I have high respect for them. When normally actors get their script a month prior to a table read, these men read history and went to a real bootcamp to portray the best soldier impression on screen.
Eh, Id way more respect them spending 5 days in Ft. Benning or Parris Island getting their asses smoked. Would it be horrible? Sure. But acting is an art, right? If you want to get it right you want to know what Real is. The training in this video isn't real at all.
@@gman52712 it poses a legal issue though, you can’t push contracted employees too far, even actors. So it can’t be a real basic experience unless they all agree to explicit terms.
Now I know why Ron Livingston turned around and waved back to me on a bridge in Des Moines summer 2007, when I yelled "Band of Brothers". Always my favorite actor.
Now I understand why I have watched Band of Brothers 5-7 times. It looked so real, the actors have worked very hard and prepared so well. They have taken training literally, read books on maps and war. I absolutely loved this show more than any series I have watched. Also, this summer I started reading Band of Brothers book. I feel bad though, as very few people have watched this show and there are no WW2 fans around me to talk to.
Consider either joining a local reenactment group or perhaps looking for a community on games like ArmA 3 if you have a good PC (if you just look at the Steam discussions for ArmA 3 you can find plenty of WW2 groups!)
This diary always makes me chuckle, Ron really was portraying himself, wasn’t he? It’s not a criticism, it just highlights how good the casting was. It’s frankly bonkers how many of the young actors picked for minor roles in the series have gone on to have stellar careers, Tom Hardy, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Andrew Scott, Stephen Graham, quite the list. Somewhere on TH-cam there is a mini-documentary about the UK-based cast’s annual summer reunion, it’s absolutely adorable.
@@Lunarcheese72 i just finished watching it again and its crazy how many really good actors have a background role or a character who dies within the same shot/episode
God I remember how annoying it was to watch these on the DVD. Like ten parts of 6 minute entries that you had to go back into the menu, select the next one, watch the same intro again and the re-cap. So for that reason only, you're a bloody good egg.
Ron Livingston is an underrated actor.... He has good range for someone who hasn't been in a lot of blockbuster movies. He did phenomenal in this series.....
Good range? I like the guy, but he always plays someone who doesn't care. He was even in a series called "Loudermilk" where he played a guy who doesn't care.
@@kyleh3615 I can't afford them anymore. I bought mine in the PX at Ft. Bliss in 1966, lol. Think I paid $20 for them. Still got 'em, still got the spit shine!
@@kyleh3615 I have a pair since 2017.. beautiful boots.. I want another brown pair and a black pair as well. I hope they're still bifl by the time I'm able to buy them
Band Of Brothers is literally the only series I routinely view each year at least once. You gentlemen did those soldiers a great deal respect and it helps me have a better perspective of my own personal life. Great job guys!
It's not hard to understand why the actors themselves remain such good friends to this day. They truly did share in an experience in making this series that was like no other. Everybody involved worked hard together and the results are on the screen every time we watch it. They did Easy Company proud I think.
I served in the 101st from ‘98-‘00 in 2/502 Infantry and am very proud to be a Screaming Eagle for life. CPT. Dye did an outstanding job of training these guys and giving them a taste of what it’s really like, but he’s the real deal himself. I’m glad Ron Livingston made this mini documentary and shared it with the world as well. This mini-series is one of my favorite movies, and they did the 101st proud! All of us who have ever worn that famous patch are proud and honored to share, and be a part of that history. Thanks for doing such an awesome and realistic job of telling our division’s history. 👍🏻👍🏻
He is the real deal alright: "On March 18, 1968, Dye replaced an assistant machine gunner who had been killed. The machine gun position was isolated forward of the remainder of the battalion. Although he was wounded, Dye exposed himself to "intense enemy fire" to retrieve ammunition for the machine gun to help hold off PAVN soldiers during an all-night firefight. During other engagements, he exposed himself to enemy fire to rescue several wounded Marines and a Navy corpsman. As a result of his actions, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for heroism"
"Make the world proud of Easy Company." Boy did they do a great job of that...and then some. A great series with wonderfully dedicated actors portraying some of the finest heroes in our history.
I love how they were called by their character's names, and how they became Easy Company. At 38: 30, Damien Lewis BECAME Lt.Winters. By the end, they looked like Easy Company. Loved this.
I met Dale Dye when he did his first ever actors' boot camp in the movie Platoon, where I was working as key set dresser. The production staff was just as shell-shocked as the cast were, specially the armorers and special effects guys: In less than ten days they had already gone through almost all of their blank ammo and smoke grenades and blasting equpment intended for the actual shooting. On graduation night Capt. Dye commandeered all our beer props and the cast all drank themselves into a stupor, and then at 0600 the very next day, in their hangover and two-week old unwashed uniforms, we started shooting. Instant authenticity. For the rest of the shoot he would continue to be Oliver Stone's day-to-day inspector of what was real and not about a scene and its elements. We would also see them suffer through intense acid flashbacks during crucial scenes, as when we shot the village massacre.
Capt. Dale has certainly made the difference in modern war film. As a war correspondent, he did see a lot of war- it wasn't the cush REMF job some thought it to be.
The best WWII reproduction I have ever came across, that and SPR back in 1998 when I was middle school, saw it in the big screen, just blew me away. I take the opportunity to watch the BoB series about twice a year to remind me of the men that fought selflessly for our country and I reflect on the men who didn't come back, I especially think of Sgt. Warren "Skip" Muck.
