Pathfinders - The Complete Series [1972]

First thing to say is that I enjoyed this series despite its shortfalls. Consistent with the time production values aren’t great with some questionable scripts, really bad acting and weak story lines, as well as some 1970s haircuts on view. But that is made up by several factors. Firstly there is some excellent original WW2 footage of Lancasters and their crews incorporated into the episodes. Second there are good performances mixed in with the bad. I also like the fact that it makes a really good attempt to capture the spirit of the crews and their different backgrounds. Most important for me is that in the 70s, we were still able to express patriotism and treat these young men as the heroes they were. A series celebrating Bomber Command is unlikely to ever be made again, which is a sad indictment of where we are as a country. So if you want to recall their courage and sacrifice through tv then Pathfinders is the best you are going to get.

Many reviews are knocking the picture quality, though the dvd company could have sorted this out, i have to say i am enjoying it, i am presently reading a book on The Lancaster Bomber,the Pathfinders dvd and book really compliament each other, for instance, 1st dvd episode 2, For better for worse, the aircrew in a pub get all roudy and fight,but reading the book, this is how some aircrews were able to cope with tension and let off steam, while others turned to heavy drinking. Anyway, the original war time scenes are very good, the shows own shots of planes taking off and landing are slightly hazy, but this helps i think to paint a texture on the moment, very well done. some reviewers seem to forget, that in the early 1970's when this show was in production, there were no computer graphics to assist, so stop moaning about the picture quality on your plasma tv's and just thank god that these men in real pathfinders stepped up to the mark so we can live freely today at the expense of their lives.

Was a bit wary reading the reviews about the quality of footage and audio. I had fond memories of watching it in black and white in the early 70's so bought it, hoping for the best. The flight action isn't the best in the long gone days before computer graphics and the airbase is pretty sparse. The acting sometimes suffers due to not so good writing. Despite this, the story lines aren't bad though and are very informative at times. There are some famous actors giving good performances. Robert Urquhart very good as the Wing Commander. Christopher Cazenove, Anthony Valentine also made good appearances. You will either love it or loathe it. I think if you like World War II dramas like myself, you will love this.

A good entertaining account of life in the RAF during WWII. I enjoyed it once and I know I will enjoy it again and for several times over. The producers were a little skimpy on the scenes and some of the script a bit short but in general a very good series of programs to watch. Dennis Waterman played a good part but the part was a bit far fetched.Micky Fynn

I enjoyed the film, my only criticism is that in a few frames the W/Commander’s DSO and DFC ribbons were reversed,l found that a major mistake, but as stated l enjoyed the film.

A reminder of how British television companies could make good quality drama before selling out to the "reality" and "talent" shows of todays TV. Although limited by the production techniques of its day, the 1970's, this is an excellent drama series that mixes Fact and fiction into compelling stories. The CO played by Robert Urquhart is a thinly disguised Group Captain Hamish Mchaddie for instance.An excellent series for those with an interest in Bomber Command and WW2, and a good insight for those with little or no knowledge of this important time in world history and the sacrafices and bravery of that generation.When I was a youngster I used to make sure I came in on the evenings when this series was on, and it has not lost any of its appeal.I strongly recommend this series. Pathfinders - The Complete TV Series [DVD ]

A dated series depicting the pathfinder section of Bomber Command. A series of what seem quite short episodes that fail to deal with what should have been the subject of the series: the highlighting of German targets so that the subsequent RAF bombing would be more accurate. Instead the episodes lack any structural development and deal more with brief relationships and arguments in the bar. Another very annoying feature of this series is the frequent movement of the camera while filming which is very disconcerting. The actors are good but the script and storyline are very disappointing. I have watched the first and part of the second (of three) CDs and think it doubtful if it is worth watching any more. Difficult to see how anyone could recommend this series. Much better to watch are films like:" Mosquito Squadron" or "633 Squadron" which have far superior aerial sequences. A shorter film like "Bomber Harris" would make far better viewing than this series that has virtually nothing to recommend it. Good to see the Lancasters in action but overall I don't think this series is worth the money.

This is a TV series at its best, the men are heroes and the Lancaster's are the heroines. The acting and story lines are good and the action is the edge of the seat type. Each program makes you feel the pressure and nerves of the real Bomber Command crews on operations over Germany, added to this is the relief of getting back after the mission. The music for the series is not so well remembered, but the flying sequences are spot on and well engineered. If you want to know anything about Bomber Command, Lancaster's, Harris Boys or Bennett's commitment to destroy the German war machine then watch this series. Forget political correctness, this is boys giving there all in a good course.