The Pacific War in Color

Watch The Pacific War in Color

  • TV-14
  • 2018
  • 1 Season
  • 8.5  (217)

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 is currently running and has 1 seasons (9 episodes). The series first aired on June 24, 2018.

The Pacific War in Color
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Seasons
From the Ashes
8. From the Ashes
August 12, 2018
By the summer of 1945, the Allies are reducing Japan to ashes, but there's no sign of surrender. While a ground invasion seems imminent, a casualty estimate of U.S. soldiers in the hundreds of thousands leads President Truman to a decision that will not only end the war, but forever change the course of warfare. Color combat footage and witness accounts of the atomic bombings provide rare insights into the final days of the Pacific War.
From the Ashes
8. From the Ashes
August 12, 2018
By the summer of 1945, the Allies are reducing Japan to ashes, but there's no sign of surrender. While a ground invasion seems imminent, a casualty estimate of U.S. soldiers in the hundreds of thousands leads President Truman to a decision that will not only end the war, but forever change the course of warfare. Color combat footage and witness accounts of the atomic bombings provide rare insights into the final days of the Pacific War.
No Surrender
7. No Surrender
August 5, 2018
By the spring of 1945, America begins to take back the Philippines, Manila is liberated after a devastating battle, and the USO show comes to boost morale. On Borneo, the Australians invade Labuan and liberate the Indonesians from oppressive Japanese occupation. When the U.S. invades Okinawa, Japan makes a strong stand and launches the biggest kamikaze attacks of the war. Record-shattering casualties
Fire from the Sky
6. Fire from the Sky
July 29, 2018
Allies slug it out on the nearby island of Peleliu in a long and bloody campaign to pave the way for General MacArthur's return to the Philippines. Never-before-broadcast footage shows troops enduring the muddy muck in the Philippines that bogs down the supply line. In the Battle of Leyte Gulf, an immensely fierce naval battle, Japan unveils a devastating new tactic: the kamikaze. Finally, General LeMay designs a radical raid on Japan, resulting in the deadliest single day of the war
Striking Distance
5. Striking Distance
July 22, 2018
Allied forces move to take two valuable islands that threaten American air operations: Tinian and Guam. Taking back Guam, a U.S. territory with a Marine base before the war, is both personal and tactical to the Navy. Meanwhile, in India, rising star General Curtis LeMay is tasked with a top-secret assignment: fly over "The Hump"
The Enemy Underground
4. The Enemy Underground
July 15, 2018
By summer of 1944, America is gaining the upper hand in the Pacific War with better training, troop numbers and supply lines, but the Japanese dig in and exact brutal tolls with each foothold. The U.S. aims for the heart of Japan's inner defense ring, engaging in a historic naval battle for Saipan in the Marianas. America plans to rush in to service the new top-secret, long-range Boeing B-29 bomber to strike directly at the mainland.
Island Hopping
3. Island Hopping
July 8, 2018
In the fall of 1943, the U.S. engages in a new series of island-hopping invasions, starting with the Gilbert and Marshall Islands and driving up through the Central Pacific. The first stop is the Tarawa atoll, where thousands of troops embark upon the largest amphibious invasion ever staged in the Pacific to fight one of the costliest battles of the war. Never-before-seen color footage from a captain in the U.S. Army Air Force shows airman camp life and low-level air attacks on Kavieng, New Guinea.
Shockwaves
2. Shockwaves
July 1, 2018
Months after the Pearl Harbor attack, shockwaves of war shake every corner of the Pacific, and young Americans deploy to stem the enemy advance. Culture clashes within the Allies erupt in Australia, but Allied forces later bond over efforts to thwart Japan's move to control New Guinea. Rare footage from military cameramen and other soldiers capture life behind the battle lines, showing there is more to the war than combat.
An Ocean Apart
1. An Ocean Apart
June 24, 2018
The series premiere reveals some of the first color images of the peaceful locations that the Pacific War will soon make infamous - Midway, Wake Island and Guam. They are among the last films taken before the region is thrust into chaos. Viewers relive the surprise attack on America's naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 through the only known color footage of the raid and devastation, filmed by sailor Clyde Daughtry. As the world struggles to respond to Japan's blitz, a patriotic surge unites a divided America and inspires tens of thousands to enlist.
Description
Where to Watch The Pacific War in Color
The Pacific War in Color is available for streaming on the Smithsonian CHANNEL website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Pacific War in Color on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Vudu, FuboTV, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    June 24, 2018
  • IMDB Rating
    8.5  (217)