That is so awesome that Capt. Dale Dye did those runs with them! If he was born in '44, and this was filmed around 2000, he would have only been in his mid fifties, despite the white hair making him look older. Watching this twenty years later, we might think for a moment that he's doing these runs in his seventies, (and I wouldn't really be surprised if he was), but the fact is he was still in his fifties when this was filmed. Still impressive nonetheless; the guy is a legend!
Favorite Dale Dye story: during the battle of Hue in 1968, as a joke, had put a plastic daisy in his helmet band. At one point, while he was running next to a stone wall, he heard a shot. When he got to his destination and was resting, he saw that the top of the daisy had been shot off. At first he laughed, then realized that a sniper had been tracking his movement by the flower sticking up above the wall, and the guy was accurate enough to clip it off from across the Perfume River.
I had the pleasure and honor of training under Capt. Dye for a week in 1991 as an extra in Last of The Mohicans. It was a hot, sweaty, painful week followed by 5 more hot, sweaty weeks of shooting the Ft. William Henry and "Massacre Valley" scenes. Wouldnt trade those memories for the world.
@@lonewulf44 it is a shame. The reason was quite simple though. To have built the fort to last indefinitely would have doubled or tripled it's cost. It was built to last only long enough to get the movie shot. After filming had finished and the state road that passes right below the fort was cleared and reopened my mother and I drove over to take some pictures. When we arrived we started moving across the trenchworks and cannon batteries in front of the fort, expecting at any moment to be asked to leave. No one ever came out to challenge us so we walked right up to the fort, still no one stopped us. We went inside and shot about 5 rolls of film worth of pics. Some day I'm going to scan and make a video out of those and some props we bought from the production company.
@@quadrono5714 definitely would like to see those pictures, and I understand the reason, but I wish they would have somehow just left it, even in a decrepit state it would have been interesting. Dangerous side, I can imagine people coming together to actually fund the upkeep as well, if nothing else as a tourist attraction. Good information though, thanks
Oh man you can be proud, this film is a MASTERPIECE. The scene with both armies parlaying is one of a kind, in the whole history of cinema... I had no idea Cap. Dale Dye worked on it too!!!!
One of the best war series I have ever seen, well acted, trained and the actors did the real 506th proud. I have watched this series again and again and have never tired of it
That speech Dye gives at the end is pretty epic for someone who didn't know they were being filmed. And he was bang on about how amazing the show was gonna end up being.
Lewis is the most relatable character portrayed. Ron really made that happen. Had his vices, but was there through it all, even got a third combat jump by the end. And he was a good intel officer, but didn't play Army politics.
I thought saving private Ryan was the greatest war movie ever made. This series band of brothers. Blow it out of the water!! I watch it every year the first week af June. I still get emotional, angry, and happy with the same scene every year. It never gets old or loses any of its impact on me.
I'm a worn out old Vet. These guys told the story of the Real People more truely than any others ever have. I love that to the core of my being. Their work has given the best understanding of the men of that time, for all future generations, than could have been hoped for.
All this training really showed on screen. I've watched the series three times and will certainly watch again. In an odd way, I feel it's a privilege to be able to watch Band of Brothers.
man ... already love Dye for his work, the man himself ... but still was impressed with his little address at the end. The man just exudes authenticity. Great speech.
The thing that reminded me most of the Army was the stupid banter when they were standing around waiting, in line, or being packed like sardines in trucks, or polishing boots.
It's my second time watching this in two weeks and I'm still amazed at Livingston's ability to articulate clearly his ideas in a compelling narrative and the feelings that they went through Thanks for posting this
To held such a boot camp improves war films/series for sure. Great moment for the actors to receive their jump wings. I myself served in the German Army as a paratrooper (3./Fallschirmjägerbataillon 273) from 1987 to 1988 when we still had conscription. Got my German jump wings and later, when we trained together with a unit of the Red Falcons (82nd airborne) I got the American jump wings too. I love Band of Brothers! Glück ab!
Can’t help but notice that Captain Dye (USMC retired) plays a Colonel in the series, but is wearing captain’s insignia during the training. That’s outstanding. Hollywood will suffer for sure if they can’t find a suitable replacement for him. Though it is funny watching actors taking about their experiences over weeks, that covers about the first 3 days of actual basic training….
Many of his cadre were military instructors. Freddie Joe Farnsworth was an Instructor at the Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, CA, a few hours south of Hollywood. Proud to see the final product - I believe CAPT Dye laid the ground work to make sure military movies get it right, and I'm sure that he will pass the torch to worthy successors.
2 year old comment but what the hell, ill reply. Yeah they only got a taste of basic training but these guys know it. But for being a bunch of actors they did a fine job, thats something worth respecting. In the end they didnt sign up for a 10 week vacation to Benning, and they arent soldiers, but they earned rights given to them by the real easy company to carry that legacy onwards and to let the company live on well past its due date.
Nothing builds comradery better than adversity. You get real close to the guys around you in a short amount of time when everyone is suffering together. Like most people who've been through it will say: "It's the most fun I never want to go through again."
