Winds of War-Part 1-7

Despite staggering flaws in the casting of this epic drama, Robert Mitchum saves the day and dominates this brilliant series. Anyone who has read Herman Wouk's book probably cringed when picturing Mitchum as the short, 50-ish Pug Henry and he is physically all wrong for the part. But you don't care once he sleepily walks onto the screen and gives one of the most understated and "I don't give a damn" performances of his career. Is Mitchum too old for the part? You bet. Could he have shown a bit more emotion, especially in the love seens? Undoubtedly. Does it compromise the series or detract? Absolutely not.The problems with this drama emanate from the other cast members. Ali McGraw as Natalie delivers one of the most wretchedly acted performances in all of TV history. Her over-acting, melodramatic pauses and pacing of her lines is simply atrocious. It's impossible not to laugh uproariously at her silly attempts to project human emotion in any form. Jan-Michael Vincent is similarly bad and completely outclassed by everyone else in the production (except the insipid Ali McGraw). Their scenes together are well-written but spoiled by two actors who should have pursued a different profession.John Houseman and Polly Bergen are outstanding in their roles. Watch Houseman, a brilliant actor, in his scenes with wither Vicent or McGraw. You will cringe when you see his majestry and their weak, vain attempts to try and act on the same stage with this master! One does wish, however, that Aaron Jastrow and the endless wrangling with his passport would end. They draw this plot line out to insufferably long duration.The best parts of the mini-series are undoubtedly the romance between Mitchum and Pamela Tudsbury. Even though their chemistry seems strained, what woman wouldn't pursue Robert Mitchum across the globe and back, even when he is pushing 70? Buy me a ticket.For anyone who loves World War II and a classy production, this is your baby. I've watched it a dozen times and never weary of it. Highly recommended!

me mandaron la película con subtítulos en holandés. el hecho de que el formato no sea usa no quiere decir que los subtítulos no sean en ingles, no les vuelvo a comprar nada, no quiero que se sigan comunicando conmigo anymora.

One of the best mini-series ever shown on TV. I enjoyed being taken back to the time it was shown. All the actors are wonderful and I miss seeing actors like this now. Thank you so much.

Bluray not of quality that I expected.

Highly problematic but ultimately engrossing mini-series about the travails of a military family in the days leading up to WWII. Robert Mitchum is too old for the lead and often seems disinterested. (Although he does have a couple of terrific scenes on the Phillipine Islands near the end of the saga. They remind you of what a fine actor he could be.) Victoria Tennant -- she of average looks and below-average ability -- is inexplicably cast as Pamela Tudsbury and lends no credibility as Mitchum's would-be paramour. However, she's Meryl Streep when compared to Ali MacGraw's Natalie Henry, which is one of the most inept performances in the history of the mini-series. MacGraw apparently took Acting 101 at some point, and seems quite proud of the one or two mannerisms she displays throughout.On the other hand, you get an outstanding performance by Polly Bergen as Rhoda Henry (who always seems far too formidable the milk-faced Pamela), and solid work from Topol, Jeremy Kemp, and David Dukes. Jan-Michael Vincent grows on you, after a shaky start. Plus, the era and story are undeniably fascinating, and director Dan Curtis keeps the complicated narrative organized and moving forward. The set pieces are generally well-handled, and I'd say that the location work is unbeatable, except that he beats it in "War and Remembrance."So, if you can overlook the miscasting of key roles, "Winds" is definitely worth the investment. I must admit that I watch it every year.

Herman Wouk wrote an absolute masterpiece. Winds of War is without a doubt the very best historical novel in the war genre. Dan Curtis equally directs the benchmark that mini-series will be measured by for years to come.Casting for Winds of War was perfect when it came to matching Wouk's characters. Despite the age differences Ali McGraw and Jan-Michael Vincent were absolutely perfect as the independent and fickle Natali Jastrow and the bull-headed Byron Henry. Robert Mitchum is the glue that holds the story together in a flawless performance as Victor "Pug" Henry, the man that meets everyone that is anyone in his role as a Naval Attache stationed in Berlin in the pre-World War II years. One of the best ever ensemble casts include stand-outperformances by Polly Bergen as Pug Henry's hard-drinking wife Rhoda, not to mention Topol, David Dukes, Victoria Tennant and John Houseman.Winds of War has become a semi-annual event for our family. It is simply so entertaining that it never grows tiresome. The historical value alone makes it worth having in your home library.

Herman Wouk is a brilliant writer who goes to exacting detail to share a story. This made-for-TV effort does him proud.While telling a great story of interesting people caught up in the malestrom of World War II, this film also gives a depiction of history that proves you don't have to embellish or alter it to make it palpable to your audience (you reading this, Oliver Stone?).This story is riveting and well-crafted. Knowing you can't improve on perfection (the book), the producers don't try. They just transfer it to a visual medium.Whether you are movie lover, or a student of history, you will enjoy this show. You might just learn something as well.

I wanted this movie sent it back could not play it on my blu-ray player needed a multi regional player did not see that when I order this