j_e_bryant Not for the feint of heart . . . it's such a sad chapter in human history. But this 6 disc series definitely is thorough and comprehensive. Highly recommended for those who want to know all the ins and outs of Auschwitz. From its inception to its ultimate destruction . . . and how the Nazis created efficient murder factories. Not only does it interview survivors, but also some of the SS guards. There are first hand accounts of seemingly every aspect of this concentration camp. Well made and worth watching . . .There's a little recap at the end of each Disc where a moderator discusses some issues with various academic types -- and it didn't really add too much to the series as a whole. Seems like a good educational tool for high school students, etc.

Rindiana Too much dramatized scenes for my taste, but otherwise this is another well-made BBC documentary about the Holocaust in general and death camp Auschwitz in particular.The series' director's resistance to tug the viewers' heart strings and him resorting to a matter-of-fact approach instead is welcome, just as it is the case with the wealth of informative interviews both with former Nazis and camp survivors.Some more insight and less actors impersonating Nazi officials and this six-parter would've been a truly great program. Still highly recommended.7 out of 10

ferdinand1932 TV often fails to convey complex information: both in facts and emotionally; instead it mostly serves up the obvious with images to trick our eyes.This documentary sets a new standard: the research is impeccable, the interviews gripping, the production perfect in every respect and finally the horror, the terrible horror of what humans can do, is absolutely clear. A history book could not do a better job.One of the best and bravest aspects of the series is when the interviewers ask a person how they felt about a murder they committed: did they regret it, how do they feel about it now? Those interactions make it worth watching the series alone.

Olivier Laurence Rees tells the most appalling story you have ever heard. Though the documentary is centred on the history of Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp, it also explains the Holocaust as a whole. 'Auschwitz' is made up of 4 elements: Dramatic reconstruction with native actors, high quality computer generated imagery, interviews of eye-witnesses, and astonishing archive footage. The actors play honestly their characters, and perfectly show the unforgivable and cold minded zeal of SS men. The interviews of (former?) Nazis and victims give a crucial human touch to this documentary. The BBC proves, one more time, that quality can go along with TV programme.