russell Bennett and as a soundtrack record/cassette tape/compact disk, it has been continually available and in demand ever since its first release, 55 years ago! And, really small wonder, for it is this musical score that is so mesmerizing to the viewer/listener. It truly puts the frosting on this cake.

* SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL, THE VALIANT YEARS also had a beautiful and highly memorable original score. This also was composed by Mr. Rodgers.

** We had in additional "Ace in the Hole" in our house in the person of our Father, the Late Clement J. Ryan(1914-74). Dad had been in the U.S.Navy during the war, being inducted in 1943 or'44. Our Pop was always on hand to explain and further elucidate any of the situations that were depicted in the series.

He and our Mother the now 90 year old Bertha (nee Fuerst)Ryan already had my older sister, Joanne(1942-90)as a Dependant.

Victory at Sea TOPS!

[taklasek · 29 November 2005]

I watched the series "Victory at Sea" when it was first aired in 1952 and 1953. My dad had me sit with him to watch the documentary week after week. I loved it! Even when my brother was born 10 January 1953. The doctor said my mom would be in labor quite a while, but dad said she would have the baby and he would be home to watch Victory at Sea. He was!

I viewed this several times over the years on PBS, and eventually purchased the VHS copies. I cannot watch this without recalling my dad telling me the places shown where he was stationed, and the events he witnessed. I totally associate this set with my father.

Now I have the DVD set, and just watched it again between Vet's day and my father's 85th birthday in 2005. I miss him all the more since his passing in 2002 watching this set. I LOVE the music!While my dad told me about the war my mom told me about the music. Much of the music is from musicals composed by Richard Rodgers in collaboration with hart. The music for all planes flying is in F sharp, and many other specific key usages. You really need a musical ear to fully appreciate Victory at Sea!!!!

Watching this series is overwhelming to say the least. I once watched the first eight episodes in one day straight through. THat was hard to take, but I sure appreciated this being recorded!

Terry Klasek Saint Louis, Missouri

Outstanding Documentary Television Series on World War II:

[robertguttman · 10/10 · 24 May 2018]

For those too young to remember, this excellent documentary series on World War II was originally broadcast as a weekly television series on the National Broadcasting Company's television network in 1952. To put that into perspective, that was 66 years ago and only 7 years after the end of the World War II. In addition bear in mind that, at that time, there were no such things as "National Educational Television" or the "Public Broadcasting System", and commercial television networks simply did not produce programs such as this. Consequently, while there have been many other excellent documentary television series produced since then, "Victory at Sea" can truly be regarded as a landmark in television broadcasting.

Anyone who has never seen this 26-part series has quite an experience in store. Although some of the Japanese sequences were derived from Japanese propaganda films, the majority of the film footage used was photographed in actual combat by combat cameramen, many of whom were subsequently wounded or killed. What you see here is exactly the way it was.

The memorable music score was composed by Richard Rogers who was, at that time, the leading composer of Broadway musicals, both in collaboration with the late Lorenz Hart and, at that time, with Oscar Hammerstein.

Some modern viewers have criticized this series for not being sufficiently even-handed in its' treatment of both sides in the war. however, it must be borne in mind that it was produced only seven years after the end of the conflict and, at that time, people were not inclined to view the war as dispassionately as they are today.

Themes by Rodgers, music by Bennett!

[michaelstep2004 · 8/10 · 13 July 2012]

A lot of people here seem to believe that the fantastic 13-hour score of Victory at Sea was composed by Richard Rodgers -- it was not. Rodgers contributed 12 short themes composed on piano, which were then expanded and orchestrated by the great Robert Russell Bennett, who also wrote of lot of extra music for this show not inspired by Rodgers. Rodgers always gave the credit to Bennett, saying that he made the music sound so much better than it really was.

I watched this show repeatedly as a child, since it was rerun on TV continuously well into the 1960s. The episodes combine an obvious respect for the Allied sailors and soldiers who won the war with a sort of bumptious patriotism that was absolutely pervasive on TV in the 1950s. Good memories!

One of the best WWII docs ever made for TV ever!!!

[justin-fencsak · 10/10 · 9 June 2019]

Can't wait for the sequels Victory on Land and in Air if they ever decide to make a sequel to said series. Mostly shot in black and white and aired that way on NBC during the early 1950s, this is a good show to watch.

Horrid

[themadpenguin-20934 · 1/10 · 13 April 2020]

Video footage was good, and worth watching, but without commentary amounts to a plot-free silent movie. Verbal commentary was spotty, but good and useful, though inadequate in depth and scope.

