Ep 1. Dunkirk

WWII in Color: Road to Victory is a documentary series that explores the events of World War II using restored color footage. The first episode of season 1, titled "Dunkirk," focuses on the evacuation of British and Allied forces from the beaches of Dunkirk, France in May 1940.

The episode begins by setting the stage for the events leading up to Dunkirk. We see footage of Hitler's armies sweeping across Europe, from Poland to France, as the British and French struggle to hold them back. The Allied troops are pushed to the English Channel, and a desperate plan is hatched to evacuate them across the water to safety.

The operation, codenamed Dynamo, involved a huge flotilla of boats of all shapes and sizes, from naval destroyers to fishing vessels. The episode charts the progress of the operation, from the first ships arriving at Dunkirk to the final rescue of the last troops.

We see incredible footage of the evacuation itself, with troops wading out into the sea to board small boats, and ships packed to the brim with soldiers. The documentary does an excellent job of conveying the scale of the operation, with the commentary noting that over 300,000 men were evacuated in just nine days.

Interspersed with the footage of the evacuation itself are interviews with veterans who were there on the beaches of Dunkirk. Their insights add a human element to the story, as they recount their memories of the chaos and confusion of the evacuation.

One of the most striking aspects of the episode is the use of color footage. Seeing these events in color, rather than the usual black-and-white, brings them to life in a way that is truly remarkable. The colors of the sea, the sky, and the soldiers' uniforms all add depth and richness to the images.

But it's not just the visuals that make this episode compelling. The commentary is also excellent, providing context and analysis to the events we are seeing on screen. We learn, for example, about the strategic importance of Dunkirk and how Hitler's hesitation to press his advantage allowed the evacuation to succeed.

Overall, the first episode of WWII in Color: Road to Victory is a gripping account of one of the most remarkable operations of World War II. It expertly blends archival footage with insightful commentary and interviews to give a vivid picture of the events of May 1940. Whether you're a history buff or simply interested in a well-made documentary, this episode is definitely worth a watch.