DVD Disappointment

Last month I finished reading "Band of Brothers" by Stephen E. Ambrose. Fascinating look at World War II from the direct recollection of the men of Easy Company.

I said at that time that I probably wouldn't watch the HBO series created from the book because Hollywood usually screws up history. However, my dear friend that loaned me the book also recommended the DVD series, so we watched the first disk tonight.

Already I'm quite disappointed. The book spent a great deal of time reviewing their training and the development of their incredible bond, their absolute disgust and downright hatred of Captain Sobel's ways (but that they still credited him with their being the most fit and prepared unit in the entire military). The DVD barely touched on their years of training in the first disk. It was such a hodge-podge that someone who hadn't read the book would have a hard time seeing any cohesiveness to the story, the commeraderie already present within months of beginning their training.

They dismissed so much good material that I'm not so sure I want to go on any further with the DVD's. I mean it would be understandable if it were a two hour movie, but we're talking a mini-series here.

About the only thing I really appreciate at this point is the fact that they started off with quick comments from several of the still living members of Easy Company. They also did a great job with casting the man who plays Dick Winters. (To be) Captain Winters was the heart and soul that held fast the men of Easy and he still garners enormous respect and gratitude from the men today.

In the meantime, I'll have to chew on this a bit to see if I have the stomach to continue on watching - in more ways than one.

Soldier Shout-out

Today I had to take the car in for an oil change and service. Since I need transportation it's money that must be spent. It wasn't supposed to take very long so I decided to start reading a book I borrowed from a friend - "Band of Brothers" by Stephen E. Ambrose.

I'm only about fifty-five pages into it but can already tell that I'm really going to enjoy this book. It's like looking at World War II from the inside - well, I guess it really is an inside look through the eyes of Easy Company.

There was apparently an HBO miniseries created from this book but not sure if I will watch it. War movies are not my favorite fare, what with the obviously gruesome content that surely awaits in their battles. I realize blood and guts are an unfortunate part of battle, but I just don't want to fill my mind with the actual images.

Believe me - I have a vivid enough imagination to understand what is to come just from reading. The fact that this represents very real events and very real people makes it too important to try and trivialize by watching it mindlessly on a screen.

So when I'm finished with the book I will possible discuss some of what I read in a review. Already my respect for these soldiers is swelling. No telling what it will be like by the time I'm done.

God bless our soldiers - each and every one.