Wow.
I finally caught up on all 10 hours of WWII in HD, broadcast on the History Channel. I have always been intrigued by this period in history and what was happening behind the battle scenes and around the world. Drawing on battlefield and archival footage discovered in a multi-year search and converted into high definition, the series provides a gripping account of the realities and horrors of war, and personalizes it by following the stories of 12 servicemen and women.
I couldn't stop watching it.
The footage was primarily broadcast in color, which gave the graphic scenes even more weight. For the first time, I could really understand the breadth of activity and timing of how the war played out across the globe. The series was produced by a family friend, so I am off to send a personal note commending him on such a grand achievement. Plus, a phone call to my father thanking him again for his service during WWII.
Definitely check out at least a part of this stunning documentary series when it is re-broadcast or on DVD.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
MJ
I finally caught This Is It, the documentary on Michael Jackson's final months preparing for his aborted comeback concert tour. Sad.
I've spent some of my career watching musical geniuses at work; it's always fascinating and frequently awe-inspiring. No less so watching Jackson work through musical numbers and inspiring others through his art. My favorite part of the film is the development of Thriller 2009 - the concert update (a merging of pre-filmed video with on-stage production) to Michael Jackson's most famous music video.
I mostly feel sorry for all of the young artists and technicians who also committed so much time and energy to the rehearsals without seeing their work and dreams fulfilled. I hope at least they can cherish the time spent interacting with and learning from the King of Pop.
It's too bad that we'll never experience the final concert hurrah of Michael Jackson, but it's comforting and fitting that through the lens of documentary film, we at least have a glimpse at what might have been and a last look at what we've had.
R.I.P. MJ.
I've spent some of my career watching musical geniuses at work; it's always fascinating and frequently awe-inspiring. No less so watching Jackson work through musical numbers and inspiring others through his art. My favorite part of the film is the development of Thriller 2009 - the concert update (a merging of pre-filmed video with on-stage production) to Michael Jackson's most famous music video.
I mostly feel sorry for all of the young artists and technicians who also committed so much time and energy to the rehearsals without seeing their work and dreams fulfilled. I hope at least they can cherish the time spent interacting with and learning from the King of Pop.
It's too bad that we'll never experience the final concert hurrah of Michael Jackson, but it's comforting and fitting that through the lens of documentary film, we at least have a glimpse at what might have been and a last look at what we've had.
R.I.P. MJ.
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