With exciting footage and commentary on the seven major phases of the war in Europe, this four-tape set from the History Channel covers everything from the desert war to the Battle of the Bulge, from Normandy to the air war over Europe. The first volume contains "The Greatest Conflict: North Africa--The Desert War" (60 minutes); the second, "The Beachhead at Anzio: D-Day--The Normandy Invasion" (45 minutes); the third, "Pursuit to the Rhine: The Bomber Offensive--Air War in Europe" (45 minutes); and the fourth, "The Battle of the Bulge: The Battle of Germany" (45 minutes). This boxed set can be criticized for a certain superficiality: this isn't The World at War, after all. Although it is not an exhaustive history, it is an attention-grabbing and diverse collection of video from naval engagements and air dogfights to hand-to-hand combat. In the end, this is one of more complete videologues of the European theater. --Erik Macki