MUSIC WAS CONSTANT INSUFFERABLE DISCORDANT LOOP making verbal commentary useless. Could not watch more than 2 episodes simply because of this "Elevator From Hell" sound track. Will not go back for more. WISH to have access to a re-print without music. SILENCE is better than the trash loop in this presentation.

IF there was a re-print with twice the depth and scope of commentary and NO "ELEVATOR-MUSIC-FROM-HELL", this would rate 5 stars.

The absolute best

[frankfob · 22 February 2002]

There isn't much to say about this fondly remembered series that hasn't already been said. This World War II documentary is just about as good as it gets. The writing, the music, the editing, the narration (which tends to get a bit pompous at times, but it's a small price to pay) are absolutely superb. Watching this is actually sort of a chilling experience; after awhile you begin to feel as if you've been transported on board the ships, or in the subs, or at Pearl Harbor, or on Iwo Jima--not just sitting in your living room watching it on TV. This series deserved every award it won, and more. It is a magnificent achievement, and nothing has equalled it since. Don't miss it.

Superb in every way

[donnellymj · 23 July 2005]

Remember it is only 7 years since war's end when NBC undertook to present this series. Great actual film footage and superb narration. The musical score is original and is married to the subject perfectly. If you do not feel this presentation, I suspect you have not allowed yourself to feel it. It seemed like every man who played a part of this film became a bit of myself. It is impossible to recreate these events with the depth of sadness and triumph the reality conveys. The series did a great job of presenting the naval war in logical pieces - each piece is a well knit square that makes up one twenty sixth of the whole quilt. Having lived those years young enough to be home and old enough to hear the concerns - to watch the tears of loved ones left home and rejoice with them who returned, I think this film presents it all in an inspired way.

Stands the test of time

[wilstream · 9 September 2002]

Even in Black and White, Victory at Sea stands as a TV masterpiece. Their production techniques a half century ago using a dramatic musical score to allow the action to flow in lieu of unnecessary chatter, but with the occasional powerful voice of Leonard Graves to tie the scenes together was a model for NFL Films.

Victory at Sea - a British perspective

[nick-894 · 27 December 2005]

This is a beautiful piece of TV. I would not shell out on a 6-vol DVD if I thought otherwise. I saw it on BBC in 1960-61. But, looking at it 45 years on I feel it should be re-titled 'Victory in the Pacific' - I mean, there was some sort of war going on prior to Dec 41, and a lot of it at sea! OK, so the program makers did give that 25 minutes, but then gave Pearl Harbour another 25 minutes. And - those planes look a little like US planes with a 'rising sun'painted on. And one of those ships that blew up off Guadalcanal seems to be the same one that was hit by stukas 5 miles off Dover. He was also one of those that was hit off Anzio! That captain must be getting real sick! And all that underwater salvage work at Pearl Harbour gives the real impression that the fleet was salvaged (phrases such as 'raised from the deep'). Whatever the case, the Arizona wasn't one of them. For all this, it is beautiful TV. As history, may be 6/10. But, then for entertainment, watch the film. For accurate history, read the books!

Nick Baker, South Darenth, Kent UK

Easily the finest TV documentary ever

[tomhull · 22 August 2000]

I have had the video of all 26 episodes for several years now. I have seen other WWII documentaries on television, but where Victory at Sea stands heads and shoulders above them is in Richard Rodgers' music and, most importantly, Leonard Graves' incomparable narration. I just cannot imagine anyone else narrating that documentary. My favorite part is the last half of the final episode, when the men come home. That's what it was all about in the first place.

Great series

[bcolquho · 9 July 2005]

Great series. I saw it on PBS back in the 1980s. I loved it. It's about the U.S. Navy in World War II from Pearl Harbor to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The episodes about Midway and Guadalcanal are the best. When was the last time a foreign invader occupied American soil 1812 or 1942? The correct answer is 1942 when the Japanese occupied Attu and Kiska in the Aleutians. It had been the first invasion of American territory since the War of 1812. Leonard Graves' stentorian narration was excellent. He did it with authority. The words "Kaga, smashed and sinking!" still ring in my ears. I believe it's on DVD right now. The last episode, The Flying Carpet Ride, was about the return of American troops.

