Product Description

Let us put an end to this campaign with a crash of thunder that will stun the enemy. The emperor napoleon, A superb record of the Emperor Napoleon s greatest triumph. As the famous sun of Austerlitz rose through the pale mist on the morning of December 2nd 1805, the stage was set for one of the most decisive battles of the Napoleonic era. By evening, the combined armies of Austria and Russia would be utterly destroyed. It was to be Napoleon¹s greatest victory, achieved by a commander at the very peak of his powers. This stunning DVD features dramatised reconstructions and eye-witness accounts, plus Russian archive film footage from underchuck s masterpiece War and Peace . With 3D graphic mapping techniques and delightful period imagery, The Battle of Austerlitz is a memorable account of a bloody battle which had a profound effect on the course of European history. Narrated by Brian Blessed. Featuring expert comment and analysis by Dr David Chandler, the world s foremost military historian and author of 'The Campaigns of Napoleon'.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24054 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-08-16
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 55 minutes

Synopsis
Drawing on dramatised 'eye-witness' accounts, computer generated 3D maps and period imagery, this documentary analyses Napoleon's decisive victory over the combined armies of Russian and Austria on December 2nd 1805.

Customer Reviews

Good presentation of Napoleon at height of his powers
The documentary begins with a clear explanation of the Allies grandiose plan to defeat Napoleon, highlighting the improbability of its success due to issues such as complexity, co-ordination and differing calendars! It moves on to briefly outline the structure of the Grande Armee and benefits of the Corps d'Armee concept; so fundamental to French success. Good to see that old master Prof David Chandler at the height of his powers and demonstrating his unequalled knowledge of the period. The DVD is rich in detail and makes good use of diagramatics: for example when illustrating Napoleon's tactics and movements around the Pratzen Heights. Drawing out many of the key considerations such as foresight, stretched lines of supply, use of deception and ground, and disjointed allied command and control, the analysis provides a clear understanding of events. On the negative side, the ham acting of those portraying French and Austrian narrators of the time leaves a lot to be desired, and the use of clips from other films (such as Waterloo) adds image but little else. Overall: highly recommended.

a victory 200 years ago
Austerlitz 1805 gives information about a battle that was won by Napoleon, as he had a better planning than the opponents who had to coordinate their armies. The bad communication, and rivalry of the leaders, among these armies was one of the problems that resulted in their defeat. The maps show the battlefield and how the armies were placed oppposite each other, and how Napoleon used the weaknes of the opponents defence positions. Maybe the battle experience of the French soldiers was also a contributing factor in the victory. Some short film clips from the War and Peace movie highlights the action.