That's why right from the beginning you can see a connection between them. I can't even explain how that can be transmitted to the audience but you can clearly tell they knew each other in a personal way
I remember watching this for the first time and spending most of it going “that place looks very familiar” and it wasn’t until not too long ago that I realised they did their “boot camp” at Longmoor where I have spent many a weekend with the Sea Cadets! So now my claim to fame is that I’ve rehearsed for the National Trafalgar Parade with the Massed Band in the theatre they learnt to “jump” in and might have stayed in the same accommodation blocks they did 😂
I mean shit this is as close as you can get to the real thing without getting a bullet in your chest. Serious respect for the process. I had no idea this was the preparation that went into the casting for band of brothers. We unfortunately don’t take into consideration all these things, and they most certainly don’t show up on the big screen. But I guess that’s the point, you get that feeling that you can’t put a finger on, but it makes the show that much better. One hell of an investment.
So glad to see this. I was a young 20 yo infantry 2Lt back when BoB came out and all my friends were comparing me to Nixon (We look the same and share the fondness for the drink). Still not sure I will live up to any of Easy Company's men. Thank you for this interesting perspective.
it's so weird they're all so babyfaced and I know this was like 22 years ago, but it's still so startling to hear and see them behind the scenes so babyfaced. and then with some of them not hearing an American accent as their normal accent too.
One thing about this as they're all exercising, sweating, hating, the physical aspects of what it means to fit the mold of being a soldier as in this case as I see their salty faces this for me is very reassuring I wonder if anyone else felt the same way. I do not know why it is but it's very comforting seeing their blood, sweat, and pain and hearing another mans perspective on it . thank you for sharing this Devin.
Hey Devin, thanks for sharing Ron Livingston's behind the scenes documentary with us. It's interesting to see what the actors did to prepare for the roles they played. I don't think I ever heard Damien Lewis drop his American accent in this video. They went on to create a very special series telling the story of the US Army 101st Airborne Division Easy Company's experience in Europe fighting the Nazis.
Such an incredible and awesome series. I have watched it several times now, probably because I purchased the DVD box set. Money well spent. I grew up learning about WWII through my father and his four brothers, who all were in WWII all at the same time. My father and one uncle fought the Japanese and my other three uncles fought Nazi Germany. I learned so much from them that I now travel these parts of Europe and Asia and visit these places where these battles took place. It never gets old! My father and uncles were not in the 101st during WWII, however my two oldest brothers were in the 101st Screaming Eagles during the Vietnam war between 1967-1970 who fought some of the worst battles in that war. The greatest generation of our country truly were the greatest and we must still honor them for what they all did. We must never forget, for the world we live in today is because of them. TRUE HEROS!!! PERIOD!!!
Loved every second of this. I've watched BoB 10+ times over the years, watched tons of interviews, podcasts, etc. I've heard this video diary mentioned before but never seen it until now. Pure gold! Currahee!
When I discover this masterpiece it's like I found a piece of me that's been missing, it was truly an amazing experience the first time I watched and I will always watch this show every year, salute to the actors and to the people they played as.
Before watching this documentary I thought I loved Band of Brothers. I've seen it all the way through 8 times. The 8th being 2008 when I went through Airborne training at Benning but I have a whole new respect for the movie after watching this and seeing what these actors put themselves thru. Was it like basic training that I went through? Of course not, but it made these guys get a small taste of military life and they did an amazing job of portraying that on the screen.
"It's just too pleasant to be allowed in the military if it didn't have some ulterior motive, such as making you march farther." gotta love that crack.
i watch Band of Brothers a couple times a year. Not only to remember those who died or those who shed blood, sweat, and tears for their country. I watch it because i feel close to my great grandpa who i never got to talk to about his serves. I wish i could sit down ad talk to him.
I'm thinking about Bull Randleman's character and those 5 mile runs. He's a big man. I'm very impressed. That's a lot of human to drag for 5 miles. Also, my own view of Hollywood actors has changed for the better a tad. These men went all in to make this the best series they possibly could.
Awesome video diary and so well delivered, I believe Band of Brothers will live on in history as one of the most authentic records of a small company of hero's trying to live through the second world war, I now see what made it so realistic, well done and well done HBO for having the foresight and commitment to see the project through to completion.
And I have no doubt that this training. and it's intensity, that made these lads bond so strongly, is the reason the unity and togetherness was so obvious on camera in the finished product. It was the key to it all. And a master stroke from Speilberg and Hanks.
Takes me back to boot camp..hated running but lived all the cadences! I joined in 85 and there was one to Prince's When Doves Cry it was great. Loved basic
You and the Winters character were my favorite. You did a fantastic job you are a great actor I would love to see you in more films. Thank you for bringing that great man back to life. God bless you brother. Ok, I just realize that you are the poster of the doc. Thank you for posting this video it was very interesting.
This was phenomenal! I wish my late WW2 vet dad was alive to have watched BoB! One of my favorite memories is when my dad took me with him to the movies to see Patton and Catch 22!! Im lucky too because we lost my dad in 1975 when I was 17 and I cherish those times together. Those times and watching war flicks on tv with him and hearing him tell me stories about his WW2 service. Whenever I see WW2 era movies it makes me feel closer to him somehow. Any wonder why I’ve binge watched this series 12 times!!
G'day from Newcastle Australia, my go to movies on Anzac Day is Gallipoli, Band of Brothers, We Were Soldiers and Heartbreak Ridge. Every 25th of April every year.
Such a feel good documentary. You can tell from the first few clips to the last how they really did change. It's crazy what training like a soldier can do. It strengthens you physically & mentally. And it gives you a massive appreciation for what they went through.
