Is 'Das Boot' the greatest ever TV series? It certainly ranks alongside 'Washington - Behind Closed Doors' 'Talking To A Stranger' and 'Edge of Darkness.' But it was made and released as a movie first, but they still managed to get 300 minutes' worth of film out of an original movie cut of 140 and a director's cut of 209?!!! The TV series works because it plays out the length of time, the boredom of wandering the Atlantic looking for prey, and the claustrophobic life of being on a Uboat at rest and under attack. The characters grow or stay the same as nerves and personality gnaw away under tremendous stress and pressure. A magnificent achievement, especially for 1981. It packs a punch, if not quite the same effect as watching 'Salvador' or 'All Quiet on the Western Front' the first time, as it tells the story of a predatory, merciless weapon of pretty vast destruction preying on defenceless merchant ships, whilst at the same time being hunted by an enemy that is technologically and logistically gaining the upper hand. Superbly acted, directed, and staged, this film/TV series stands with the all-time greats - watch and be stunned!
