"The Battle of Midway" is an important historical film. Imagine...film crews were on the island when it was attacked and soon after rushed this short into theaters to celebrate this HUGE American victory. So, from a historical viewpoint it is an important film. BUT, and there is a but here, seen today the film isn't the wonderful film it was proclaimed to be when it was given an Oscar in 1943. I really think the Oscar purely came because of patriotism--Hollywood's attempt to bolster the war effort by heaping praise and awards on films that drummed up love of country and the war. Seen today, the color print is very faded and scratchy but more importantly the narrative sucks. The film was shot with color but was silent--and all sound effects and narration were added later-- and some of the voiceovers were terrible.
The bottom line is that if you want to see a historical document-- see this. If you want to see a good film that explains the battle well, don't! There are much better documentaries on the battle.
The bottom line is that if you want to see a historical document-- see this. If you want to see a good film that explains the battle well, don't! There are much better documentaries on the battle.