Ron is Nix. I don't know how the real Nixon's personality played out, but Nix is a real value in showing how some respond to war, responsibility, duty, friendship.
46:11 I'm curious how David Schwimmer felt about all this. He was the biggest name in this film at the time (at least as far as I know) and this must have been such an experience for him coming from Friends.
@@IIISWILIII they did the same thing with matt damon in saving private ryan. everyone but damon was ordered to bootcamp which made him an outcast to the rest of the crew so that it would show on film.
BoB is my favorite war mini series. I was thrilled to discover this little gem. Thank Ron Livingston and the rest of the actors who had to undergo this intense training. Curahee!
Matthew Settle was thee sexiest soldier!! All of you did a magnificent job and I have watched this series countless times....my husband's response "AGAIN??" It's 2021 now and his dad was highly decorated and we have the coffin flag with the bullets in the box and as I was dusting I was looking at it and thought "what a waste". Took it out of its box and said we're flying this baby. So up it goes except in the snow!!!
If HBO has ever done anything timeless, it's BoB for sure. I can see people still watching this series 100 years down the road
Thunder!
@@karlkarlsson9126 FLASH!
@@thetute59 We're not lost Private. We're in Normandy.
I watch it atleast 2 times a year, it never gets old
It is a historic document
I have high respect for them. When normally actors get their script a month prior to a table read, these men read history and went to a real bootcamp to portray the best soldier impression on screen.
Eh, Id way more respect them spending 5 days in Ft. Benning or Parris Island getting their asses smoked. Would it be horrible? Sure. But acting is an art, right? If you want to get it right you want to know what Real is. The training in this video isn't real at all.
@@gman52712 better they did something rather than nothing
@@gman52712 Better than nothing, mr real boy.
@@SSVplus Does throwing jabs from behind your computer at people that make you feel threatened make you feel better?
@@gman52712 it poses a legal issue though, you can’t push contracted employees too far, even actors. So it can’t be a real basic experience unless they all agree to explicit terms.
It’s pretty remarkable how in character Damian Lewis was during this training.
The only one! 😆
Everyone else seemed to be having fun.
He even lost his British accent. Total commitment to the part. A great actor.
It’s pretty much how it should be done, off only 99% of actors would do the same
Damien Lewis is actually SAS so he's the only one who is being himself during the show and doesn't need to "act" in this.
@@grail27*WHAT?!* That’s crazy! LOL 😂
Now I know why Ron Livingston turned around and waved back to me on a bridge in Des Moines summer 2007, when I yelled "Band of Brothers". Always my favorite actor.
You missed your opportunity! You might have yelled, "Curahee!"
Did you yell that because you couldn't remember his name but still wanted to get his attention? lmao
@@RedTail1-1Read
Now I understand why I have watched Band of Brothers 5-7 times. It looked so real, the actors have worked very hard and prepared so well. They have taken training literally, read books on maps and war. I absolutely loved this show more than any series I have watched. Also, this summer I started reading Band of Brothers book. I feel bad though, as very few people have watched this show and there are no WW2 fans around me to talk to.
Not to mention CPT Dye’s Zing he puts them through. But again......he’s the real deal himself, so he knows what he’s doing.
never feel bad, you are always with the band of brothers in our hearts
I get ou man, watch 10 time already and still not tired of watching
@@carlosseixas4309 It's just soooo good.
Consider either joining a local reenactment group or perhaps looking for a community on games like ArmA 3 if you have a good PC (if you just look at the Steam discussions for ArmA 3 you can find plenty of WW2 groups!)
This diary always makes me chuckle, Ron really was portraying himself, wasn’t he?
It’s not a criticism, it just highlights how good the casting was. It’s frankly bonkers how many of the young actors picked for minor roles in the series have gone on to have stellar careers, Tom Hardy, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Andrew Scott, Stephen Graham, quite the list.
Somewhere on TH-cam there is a mini-documentary about the UK-based cast’s annual summer reunion, it’s absolutely adorable.
Could you name the the reunion clip? I have hard time finding it.
if you watch any old bbc show you will be baffled by how many crazy good actors turn up in places you would never expect
let's not forget Simon Pegg who lasted a single episode. Well, an episode and about 4 minutes of the next.
@@Lunarcheese72 i just finished watching it again and its crazy how many really good actors have a background role or a character who dies within the same shot/episode
@@Lunarcheese72 jimmy fallon is in there as well
God I remember how annoying it was to watch these on the DVD. Like ten parts of 6 minute entries that you had to go back into the menu, select the next one, watch the same intro again and the re-cap. So for that reason only, you're a bloody good egg.
OMG, I know! I was so happy to find this. Watching this on the DVD is so flipping annoying. I am def saving this video!
We 1st rented them from Blockbuster on VCR tapes. Every weekend return one and hope the next one was available!
@@teribreci1539 Oh that sounds brutal lol. I miss blockbuster though.
@@cowtchkushin3294 Pretty sure a lone one still lives somewhere out there. Like Circuit City is still online.
Oh fuck i thought they were duplicate when i ripped it xD
Ron Livingston is an underrated actor.... He has good range for someone who hasn't been in a lot of blockbuster movies. He did phenomenal in this series.....
Good range? I like the guy, but he always plays someone who doesn't care. He was even in a series called "Loudermilk" where he played a guy who doesn't care.
