WWII in HD: Point of No Return (2009)
**** (out of 4)
After the extremely graphic and masterfully done previous episode, I was expecting some form of fall back but that really doesn't happen as the battles really start to pick up and the U.S. and Allies find themselves in even more danger. This episode takes a look at the Battle of Peleliu as well as the Allies attempt to break into Germany. The aftermath of Peleliu is explained pretty simply as 10,000 American solders are dead or wounded. That number alone is rather amazing as is this entry in the series, which once again features some brilliant color sequences as well as some more very graphic images of dead, mutilated bodies. We learn that the Japanese death toll was even higher during this matter where they actually outnumbered the Americans, which wasn't the norm for them. The film also takes a look at the extreme heat (115 degrees) and the dehydration they were facing as their water ended up getting tainted with gasoline somehow. The scenes of the men on this island were pretty harrowing as they were facing great odds because the Japanese had planned that their best defense was to kill as many soldiers as they could. The entering Germany moments weren't detailed as much in this episode, although I'm sure that's going to change in future entries. Soldier Charles Scheffel makes what I believe is his final appearance here as he talks about his final battle and the aftermath of his soul leaving his body. A pretty powerful story and conclusion of events.