![Battleship Islands: Alderney [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PqFEsaqkL.jpg)
Publisher's description Battleship Islands - Alderney is the first episode of an on-going series about fortified islands, and it focuses on the amazing fortifications of the third largest of the English Channel Islands. Produced with extensive research on the subject, it features a populist approach to appeal to both military buffs and the general public. This presenter-led, authored documentary encompasses all the main historical and technical aspects of the defence works still visible on Alderney, which was a fortified base for the Royal Navy in Victorian times and occupied by the German army during World War Two for longer than anywhere else. It was a crucial part of the Atlantic Wall and became its most densely defended stretch, with a dark and often unknown side to its fortifications. There are also some surprising remains from earlier times. It features explorations of the fortifications, explanations with the aid of local experts and animations, plus relevant archive footage and pictures, for a narrative that will intrigue viewers and add unexpected interest to bunkers and forts, with an engaging photography to illustrate the Island’s natural beauty. The DVD also features an interactive map and allows access to additional sequences and content, available exclusively to purchasers of the DVD, on the series’ website at www.battleshipislands.com. Features: - Music tracks by Michael Hedges, Simple Minds and Ultravox - Chapter selection - Interactive map - Internet link to additional content on dedicated series' website.
J**J
Well researched and well made.
An excellent production - detailed, thoughtful and lyrical at times - congratulations to Mr Tabone on all fronts! The blend of fortifications from different eras on Alderney was described and illustrated very well - he has a good eye for a shot and his engaging narration brings the presented structures and geography to life - helped by some nice touches of then and now illustrations of equipment and armament. I felt the historical and military context of Alderney's many fortifications was very well observed - with enlightening interviews with a couple of local experts and enthusiasts to further broaden the finished product. Finally and importantly the shadow of the slave labour used to construct the myriad of impressive bunkers is given proper and respectful attention.I'd recommend this dvd without question - and will certainly visit Alderney as a result of watching it in the next year.
F**E
Battleship Islands: Alderney
Alberto Tabone's tour of the fortifications of Alderney in the Channel Islands is quite comprehensive, picturesque and informative. He traces the history of the defences of Alderney from Roman times until the end of World War 2 via the fortifications themselves, he describes the purpose of surviving bunkers, gun emplacements, caponiers, ditches, bastions, trenches, barbed wire fences and even explains the function of rusty fixtures and surviving apparatus. He illustrates what is missing from the fortifications with overlaid images of the original equipment, and includes several then-and-now images of various buildings and places. Alderney is only a small island, but is studded with enough history to warrant a visit by holiday makers and history buffs from around the world.
S**R
History brought to life.
This film is an amazing look at a forgotten part of the history of coastal defences on the the island of Alderney. The presenter leads us on a fascinating journey into the Islands defence system from the Roman to the Nazi occupation taking us round the Island and looking at the remains and the purpose of this important though little known channel Island's defences. Using WW2 archive to bring alive and explain why this Island was so important to the Nazis and why the Island was never captured by the Allies until after VE day. I can highly recommend this film to anyone with an interest in history and the second world war. I will look forward to the next film in this series. Battleship Islands - Alderney
G**K
Battleship Islands: Alderney
A very good Documentary on a not so common topic. I was pleasantly surprised by the dept in witch the subject of the Atlantikwall on Alderney was described. My only slight dissapointment was the historic footage not being full screen,it would have been a nice addition to the present day footage. But having said that, i would buy follow-ups on Guernsey(Mirus! do Battery Mirus in particular) and or Jersey. To anyone with a sincere interest in the atlantikwall on the Channel islands,its a must have DVD.Gerrit van Eijk Holland
P**S
Unmissable for its insight of the centuries of fortifications
A very high quality documentary. Alberto Tabone's commentary is first rate and reveals his extensive knowledge of German fortifications and others on this fascinating and beautiful Channel Island. This is a very detailed look at the subject and I look forward to his future releases.
A**R
A good taster
Purchased this prior to travelling to Alderney to see the fortifications, with an unofficaial group from Subterranea Brittanica.This was to give me a taster of what I had in store and it did. If your a curious or travelling it is well worth buying.
C**N
Up To Date Guide To Island
An up to date guide to what can be seen on Alderney.Essential if planning a visit as either more is discovered and opened to thepublic or some buildings are converted to private use and closed to the public.
K**Y
history of alderney
this dvd is a must for anyone who has been to alderney which is one of my favourite islands.memories flood back as our guide takes us round the various historical sites on the island.definitely a good buy.
