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This is the first in a four-part set of DVDs looking at the Waterloo campaign. This first disc covers the background to the campaign, the British, Dutch, Prussian and French armies and the first battles, at Quatre Bras and Ligny. The films are in the format of a guided tour of the battlefields, led by a mix of historians and expert battlefield guides, with a specialist for each of the British, Dutch, Prussian and French armies.
The general approach is nicely low-key, with a mix of direct narrative and discussions between various presenters. The mix of experts means that each army gets a fair mention - in particular the Dutch army which is often dismissed or ignored, but that actually performed rather well at Quatre Bras, where it held up Nay all morning and most of the afternoon before British reinforcements finally arrived. Part One provides a background to the campaign, looking at Napoleon's plans and the British and Prussian responses, before moving on to examine the various armies involved in the fighting - the British (with many German troops), Dutch, Prussians and French. Part Two looks at the narrow Dutch and British victory at Quatre Bras, part three at the narrow French victory at Ligny.
The presentation is low-key but informative. The expert narrative is supported by film of the annual Waterloo re-enactment, and is supported by some clear maps. This is an informative, well presented and gimmick free documentary.
Parts
1 - Introduction
2 - Quatre Bras
3 - Ligny
Edition: DVD
Duration: 90 minutes
Publisher: Pen & Sword Digital
Year: 2011