jfthomas
Very imaginative and well executed, plays like a genuine History Channel documentary.
This "mockumentary" is not for laughs, but a fascinating vehicle for science fiction.
I have long wished that someone would make a movie based on "War of the Worlds," and keep the setting in H. G. Wells' era when the concept of alien technology would be beyond the imagination of the people of those times. While this is not that story, this film comes closest to fulfilling my wish.
firstconsul
I watched this BBC production "The Great Martian War" and found it a hoot to watch, especially for those that have spent the last several years watching History, History International, PBS and/or BBC productions sealing with historical events such as WWII, the Depression, Rise of Hitler, etc.Yes, as the previous viewer says, they re-use the same "historical" film clips from the War (1913-1918) over and over and over. Because that is EXACTLY what they do in the shows they are making a parody of!! Plus, think about it-- how many bits of film do you suppose you'd SEE from the Martian War? Watch a documentary on WWI and see how many times you see the same clips. If I had a beef with technique, it would not be the low budget graphics (which, again, lends itself to being a "documentary", not a sci-fi movie) but the fact that the past interviews seen in the film, although they go for the quality of film or video for the time still seem a bit out of sync. The 1990s interviews, for instance are still a bit too clear for video transfer. The 1970s look more like 1980s videotape, for instance.Of some interest is how they splice the history of WWI into an alternate history of the Great Martian War. The rise of underwater sea war and power (for instance), the general use of new technology for warfare, the sinking of the "Aquitania" that begins to drive the Americans to enter the War, etc. Even the end-- with the spread of the "Martian Flu", parallels the spread of Spanish Flu after WWI. All and all, I'd say a "documentary" to be seen by those fans of the History Channel (back when it played history shows) and historical documentaries in general. If you are looking for "The Avengers" science fiction, go look somewhere else.
spotter-2
I thought this is a well executed program. At first I thought I was going to hate it due to the recycled footage. Then I remembered that WWI documentaries are stuck with the same problem. Movie cameras were bulky, finicky and needed the right light, etc. Th interviews were pretty good. I like the use of lighting techniques to make the interviews look "old". Good performances all. I did like the two buddies from the American Frontiersmen.As a long time alternate history buff, I liked it. Though I did see what I believe are flaws. Such as, where are the Russians? I don't think Tsar Nicky II would sit idly by while France is invaded and most of Germany destroyed. The late entry of the U.S.? An alien invasion has taken place, even Wilson would see there is no time to lose. The American Frontiersman was a nice touch. Though I think Teddie Roosevelt would have led it, health conditions not withstanding. A good effort.
