Apocalipsis: La Primera Guerra Mundial

This mini-TV documentary series aired on the 'American Heroes' cable channel in the US. I've always been interested in WW1, pursuing many books, films and documentaries on this topic.

I had no idea this much vintage video from every aspect of the war existed. This production must have been a real labor of love, as they have very skillfully and respectfully added realistic soundtrack and restrained coloring to this amazing archival footage. The music and graphics are also excellent, resulting in a compelling, "first-hand" account.

Many little known historical aspects are also presented, e.g., that the Germans orchestrated sending Lenin back to Russia as a diversion to weaken the Russian military. Even if you think you have no interest in the First World War, this is a "must see" because so many of our world issues (creation of Iraq, impetus for WW2) stem from the aftermath of WW1.

"Apocalypse: WW1" brings the war to life in a way never seen before. This Canadian documentary adds modern sound and music with the crude film of the era in a perfect blend of drama and poignancy.

We are shown the roots of the war; the contemporary European peace that existed on the continent from 1871-1914 along with the simmering tensions among the major European powers of the age. Done in a way that is never trite nor dull, "Apocalypse" explains what happened in the first "great war" of 1914-18: the clash of ideologies, the futility, the mass deaths in the new age of conscript soldiers, and the ultimate futility of it all in a world war that left 10 million soldiers dead. Probably the penultimate World war 1 documentary. Don't miss it.

As a history buff I find this series for WW l shows more than what you will learn in history class. You see the faces of those involved in this and how widespread this war really was. The narrator, Francois Arnaud makes the series unforgettable. His voice and tone you will never forget.

You will see battle scenes that show how arrogant and little care about the loss of life by most of those in charge really were by using tactics that were outdated. Not only will you will see scenes of suffering and hardships of the soldiers, you will also see scenes of the civilians dealing with the the war.

The prejudices between nations, religions, cultures and color are pointed out and you still see today. You will see how the arrogance of most of the world leaders and the desire to teach Germany a lesson was a main contribution that led to WW ll with loss of German soil and reparations. The face of Europe changed and would again change after WW ll.

Watching the series multiple times there are still information you will learn and see that one may miss.

I also look to see if I will ever see a face of a relative that served in the US service. It would be interesting how many others do the same and if they find a scene showing a relative, military or civilian.

It is a shame we have learned nothing about the effects of any war. This series shows that quite well.

I first saw this on the AHC Channel in the US and, as a former soldier, was overwhelmed by what I saw and heard. The English narrator, François Arnaud, had the perfect, nearly monotone delivery that could send chills down your spine. His delivery was flawless and as far as I am concerned, really 'sells' the English version of this project. I cannot comment on the French as I do not speak it. I have enough trouble with English. The video itself was surprising in its quality and the colorization was just enough to allow you to better see what Mr. Arnaud was speaking about. The overall historical content, giving the time restraints, is amazing, really showing you that this was a World War.

A wonderful documentary. I am a life long student of the First World War and highly recommend this study. One can only marvel that so much film has survived over a hundred years. A fairly even handed treatment of the history, the narration is good along with the music. The films are priceless, bringing this cataclysmic event to the eyes & eyes of modern, sometimes forgetful people. It was a world war that truly changed the world in near countless ways. We are still struggling with its outcome.