Watch The Color of War

TV-PG
2001
1 Season
8.1 (164)

The Color of War is a documentary series that originally aired on the History Channel in 2001. The series consists of 13 hour-long episodes and explores the experiences of soldiers from World War II through the Vietnam War. The show features an ensemble of expert historians, scholars, and veterans discussing the events and experiences of war as well as the broader social and political contexts that shaped them.

Each episode of The Color of War centers around a different theme related to war, such as combat, the home front, propaganda, and human cost. Through archival footage and interviews with veterans, the series provides a visceral and emotional look at the realities of war. The Color of War doesn't shy away from the gruesome and horrific aspects of combat, nor does it romanticize the idea of war or patriotism. Instead, it presents a nuanced and complex picture of the soldiers who fought these wars and the cultural forces that shaped their experiences.

Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to a diverse cast of soldiers from different backgrounds and countries. There are African American soldiers who fought for a country that treated them as second-class citizens, Japanese Americans who fought for the same country that had interned them, and women who defied gender norms to serve in the military. The show also explores the experiences of soldiers from different parts of the world, including German soldiers who were forced to fight for a regime they didn't support and Vietnamese soldiers who fought for their country's independence.

The Color of War is narrated by Peter Coyote and features interviews with veterans and experts, including Carlos E. Campos, a former Marine who serves as an expert commentator throughout the series. Campos, who fought in Vietnam, brings a particularly personal and insightful perspective to the show. Other experts, such as Lance J. Holt, provide historical context and analysis to help viewers understand the broader social and political implications of the wars.

One of the strengths of The Color of War is its use of archival footage to bring the wars to life. From battle scenes to interviews with soldiers on the front lines, the series presents a vivid and engaging portrait of war. The use of colorized footage is particularly effective in bringing these historical events to life and helping viewers empathize with the soldiers who fought them. Additionally, the series incorporates photographs and other primary source material to provide a more complete picture of each war.

Overall, The Color of War is a powerful and thought-provoking series that challenges viewers' assumptions about war and soldiers. Through its diverse cast of characters and expert analysis, the series shows that there is no single "color" of war—that every war and every soldier has a unique story to tell. The show is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, politics, or the human experience.

The Color of War is a series that ran for 1 seasons (15 episodes) between November 18, 2001 and on History

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Seasons

15. Covering War

May 13, 2003

WWII was history's most extensively documented conflict. Explore the combat cameraman, war correspondents, combat artists, radio reporters, and others who brought WWII to life, and preserved the tale that defined this epic era.

14. At Ease

December 9, 2001

WWII veterans describe their brief interludes of "everyday" life while at the front, with intimate films from archives and personal collections illustrating their treasured wartime memories.

13. Dressed to Kill

March 7, 2002

When he reached the front lines, the typical American soldier in World War II carried more than 100 pounds of arms and equipment into battle. Personal protection and functionality combined to make the troops ready to face the enemy.

12. Clearing the Way

February 22, 2002

Before the troops arrived for battle, some of the unsung heroes of World War II went to work. The combat engineers built roads and bridges, cleared terrain for armies and generally made it possible for the war to be fought.

11. Man and Machine

May 16, 2003

The Color of War takes a comprehensive look at tanks and others armored vehicles, as well as the crucial role they played in combat.

10. Aftermath

February 10, 2002

Rare footage paints a picture of the war's aftermath -- and the ensuing peacekeeping efforts -- as America emerges as leader of the free world.

9. Victory

January 27, 2002

It was a bloody, hard-fought conflict, but World War II's VE Day, marking victory in Europe, finally arrived. Archival footage follows the Allies through the D-Day landings and beyond, as Nazi forces faced their final days.

8. The Price of War

December 2, 2001

Accompanying the soldiers into the battles of World War II were the stalwart medical teams. These courageous doctors, nurses and corpsmen risked injury or death themselves while tending to the wounds of fallen troops.

7. Silent and Deep

January 6, 2002

As American soldiers fought in the trenches throughout Europe and the Pacific, their counterparts in submarines patrolled the world's oceans. Vital to the war effort, the subs were also some of the most dangerous places to be in an attack.

6. Fueling the Fire

December 30, 2001

Thousands of American troops fought in World War II, and behind them was the one of the biggest, most complex supply chains the country has ever seen. See the mechanics involved in the delivery of food, arms and other supplies to the front lines.

5. Why We Fight

July 10, 2001

Travel beyond the front lines to discover the real forces behind World War II and why the soldiers were sent to fight. Highlighted by rare color footage, this episode examines the experiences of the troops and where they fit in the overall objective.

4. Anchors Aweigh

March 24, 2002

Many of World War II's greatest battles took place at sea. As naval vessels became more technologically advanced, sailors faced ever-increasing responsibility and danger, as illustrated by this episode's rare color footage of maritime warfare.

3. Battleground

Virtually every climate on Earth played host to the battles of World War II. As nations collided, soldiers faced unknown, often savage terrain that changed the way they fought the enemy. Visit battlefields that posed the biggest hurdles to troops.

2. Air War

November 25, 2001

It was the most glamorous job in the military, as well as the most dangerous. Stunning, never-before-seen color footage takes you into the skies with World War II pilots, who fought for survival every time they left the ground.

1. Face to Face

November 18, 2001

Only one in six men serving in World War II saw combat, but for those soldiers, the war was terrifyingly real. Their stories from the front lines, accompanied by harrowing color footage, illustrate the brutal combat they endured.

Description

Where to Watch The Color of War

The Color of War is available for streaming on the History website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Color of War on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime and History Vault.