I will admit that I am a victim of the public education system in America. I went to a good high school, but even in the 1980s, it was starting to become apparent that the history of our own country was not being thoroughly taught in the schools, often giving into political correctness.

As a result, I’m embarrassed to say that much of my historical knowledge comes from movies and television, and that’s the worst place to learn. That’s not to knock the History Channel. Rather, it’s a slam on the Hollywood-ification of history we’ve seen take place.

If you don’t believe me, check out IMDb’s section of “goofs” for historical films like the World War II debacle “Pearl Harbor.” If only our kids (and I) watched more of the History Channel.

When I first saw “The Great Raid,” I didn’t have an understanding of the Japanese atrocities during World War II. I was aware that the war raged in the Pacific and that the Philippines were a hot-bed of fighting, but I never fully understood the significance of Bataan or the horrors that filled the Japanese prison camps.

In many ways, “The Great Raid” was an educational experience for me, and the learning didn’t stop once I got the DVD.

The film tells the story of a massive raid launched by the Army Rangers to free more than 500 American POWs in the Cabanatuan prison camp. Through most of the film, we watch the build-up for the raid over five days from the points of view of the Rangers, the POWs and several members of the Filipino underground. It’s a story of heroism and patriotism, and it’s one of those rare films that doesn’t soften history with political correctness.

However, the real power of “The Great Raid” is the ancillary material provided in the DVD. If you check this out, get the unrated director’s cut, which comes in a 2-disc set. In addition to an extended version of the film, this DVD has some of the most educational, dramatic and mind-blowing information you will ever see.

The first disc comes with a commentary from the director, producers, editor, author and technical advisor. There’s also extended deleted scenes with commentary as well as a making-of featurette.

The real meat comes on the second disc with a 60-minute documentary “The Ghosts of Bataan.” This is a heart-wrenching look at the realities of World War II’s Pacific theater. It goes into great detail of how Bataan was lost and how tens of thousands of soldiers (and even more Filipinos) are forced on a death march, then cramped into cargo ships to be sent off as slave labor.

Other historical features include a conversation with veterans, some of which actually survived the Bataan Death March. Author Hampton Sides also gives some distanced historical perspectives of the facts and circumstances surrounding the events of the film.

Other features include a spotlight on Dale Dye, the technical advisor who brought the actors on an intensive boot camp to prepare for the rigorous military experience in the film. There’s extensive information on mixing the film, including a mixing board that will allow you to listen to a sequence with different audio tracks.

The most intriguing feature is an interactive timeline of World War II in the Pacific. Focusing mainly on the Japanese exploits, victories and defeats, it’s shocking to see what Imperial Japan had planned for the world. It also reveals more atrocities, including battles where they wiped out hundreds of thousands of men, women and children in a single event.

However, nothing can compare to the honorable simplicity of the Dedication to the Soldiers of Bataan (comprising the 6th Army Rangers, the Alamo Scouts, the Filipino guerillas, the members of the Manila Underground and the POWs at Cabanatuan) on the second disc. It’s nothing but names – including the 510 that came out of Cabanatuan – set against the music of the film. Knowing the history behind these men’s lives is enough to bring tears to your eyes.



Specifications: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Widescreen (2.40:1), enhanced for 16x9 televisions. Spanish subtitles. English subtitles for the hearing impaired.