Victory is elusive

[ejrjr · 26 December 2005]

Victory At Sea is a great television series about World War 2 produced by NBC in conjunction with the U.S. Navy. Most of the footage was shot by Navy cameramen. NBC edited the footage, added a host and the musical score by Richard Rogers. That was reality TV in the early days of television production. While this a comprehensive and educational series and should be watched, viewers should be aware the version released by A&E on DVD is substandard as the sound level constantly fluctuates. The version released by Studio 1 has much better sound but the episodes are abridged and the distributor does not warn consumers. But, for the price buy the Studio 1 release. It is much more satisfying than the A&E version. Buyer beware.

This series prompted me to join the Navy.

[rusty-52 · 19 June 1999]

I first watched this film series at the age of 13 and to say the least I was enchanted. Richard Rogers Music was a huge boost to a documentary that was unequaled then and since. The stark black and white film and the real footage went a long way in providing the realism. I found the Narration excellent along with the haunting refrains of Rogers' score in the background. I have watched the film all 26 episodes time and time again and of course have the original records including the one with sound effects. I strongly recommend the series to anyone interested in the History of World War 11 as it pertained to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corp.

Just great !

[pbalos · 28 May 2000]

by far one of the best documentaries ever made concerning WW II. The musical score by Richard Rogers and the narration by Mr.Graves adds to the superb quality of these episodes.I loved it at 6yrs. old when it first came out in '52 and love it more now at 54.Excellent!

Interesting

[jparker-4 · 17 March 2002]

Going through the series now for the first time. Good footage. Some of the carrier landings were used in "Midway" 1976 - but colorized. Watches like a Newsreel of 'our success'. The footage needs to be taken with a grain of salt. For example, footage of DD-390 (USS Ralph Talbot) is used in the battle of the North Atlantic, while in fact she fought the war in the Pacific.

Would love this but...

[Dire_Straits · 18 June 2005]

I have the series on DVD.

Everything about it is wonderful - except the music.

I know, I know, the music is supposed to be the best part, but I hated the music. To me, the music by Rogers just gets on my nerves. There's far too much of it.

Just when you are getting into a show, here comes these patriotic horns. I'm not a brass man anyway. The music seems to really stand out. Maybe it was mixed too loud.

As a matter of fact, the whole series is loud! But there's a lot of guns going off and Japanese planes crashing...and HORNS.

The added (DVD) introductions by Peter Graves are excellent.

Finally on DVD

[pandamorehead · 25 December 2005]

All the other comments about this series are right on. This is a superb series that is a must for anyone interested in WWII. The archival footage is extensive and fascinating. Now, I just started viewing the 3 DVD set of this series. I must say, I'm a little disappointed. First, the print used is very worn. This may be due to haste, or it could be that all known prints are in really rough shape. Secondly, this appears to be a video of the film that was transferred to DVD. So what we are looking at is a somewhat blurry and worn version that is many generations (copies) old. Like I said, I'm a LITTLE disappointed, not a lot. Glad I got it.

Unnecessary Oft-Repeated Error

[Air America · 24 December 2005]

So important was it to get the Pearl Harbor attack before the American public, that the propaganda film makers used U. S. Navy Dauntless (SBD) dive bombers painted with Japanese "meatballs" insignia to appear to be Japanese Zeroes and Zekes dropping bombs on the U. S. Fleet at Pearl Harbor. I feel sure that archival footage now exists of proper Japanese aircraft, but invariably any new Pearl Harbor documentary appearing on the History, Wings channels and others includes this 2-3 second clip of "pushing over into dives" film of these same, readily identifiable SBD Navy aircraft simulating this portion of the attack. I have protested to these networks that such a representation is an affront to the men who flew these planes in combat against Japanese planes and this film clip should be discontinued. I would like to see others add their voice to this protest and notify these networks that they continue a disservice to veterans who flew those planes.

Series needs to be released on DVD format

[schneidj · 19 April 2003]

This is probably one of the best if not the best WWII documentaries and it is a shame the company owning the copyright has not released it on DVD. In addition to its historical significance, the Richard Rodgers music score is one of the best ever written and released numerous times over the years on CD including one by Eric Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops. I would purchase the DVD in a heartbeat if it ever becomes available.

How many editions are there of Victory at Sea

[m-leschack · 24 April 2005]

I received a set of duds of Victory at Sea dated 1952. However there was a color narration from Peter Graves before each episode. The general narration was given by Leonard Graves.

However you list an introducer as Michael Lewis as part of the television series.

Then another Victory at Sea for 1954 theatrical release lists Alexander Scourby as the narrator. While there are biographies of Peter Graves and Alexander Scourby I cannot find biographies of Leonard Graves or Michael Lewis.

Are Michael Lewis and Leonard Graves pseudonyms for someone else.