Watch The Pacific War in Color

The Pacific War in Color is a historical documentary series produced by the Smithsonian CHANNEL in 2018. Hosted by Jeff Wilburn, Conor Hall, and Tim Paige, the show takes viewers on a journey through the Pacific War, one of the most brutal and devastating conflicts in world history. Using a combination of original footage, archival photos, and modern colorization techniques, the series offers a fresh and immersive look at this pivotal moment in human history.

The series is divided into eight episodes, each one exploring a different aspect of the Pacific War. The first episode, titled "The Island Hoppers," focuses on the early stages of the war, when the Japanese were making significant territorial gains in the Pacific theater. Using footage from the Battle of Guadalcanal and other key conflicts, the episode details how American and Allied forces were able to turn the tide of the war and gain the upper hand.

The second episode, "The Road to Tokyo," picks up where the first left off, exploring the difficult and bloody campaign to secure the Japanese-held islands of the Pacific. From the Battle of Peleliu to the iconic flag-raising at Iwo Jima, this episode showcases some of the most intense and harrowing battles of the war.

As the war progressed, both sides began to ramp up the use of new and deadly technologies. Episode three, "The New Killing Fields," takes a closer look at the impact of aerial bombing on civilian populations, as well as the introduction of kamikaze attacks by the Japanese. This episode provides a sobering reminder of the devastating cost of war, both in terms of lives lost and innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

In episode four, "The Battle of the Philippines," the series delves into one of the most dramatic and high-stakes campaigns of the war. Fighting was fierce in the Philippines, as both American and Japanese forces fought tooth and nail for control of this strategically important region. Viewers will witness the brutality and courage of soldiers on both sides as they engage in some of the most intense combat of the war.

As the war approached its end, tensions between the Allies and Japan continued to escalate. Episode five, "The Empire's Last Stand," chronicles the final push towards victory, as Allied forces marched towards the Japanese homeland. From the Borneo campaign to the Battle of Okinawa, this episode provides a gripping look at the last desperate struggles of the Japanese Empire.

The final episodes of the series, "Uncommon Valor" and "Island Hopping," further explore the final stages of the war, from the dropping of the atomic bombs to the Japanese surrender. These episodes delve into the human cost of the war, highlighting the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike in the name of victory and freedom.

Overall, The Pacific War in Color is a stunning and powerful look at one of the most pivotal moments in human history. Through a combination of expert narration, original footage, and modern colorization techniques, the series provides an immersive and unforgettable viewing experience that is both educational and emotionally resonant. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this critical moment in world history, The Pacific War in Color is a must-see series that will leave a lasting impression on viewers of all ages.

The Pacific War in Color is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between June 24, 2018 and on Smithsonian CHANNEL