@@sixchuterhatesgoogle3824well you gotta admit thats he thrives in those roles
Who rated him?
I can't get enough of the way the uniforms look. Its such a unique looking outfit, and those maroon colored corcoran jump boots are gorgeously iconic.
Absolutely
I bought dome Corcoran jump boots in 1966, while I was in boot camp. Still got 'em. Still spit shined. 🙂
Corcoran is still in business
They still make those boots
Support them and buy a pair
@@kyleh3615 I can't afford them anymore. I bought mine in the PX at Ft. Bliss in 1966, lol. Think I paid $20 for them. Still got 'em, still got the spit shine!
@@kyleh3615 I have a pair since 2017.. beautiful boots.. I want another brown pair and a black pair as well. I hope they're still bifl by the time I'm able to buy them
Band Of Brothers is literally the only series I routinely view each year at least once. You gentlemen did those soldiers a great deal respect and it helps me have a better perspective of my own personal life. Great job guys!
watched it every winter for 10 years. cant go one year without it :D
@@nolaw4365 Same Here. Im Trying To Hold Of The Extended Uncut Version
Same here.
For me it is BoB and Ken Burns' Civil War.
It's not hard to understand why the actors themselves remain such good friends to this day. They truly did share in an experience in making this series that was like no other. Everybody involved worked hard together and the results are on the screen every time we watch it. They did Easy Company proud I think.
Damien Lewis really went all in... and it was totally worth it :)
Surprise that Damien Lewis used his American accent even through boot camp. That’s outstanding!
All the British actors used American accents during boot camp. They had to become their character
Yeah they all had to act in character.
I served in the 101st from ‘98-‘00 in 2/502 Infantry and am very proud to be a Screaming Eagle for life. CPT. Dye did an outstanding job of training these guys and giving them a taste of what it’s really like, but he’s the real deal himself. I’m glad Ron Livingston made this mini documentary and shared it with the world as well. This mini-series is one of my favorite movies, and they did the 101st proud! All of us who have ever worn that famous patch are proud and honored to share, and be a part of that history. Thanks for doing such an awesome and realistic job of telling our division’s history. 👍🏻👍🏻
Salute Big Daddy......
He is the real deal alright: "On March 18, 1968, Dye replaced an assistant machine gunner who had been killed. The machine gun position was isolated forward of the remainder of the battalion. Although he was wounded, Dye exposed himself to "intense enemy fire" to retrieve ammunition for the machine gun to help hold off PAVN soldiers during an all-night firefight. During other engagements, he exposed himself to enemy fire to rescue several wounded Marines and a Navy corpsman. As a result of his actions, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for heroism"
I was there 93-96. DAMN proud to wear that Eagle and wings
My Grandfather was a member of the band of brothers. You all are deeply revered by my family. Airborne!
AIR ASSAULT!!! 🇺🇸💜 🦅
"Make the world proud of Easy Company." Boy did they do a great job of that...and then some. A great series with wonderfully dedicated actors portraying some of the finest heroes in our history.
I love how they were called by their character's names, and how they became Easy Company. At 38: 30, Damien Lewis BECAME Lt.Winters. By the end, they looked like Easy Company. Loved this.
I met Dale Dye when he did his first ever actors' boot camp in the movie Platoon, where I was working as key set dresser. The production staff was just as shell-shocked as the cast were, specially the armorers and special effects guys: In less than ten days they had already gone through almost all of their blank ammo and smoke grenades and blasting equpment intended for the actual shooting. On graduation night Capt. Dye commandeered all our beer props and the cast all drank themselves into a stupor, and then at 0600 the very next day, in their hangover and two-week old unwashed uniforms, we started shooting. Instant authenticity. For the rest of the shoot he would continue to be Oliver Stone's day-to-day inspector of what was real and not about a scene and its elements. We would also see them suffer through intense acid flashbacks during crucial scenes, as when we shot the village massacre.
Capt. Dale has certainly made the difference in modern war film. As a war correspondent, he did see a lot of war- it wasn't the cush REMF job some thought it to be.
This really seemed to have flattened the egos and made these guys know what a teammate is! Best series on WW2 ever made!
Hands down.
Best series, period!
The best WWII reproduction I have ever came across, that and SPR back in 1998 when I was middle school, saw it in the big screen, just blew me away. I take the opportunity to watch the BoB series about twice a year to remind me of the men that fought selflessly for our country and I reflect on the men who didn't come back, I especially think of Sgt. Warren "Skip" Muck.
I’m so glad this was made 20 years ago and not now
They couldn't make this nowadays. People are too soft now.
@@tomdickens7856 How so ? everyone is a diva recording themselves now and putting it on the internet ^______^
@@tomdickens7856 Airborne is never soft.
@@shitchops exactly, the diva image is pushed as 'normal'
It would be full of women, homosexuals and Africans now a days
That is so awesome that Capt. Dale Dye did those runs with them! If he was born in '44, and this was filmed around 2000, he would have only been in his mid fifties, despite the white hair making him look older. Watching this twenty years later, we might think for a moment that he's doing these runs in his seventies, (and I wouldn't really be surprised if he was), but the fact is he was still in his fifties when this was filmed. Still impressive nonetheless; the guy is a legend!
