Ep 2. Shockwaves

The Pacific War in Color is a historical documentary series that explores the events and battles of World War II through restored and colorized footage. In season 1 episode 2, titled Shockwaves, viewers are taken on a journey through the beginnings of the Pacific War and the aftermath of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

The episode starts with the immediate aftermath of Pearl Harbor, as the United States tries to come to terms with the devastating attack. The images of destroyed ships and airplanes are vividly colored, bringing the intensity and chaos of the moment to life. We see President Roosevelt address Congress and declare war on Japan, setting the stage for the Pacific War.

The episode then shifts to the Philippines, where General Douglas MacArthur is leading American forces against the Japanese. Colorized footage shows the brutal jungle warfare that characterized the early days of the Pacific War, with soldiers fighting through dense vegetation and dealing with tropical diseases. Interviews with veterans who were there add a personal touch to the history, as they describe the fear and uncertainty they faced during the campaign.

While the focus of the episode is on the United States, we also get a glimpse into the Japanese perspective. Footage of Japanese soldiers preparing for battle is colorized, and we see their training and tactics in action during battles in the Philippines. It's a startling reminder that the war was fought by humans on both sides, with their own hopes and fears.

One particularly striking segment of the episode deals with the Battle of Midway. The battle was a turning point in the Pacific War, as American forces were able to turn the tide against the Japanese navy. Colorized footage of planes taking off from aircraft carriers and engaging in dogfights over the Pacific is vivid and thrilling, capturing the intensity of the battle. Interviews with veterans who were there lend a sense of reality to the history, as they describe the adrenaline and fear they felt during the battle.

Throughout the episode, we see the human toll of the war. Colorized footage of soldiers being treated for wounds and diseases is graphic, but it underscores the fact that war is not just about grand strategies and tactics, but about individual people who suffer and lose their lives. We see soldiers writing letters home, trying to maintain their connections with loved ones despite the difficulties of war.

As the episode draws to a close, we see the impact of the Pacific War on the home front. Footage of American families saying goodbye to soldiers before they ship out is poignant, as is footage of Japanese-American families being forced into internment camps. The episode ends on a sobering note, as we are reminded that the Pacific War was a global catastrophe that touched the lives of millions of people.

Overall, Shockwaves is a powerful episode of The Pacific War in Color. By using restored and colorized footage, the series brings the history of World War II to life in a way that is both engaging and informative. The personal stories of soldiers and civilians add depth and emotion to the history, making it clear that war is ultimately a human endeavor.