A brand-new documentary examining the Allied landings on Normandy has been released. Directed by Bruce Vigar, D-Day 80th Anniversary explores the planning, execution and aftermath of what’s considered the turning point in the fight against Germany during World War II.
Taking place on June 6, 1944, the D-Day landings saw well over 100,000 Allied troops from the likes of Britain, the United States, Canada and more cross the English Channel to Normandy where they made ground on five beaches – Omaha, Juno, Sword, Utah and Gold – and began moving into France. The aim was to take the Germans by surprise, meaning the lead-up to the landings was shrouded in secrecy and deception.
Following the fighting on June 6, which resulted in several thousand casualties on both sides, the Allies began their push inland. Over the next few months, they fought the Germans for control of several French towns and cities, with the climax coming with a near week-long battle for Paris, which ended on August 25, with the German surrender of the city.
With Paris no longer under their control, the Germans retreated across the Seine, and the Battle of Normandy officially came to a close on August 30, 1944.
Released with the aid of Reel 2 Reel Films, D-Day 80th Anniversary is described as an “eye-opening film, which will appeal to audiences of all ages, [offering] an enthralling exploration of Operation Overlord’s planning, execution and aftermath.”
Featuring interviews with eyewitnesses, historians and military experts, as well as archival footage, the documentary “sheds light on the strategic decisions, heroic acts and human sacrifices that defined this momentous day.”
As aforementioned, the documentary is directed by Bruce Vigar, who is well-known in the world of military documentaries. His previous releases have primarily focused on World War II, with notable titles being The Blitz and Stories from the Blitz, both of which debuted in 2021, and 2020’s VE Day: Forever in Their Debt and Battle of Britain: Empty Skies.
He also released The Flying Scotsman – 100th Anniversary (2022), about the famed locomotive of the same name.
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D-Day 80th Anniversary is currently available on digital, Video on Demand and DVD.