Favorite Dale Dye story: during the battle of Hue in 1968, as a joke, had put a plastic daisy in his helmet band. At one point, while he was running next to a stone wall, he heard a shot. When he got to his destination and was resting, he saw that the top of the daisy had been shot off. At first he laughed, then realized that a sniper had been tracking his movement by the flower sticking up above the wall, and the guy was accurate enough to clip it off from across the Perfume River.
I'm pretty sure Capt. Dye has has white hair since the battle of Hue
White Hair makes you look badass, not older.
@@Hatatitla76 you made my day!
I had the pleasure and honor of training under Capt. Dye for a week in 1991 as an extra in Last of The Mohicans. It was a hot, sweaty, painful week followed by 5 more hot, sweaty weeks of shooting the Ft. William Henry and "Massacre Valley" scenes. Wouldnt trade those memories for the world.
still can't believe they didn't leave that fort intact for future visitors ... shame
@@lonewulf44 it is a shame. The reason was quite simple though. To have built the fort to last indefinitely would have doubled or tripled it's cost. It was built to last only long enough to get the movie shot. After filming had finished and the state road that passes right below the fort was cleared and reopened my mother and I drove over to take some pictures. When we arrived we started moving across the trenchworks and cannon batteries in front of the fort, expecting at any moment to be asked to leave. No one ever came out to challenge us so we walked right up to the fort, still no one stopped us. We went inside and shot about 5 rolls of film worth of pics. Some day I'm going to scan and make a video out of those and some props we bought from the production company.
@@quadrono5714 definitely would like to see those pictures, and I understand the reason, but I wish they would have somehow just left it, even in a decrepit state it would have been interesting. Dangerous side, I can imagine people coming together to actually fund the upkeep as well, if nothing else as a tourist attraction. Good information though, thanks
That's amazing! My favourite movie 😍
Oh man you can be proud, this film is a MASTERPIECE. The scene with both armies parlaying is one of a kind, in the whole history of cinema...
I had no idea Cap. Dale Dye worked on it too!!!!
One of the best war series I have ever seen, well acted, trained and the actors did the real 506th proud. I have watched this series again and again and have never tired of it
That speech Dye gives at the end is pretty epic for someone who didn't know they were being filmed.
And he was bang on about how amazing the show was gonna end up being.
Lewis is the most relatable character portrayed. Ron really made that happen. Had his vices, but was there through it all, even got a third combat jump by the end. And he was a good intel officer, but didn't play Army politics.
I thought saving private Ryan was the greatest war movie ever made. This series band of brothers. Blow it out of the water!! I watch it every year the first week af June. I still get emotional, angry, and happy with the same scene every year. It never gets old or loses any of its impact on me.
I'm a worn out old Vet. These guys told the story of the Real People more truely than any others ever have. I love that to the core of my being. Their work has given the best understanding of the men of that time, for all future generations, than could have been hoped for.
All this training really showed on screen. I've watched the series three times and will certainly watch again.
In an odd way, I feel it's a privilege to be able to watch Band of Brothers.
I’ve watched it just as much lol. Great mini series, but I personally feel it doesn’t even touch The Pacific
And then Band of Brothers turned out to be one of the best dramtic series ever produced. This, I am absolutely sure, is a huge reason why.
The speech at the end is great knowing the finished product. He nailed exactly what the show is before they even started filming.
man ... already love Dye for his work, the man himself ... but still was impressed with his little address at the end. The man just exudes authenticity. Great speech.
"Let's not fuck it up"
This should be the mantra of all human kind.
The thing that reminded me most of the Army was the stupid banter when they were standing around waiting, in line, or being packed like sardines in trucks, or polishing boots.
My favorite WW2 film/Series ever. So accurate, so we’ll acted. I’ve watched this entire series thru over and over.
I watch it once a year since its release too. Very accurate to the book.
@@rooroo8767 I read Beyond band of brothers. Excellent read.
Its no wonder why this is the greatest tv series ever
It's my second time watching this in two weeks and I'm still amazed at Livingston's ability to articulate clearly his ideas in a compelling narrative and the feelings that they went through
Thanks for posting this
To held such a boot camp improves war films/series for sure. Great moment for the actors to receive their jump wings. I myself served in the German Army as a paratrooper (3./Fallschirmjägerbataillon 273) from 1987 to 1988 when we still had conscription. Got my German jump wings and later, when we trained together with a unit of the Red Falcons (82nd airborne) I got the American jump wings too. I love Band of Brothers! Glück ab!
Can’t help but notice that Captain Dye (USMC retired) plays a Colonel in the series, but is wearing captain’s insignia during the training. That’s outstanding. Hollywood will suffer for sure if they can’t find a suitable replacement for him. Though it is funny watching actors taking about their experiences over weeks, that covers about the first 3 days of actual basic training….
Many of his cadre were military instructors. Freddie Joe Farnsworth was an Instructor at the Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, CA, a few hours south of Hollywood. Proud to see the final product - I believe CAPT Dye laid the ground work to make sure military movies get it right, and I'm sure that he will pass the torch to worthy successors.
2 year old comment but what the hell, ill reply. Yeah they only got a taste of basic training but these guys know it. But for being a bunch of actors they did a fine job, thats something worth respecting. In the end they didnt sign up for a 10 week vacation to Benning, and they arent soldiers, but they earned rights given to them by the real easy company to carry that legacy onwards and to let the company live on well past its due date.
