Day of The Gun

In the centuries since the gun was invented, hundreds of innovators, engineers and inventors have brought their vision together to create what has become one of the most perfectly produced items ever made. This TALES OF THE GUN COLLECTORS SET chronicles the long history of firearm design and construction from the first, primitive weapons to today's computer-controlled, high-tech factories.

The Great War. What many thought would be a short war, "over by Christmas," soon settled into a long slaughter, facilitated by new technology: the improved machine gun, long-range high-explosive artillery, airplanes, tanks, submarines, and mustard gas. The loss of life was unparalleled.

For four years, from 1914 to 1918, World War I raged across Europe's western and eastern fronts after assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria ignited the war. Along the 1915 Gallipoli campaign, the savage combat on the Western Front in France and Belgium came to define modern warfare.

From foot soldiers to fighter pilots, step into the shoes of those who fought for one of the largest armies in history. This series highlights ordinary foot soldiers, intelligence officers, mine pickers, gunners, tank men, marines, alpine and airborne raiders and fighter and attack aviation pilots whose role in the Allied victory over the Nazis played a crucial part in the war effort. Using the latest computer graphics and technology, viewers witness the combat equipment design, tactics and strategy of conducting a battle. Rare newsreel shots and the reconstruction of the events allow viewers to feel they are being transported back to the battlegroud, allowing them to see war through a soldier's eyes.

“In 1946, my great-grandfather murdered a black man named Bill Spann and got away with it.” So begins Travis Wilkerson’s critically acclaimed documentary, DID YOU WONDER WHO FIRED THE GUN?, which takes us on a journey through the American South …

This gripping series shows how some of history's deadliest weapons were used and how the shaped major events. Through a series of modern experiments, viewers get a close look at the effects of blades and bullets on the human body.

The supplemental disc include a host of new features mixed in with older ones that were previously created for the 2001 release. As if the restored films alone would be reason enough to own this set, the extra features are plentiful and mostly informative.

HISTORY is proud to present the definitive collection of documentary programs on World War One. Experience the world-changing events from the birth of what became known as The Great War to the tragic, final day where over 13,000 men died. From the first dogfighters and the Red Baron, to the battle of The Somme, John J. Pershing, The Iron General and the Last Day of WWI. In the four year period from 1914 - 1918, the war was responsible for over 40 million casualties and over 20 million deaths.

Rebuilds of a Vietnam vehicle and a giant anti-aircraft cannon. A mission to piece together a Frankengun known as the Stinger. A D-Day reconstruction like no other. Military history buff Paul Shull continues his quest to touch, hold, and fire some of the greatest pieces of weaponry on the planet. Follow him across the country as he tracks down some of the most iconic weapons from World War II and the Vietnam War, puts them to the test, and hears firsthand accounts from the veterans who used them.

In the second episode, the fighter pilot students at Britain’s very own academy for Top Guns turn their attention to dogfighting. Learning air combat is a key skill if they want to reach their goal of flying solo, and eventually the brand new F35 Lightning. While Andy has aced his flights and passed every one so far, Sedge has previously failed one and knows he must keep up his standards to progress. He says: "There’s a different kind of pressure, bit of pressure to perform today. I wouldn’t say I was nervous, I just want to get in and go now."