The documentary about World War I features never-before-seen footage to commemorate the centennial of the end of the war. 'The Lord of the Rings' director managed to pull off the huge technical achievement of adjusting much of the black and white footage into colour.
The documentary also featured restored recorded interviews with British soldiers involved in the war, giving viewers a very real insight into what it might have been like.
Holy shit, that cut to high def colour was intense. This is astounding #TheyShallNotGrowOld
— Declan ‘Big Dec Energy’ Cashin (@Tweet_Dec) November 11, 2018
That moment when the colour kicks in is jaw dropping. Audio dubbing is done with modern actors and shell sounds, so if you see a WW1 soldier speaking that is an actor overdubbing. Lip-readers were used to ensure dialogue accuracy #TheyShallNotGrowOld
— Greg Jenner (@greg_jenner) November 11, 2018
These audio interviews were conducted by the BBC in the 60s and 70s. The images are from the Imperial War Museum film archive.
The focus is narrow, a very British story; that was Peter Jackson’s choice to give it intensity. So it’s not a broad overview #TheyShallNotGrowOld
— Greg Jenner (@greg_jenner) November 11, 2018
It’s very rare that genuinely life-changing television comes around - if you haven’t already, turn to BBC2 now and take a good deep breath . . .#TheyShallNotGrowOld
— Paul Rigby (@PaulRigbywrites) November 11, 2018
Quite extraordinary moment in #TheyShallNotGrowOld when the image is first enhanced by colour & sound. #PeterJacksonpic.twitter.com/9S8nWsLTvi
— Tim Hubbard (@tweetTimHubbard) November 11, 2018
Breathtaking, jaw-dropping film from Peter Jackson @BBCTwo Colourisation of life in the WW1 trenches - should be compulsory viewing #TheyShallNotGrowOld https://t.co/fegFHnpntI
— Alastair Eykyn (@alastaireykyn) November 11, 2018
Holy shit. If you're not watching Peter Jackson's 'They Shall Not Grow Old', stop what you're doing and catch up immediately. That moment he makes the switch to colour and slows the frame rate is simply spine tingling. A chill went up my body. Incredible. #TheyShallNotGrowOld
— Mike Brannan ? (@hithisiswes) November 11, 2018
Thought I knew a fair bit about the lives of soldiers in WW1. Now open-mouthed and tearful at the deafening, stinking, suppurating, grisly horror of it, as revealed by #TheyShallNotGrowOld. Should be seen by everyone, for generations to come.
— Annie McNamara (@AnnieActrice) November 11, 2018
Those watching #TheyShallNotGrowOld should remember this is just one part of one side's war on one front. Chilling to think of the amount of families directly impacted.
— Keith Mills (@KeithMillsD7) November 11, 2018
Just give Peter Jackson the Oscar the now...this is a stunning technical achievement. So moving...?#TheyShallNotGrowOld
— Scottie Bhoy (@scottiebhoy72) November 11, 2018
Watching the British soldiers getting on with the German soldiers who they’ve just captured, just shows the madness of war and the responsibility of the world’s leaders to prevent it! #TheyShallNotGrowOld
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) November 11, 2018
One of the most incredible and intensely moving documentaries that you will ever see. History from over 100 years ago brought to life by Peter Jackson and the @I_W_M #TheyShallNotGrowOld #ArmisticDay100 pic.twitter.com/WdGb19RfGT
— Ian (@__LivinTheDream) November 11, 2018
Excellent documentary on WW1 #TheyShallNotGrowOld on @BBCTwo from Peter Jackson Stunning restoration work to bring alive the experience of the veterans in a way I've never seen before.
— Derek O'Neill (@Deller1) November 11, 2018
Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how Peter Jackson made the documentary if you're curious...
