America's Atomic Bomb Tests - The Collection

Operation Tumbler Snapper (47 min) - Despite its effectiveness in World War II, little was actually known about an A-bomb's power. What ships could survive a blast and what ships couldn't? Just how powerful was the shock wave? These are the tests that provided the answers that today are the core of America's nuclear weapons knowledge. Formerly classified material documents Operation Tumbler Snapper, which detonated small yield atomic weapons to determine their effectiveness on troops, animals and buildings. At Ground Zero (74 Min) - Full photographic coverage of the only tests ever conducted of the effects of a nuclear bomb on a typical American community. The nuclear bomb was brought to "America's doorstep" during an unusual series of nuclear tests conducted in the Nevada desert in the 1950s. At Ground Zero contains the first-ever compilation of the full-length official documentaries that chronicle the effects of these tests as the full fury of a nuclear bomb is demonstrated on the typical American home. Operation Hardtack (90 min) - A priceless history of some of the most unusual nuclear weapons tests ever. Sixty two nuclear bombs were detonated as part of the Operation Hardtack series of nuclear tests. One of the few operations ever to be conducted at both the Pacific Proving Grounds and the Nevada Test Site, Hardtack combined balloon, surface, barge, underwater, underground, tower and missile shots.

Awesome nuclear tech info

Awesome detail on atomic bomb tests. Great for the nuclear hobbiest, especially if you want more detail on the tests. October 14, 2007

Very technical, but still very interesting

This DVD is a great complement to the DVD's offered by VCE(Trinity and Beyond, Nukes in Space, etc). By itself, it is a highly technical look at the process of testing materials, military equipment, and building materials during three atomic test series covered on the DVD set. The quality of the film varies between the three discs. The last Civil Defense video on Disc 2 suffers a lot of audio warble, unfortunately. But, it is nice to see these important historical documents preserved in a digital format.

I've owned Trinity and Beyond for several years, and I really enjoy the way it is presented. But, it has to cover so many tests in a short amount of time that it skims over a lot of information about testing procedures, etc. You begin to get the impression that the military was doing these tests for their own amusement. After watching this DVD, I have a much better understanding of the entire process. It's easy to see why the military was eager to do so many tests in the early days of the atomic weapons program. The science of the atomic bomb was a moving target, and this DVD outlines the research they made.

Though I would never like to see anyone use atomic weapons ever again, their sheer power is fascinating, beautiful, and frightening at the same time. If you are interested in the science of atomic testing, you should really take a look at this set. March 5, 2007

Okay, but VERY techincal

If you are looking for video of actual bomb tests, this video is NOT for you. It is basically actual D.O.D reels declassified. It shows many in-depth testing measuring blast waves, heat etc. Good if you are of the sceintific nature, but gets a little boring if you are just looking for some 'action'. February 9, 2006

Historically Important Technical Documentaries

I bought this collection at the same time I bought the "Atomic Bomb Collection". I found these two packages to be very complimentary. While the "Atomic Bomb Collection" contained documentaries focusing on nuclear weapons development and testing that were intended for general audiences (very good, by the way), this collection contains documentaries prepared by the US government as technical briefings for military and other government personnel. They provide a lot of interesting information, although it is likely to be a little more technical than some may prefer. But anyone with a high school level understanding of science can easily follow what's presented.

One will learn a lot about nuclear weapons and their effects from these films. Personally, I found them fascinating, and I'm sure I will watch them again to improve my understanding and address new questions that may arise in my mind. For those interested in science, Cold war history, or technological development, I recommend these films highly.

p.s.: The documentaries are from the late 50's, and they are presented in the style that was common in those days. That, in and of itself, is an interesting look back for the historian. September 30, 2005

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