Historical Documentary Films on Blu-ray and DVD

A Different World (1986). Offers a nuanced and subtle look into interwar Poland and the relationship between Jews and Poles during this turbulent yet promising time, a time of hope and transformation, a time that in retrospect – but perhaps only in retrospect – set the stage for the destruction that was to follow. Messenger from Poland (1986) Jan Karski witnessed the Holocaust first hand. He sought to alert the West to the slaughter while it was happening and while they could make a difference. "Messenger from Poland" tells his story in his own world; his words are urgent testimony, urgent still after the passage of 70 years. These films were made for the series The Struggles for Poland for Channel 4.

West Highland (1960, b/w). By 1960, the reign of steam on Britain's most scenic railway was drawing to its close. BBC Scotland made "West Highland" as a tribute to this wonderful line. A Line For All Seasons (1980, colour). "A colourful retrospective of the building of the line." (The Scotsman). West of Inverness (1939, b/w) is an eloquent film about the problems faced by a rural community. and the increasing role for the railway for provisions and goods. The Line to Skye (1973, colour) is another gem from Eddie McConnell. This film was widely shown in support of retaining the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh line.

Night Mail • The GPO Story (1960, b/w). The GPO Story (1986, colour). BBC Arena's tribute to the Unit featuring many of the original filmmakers, including Harry Watt, Basil Wright, Stuart Legg, Edgar Anstey, Chick Fowle, Pat Jackson, R.Q. McNaughton, Ralph Bond and Ken Cameron. Also features Night Mail (1936, b/w), with verse by W H Auden and music by Benjamin Britten, The Midnight Hours (1987, colour), the extraordinary operation of collecting and sorting the nation's mail for distribution by road, rail and air, Post Haste (1988, colour), the 150 years history of the Travelling Post Office, and Mail Rail (1987, colour). The unique Royal Mail Underground Railway in London.

Tartan Cloth of a Nation (1960, b/w). By 1960, the reign of steam on Britain's most scenic railway was drawing to its close. BBC Scotland made "West Highland" as a tribute to this wonderful line. A Line For All Seasons (1980, colour). "A colourful retrospective of the building of the line." (The Scotsman). West of Inverness (1939, b/w) is an eloquent film about the problems faced by a rural community. and the increasing role for the railway for provisions and goods. The Line to Skye (1973, colour) is another gem from Eddie McConnell. This film was widely shown in support of retaining the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh line.