Nothing builds comradery better than adversity. You get real close to the guys around you in a short amount of time when everyone is suffering together. Like most people who've been through it will say: "It's the most fun I never want to go through again."
I watch Band of Brothers once every year - I never knew this video diary thing even existed. Really awesome, thanks for the upload!
It was included on the DVD. This is nothing new
@@limitbassfishing2733 it is if u watched the pirated version :)
Best part...Michael Cudlitz impersonating Dye. Starts around 34:10.
Sounds almost like Col Sinks
@@Mwraf Captain Dye plays Colonel Sink
"Don't think I won't find out who that fucker is."
Never saw this before. Awesome account of their preparation for a legendary series.
That's why right from the beginning you can see a connection between them. I can't even explain how that can be transmitted to the audience but you can clearly tell they knew each other in a personal way
"Let's not fuck it up" Simple yet momentous.
And they didn’t. They fuckin nailed it.
The fact that Rick Gomez said the most Luz thing ever..."We are so F@*ked" LOL
Lol @ the airport scene! The look on Matthew Settle's face! "Oh, he didn't realize he was recording."
Ron Livingston is so goddamn charming
His nonchalant jovial attitude seems quite contagious
I remember watching this for the first time and spending most of it going “that place looks very familiar” and it wasn’t until not too long ago that I realised they did their “boot camp” at Longmoor where I have spent many a weekend with the Sea Cadets! So now my claim to fame is that I’ve rehearsed for the National Trafalgar Parade with the Massed Band in the theatre they learnt to “jump” in and might have stayed in the same accommodation blocks they did 😂
I mean shit this is as close as you can get to the real thing without getting a bullet in your chest. Serious respect for the process. I had no idea this was the preparation that went into the casting for band of brothers. We unfortunately don’t take into consideration all these things, and they most certainly don’t show up on the big screen. But I guess that’s the point, you get that feeling that you can’t put a finger on, but it makes the show that much better. One hell of an investment.
So glad to see this. I was a young 20 yo infantry 2Lt back when BoB came out and all my friends were comparing me to Nixon (We look the same and share the fondness for the drink). Still not sure I will live up to any of Easy Company's men. Thank you for this interesting perspective.
I recommend this show to literally everyone I meet. I believe its hands down the greatest mini series ever produced.
18:31 That dry remark from Wahlberg was the most accurate Officer-SNCO interaction I've ever seen 😂
You almost can feel the athmosphere of brotherhood when Neal McDonough ( Lynn "Buck" Compton) yells: "E Company Let's do this"
it's so weird they're all so babyfaced and I know this was like 22 years ago, but it's still so startling to hear and see them behind the scenes so babyfaced. and then with some of them not hearing an American accent as their normal accent too.
I would have loved to be part of such an awesome production.
Me too
One thing about this as they're all exercising, sweating, hating, the physical aspects of what it means to fit the mold of being a soldier as in this case as I see their salty faces this for me is very reassuring I wonder if anyone else felt the same way. I do not know why it is but it's very comforting seeing their blood, sweat, and pain and hearing another mans perspective on it . thank you for sharing this Devin.
Im not exaggerating when I say this is my emotional support video
same 😭
The series is my comfort movie. I've watched more times than I can count because it puts me at ease... which is weird for a war film.
@@ViolentDetour Because it was pure triumph over evil.
@@ViolentDetour me too!!
It is absolutely perfect that Rick Gomez the guy who plays George Luz is the one to get the first smart ass comment.
Luz impersonating Cink to troll Schwimmer is my favorite cheeky BoB moment
@@IIISWILIII actually, he was imitating Maj. Horton, but yes, great scene.
I could watch an endless amount of this.
BOB was the greatest show of all time and Ron was one of the leading lights, I'm amazed he isn't a huge star by now, great actor
Hey Devin, thanks for sharing Ron Livingston's behind the scenes documentary with us. It's interesting to see what the actors did to prepare for the roles they played. I don't think I ever heard Damien Lewis drop his American accent in this video. They went on to create a very special series telling the story of the US Army 101st Airborne Division Easy Company's experience in Europe fighting the Nazis.
Such an incredible and awesome series. I have watched it several times now, probably because I purchased the DVD box set. Money well spent. I grew up learning about WWII through my father and his four brothers, who all were in WWII all at the same time. My father and one uncle fought the Japanese and my other three uncles fought Nazi Germany. I learned so much from them that I now travel these parts of Europe and Asia and visit these places where these battles took place. It never gets old! My father and uncles were not in the 101st during WWII, however my two oldest brothers were in the 101st Screaming Eagles during the Vietnam war between 1967-1970 who fought some of the worst battles in that war. The greatest generation of our country truly were the greatest and we must still honor them for what they all did. We must never forget, for the world we live in today is because of them. TRUE HEROS!!! PERIOD!!!
Loved every second of this. I've watched BoB 10+ times over the years, watched tons of interviews, podcasts, etc. I've heard this video diary mentioned before but never seen it until now. Pure gold! Currahee!
I'm the grandson of a Curahee member. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
When I discover this masterpiece it's like I found a piece of me that's been missing, it was truly an amazing experience the first time I watched and I will always watch this show every year, salute to the actors and to the people they played as.
Literally incredible. The show itself though, 10/10, THE best.
