The Unknown War, like so many documentaries prior to the fall of Communism, suffers from the discovery and release of new information. When the Unknown War was originally aired, the Soviet Union controlled virtually all the resource materials available on this important subject. This is obvious from the biased and inaccurate commentary of the host, Burt Lancaster. The commentary fails discuss the atrocities that Stalin ordered on his own people and soldiers as well as captured German soldiers and civilians during and after the war. The documentary also incorrectly interrupts many important events such as the subject of Poland, the atrocities committed by the Partisans and Stalin's involvement of the Katyn massacre to name a few.
However, the footage contained in the documentary is the only reason why it should be re released. Even with all the documentaries that have been released today, they do not contain anywhere near the amount of archival footage available in this documentary series. Most notable would be footage from the Eastern European and Manchurian campaigns. This would be the only reason I would recommend watching this documentary.
If you want historical accuracy and good archive footage, watch the PBS produced "Russia's War" and the BBC produced "War of the Century". These documentaries were produced recently and give an unbiased account of the war on the Eastern Front. If you want to see good footage and hear Soviet propaganda, watch the Unknown War.
However, the footage contained in the documentary is the only reason why it should be re released. Even with all the documentaries that have been released today, they do not contain anywhere near the amount of archival footage available in this documentary series. Most notable would be footage from the Eastern European and Manchurian campaigns. This would be the only reason I would recommend watching this documentary.
If you want historical accuracy and good archive footage, watch the PBS produced "Russia's War" and the BBC produced "War of the Century". These documentaries were produced recently and give an unbiased account of the war on the Eastern Front. If you want to see good footage and hear Soviet propaganda, watch the Unknown War.