Before watching this documentary I thought I loved Band of Brothers. I've seen it all the way through 8 times. The 8th being 2008 when I went through Airborne training at Benning but I have a whole new respect for the movie after watching this and seeing what these actors put themselves thru. Was it like basic training that I went through? Of course not, but it made these guys get a small taste of military life and they did an amazing job of portraying that on the screen.
Airborne!
@@whiskeyrebellion4390 All the way!
@@alankaufman385 You won't believe me, but I'm the grandson of a Curahee member of the BOB.
@@whiskeyrebellion4390 who
I'm so grateful that all these men put in a giant effort to glorify my grandfather.
Holy shit. I thought this was just gonna be nostalgic giggles and unicorn smiles. But shit got real to a certain degree. Well done.
Ron Livingston needs to be in more stuff.
band of brothers and office space is a pretty dope 1-2 punch on your resume tho.
@@088l Honestly, just office space on its own is legendary.
Although to be fair, that movie's excellent doesn't exactly hinge on Ron's inclusion.
He also starred in this masterpiece.
th-cam.com/video/tu0qtEwb9gE/w-d-xo.html
"It's just too pleasant to be allowed in the military if it didn't have some ulterior motive, such as making you march farther." gotta love that crack.
i watch Band of Brothers a couple times a year. Not only to remember those who died or those who shed blood, sweat, and tears for their country. I watch it because i feel close to my great grandpa who i never got to talk to about his serves. I wish i could sit down ad talk to him.
I'm thinking about Bull Randleman's character and those 5 mile runs. He's a big man. I'm very impressed. That's a lot of human to drag for 5 miles. Also, my own view of Hollywood actors has changed for the better a tad. These men went all in to make this the best series they possibly could.
I couldn’t imagine a better job as an actor. Great team building!I would’ve loved to make a movie with my basic training platoon.
I started this with intent of skipping through and watched the whole hour instead! Good job guys!
I just did exactly that.
Wow Grace Nixon! I’m glad they met. There is a photo floating around the net featuring Grace and Lewis Nixon. They look happy and like a great couple.
At minute 14:10 you know they become a real company... if one have to do it, we all do it.
great speech at the end, makes me want to watch the show again, not seen it for what must be 20 years.
Cpt. Dale going on those 5k runs with them. Legendary.
I feel that Mini-DV was the video format that defined the 90s and early 2000s.
Awesome video diary and so well delivered, I believe Band of Brothers will live on in history as one of the most authentic records of a small company of hero's trying to live through the second world war, I now see what made it so realistic, well done and well done HBO for having the foresight and commitment to see the project through to completion.
And I have no doubt that this training. and it's intensity, that made these lads bond so strongly, is the reason the unity and togetherness was so obvious on camera in the finished product. It was the key to it all. And a master stroke from Speilberg and Hanks.
Takes me back to boot camp..hated running but lived all the cadences! I joined in 85 and there was one to Prince's When Doves Cry it was great. Loved basic
Early 2000s vidocs just feel so comfy
that was some top behind the scenes never saw it glad i found it now.
TRUER WORD SNEVER SPOKEN. I salute you, captain Dale Dye. What a speech!!!!!!!! The WHOLE WORLD came to be proud of EZ Company
From France
And that's why it's the best series the world have ever seen
The marching scene to the R-Rated version of Blood on the Risers was epic…
And the best part is, Capt Dale Dye just ran out all of them like he was a 20 year old young man. That's badass!
17:50 fresh LT's getting lost is remarkably accurate.
You and the Winters character were my favorite. You did a fantastic job you are a great actor I would love to see you in more films. Thank you for bringing that great man back to life.
God bless you brother.
Ok, I just realize that you are the poster of the doc. Thank you for posting this video it was very interesting.
This was phenomenal! I wish my late WW2 vet dad was alive to have watched BoB! One of my favorite memories is when my dad took me with him to the movies to see Patton and Catch 22!! Im lucky too because we lost my dad in 1975 when I was 17 and I cherish those times together. Those times and watching war flicks on tv with him and hearing him tell me stories about his WW2 service.
Whenever I see WW2 era movies it makes me feel closer to him somehow.
Any wonder why I’ve binge watched this series 12 times!!
G'day from Newcastle Australia, my go to movies on Anzac Day is Gallipoli, Band of Brothers, We Were Soldiers and Heartbreak Ridge. Every 25th of April every year.
Such a feel good documentary. You can tell from the first few clips to the last how they really did change.
It's crazy what training like a soldier can do. It strengthens you physically & mentally. And it gives you a massive appreciation for what they went through.
Ron is Nix. I don't know how the real Nixon's personality played out, but Nix is a real value in showing how some respond to war, responsibility, duty, friendship.
46:11 I'm curious how David Schwimmer felt about all this. He was the biggest name in this film at the time (at least as far as I know) and this must have been such an experience for him coming from Friends.
I wonder if he counted mississippilessly or not... lol
Schwimmer was on his own island the whole time from accounts I've heard. The animosity was there even when the cameras weren't rolling 🤣 poor guy
He became friends with Simon Pegg as a result of the series so I guess it wasn’t all bad for him.
@@IIISWILIII they did the same thing with matt damon in saving private ryan. everyone but damon was ordered to bootcamp which made him an outcast to the rest of the crew so that it would show on film.
Personally I couldn't stand David Schwimmer before BoB, but he did a hell of a good job playing Capt. Sobel.
Thanks for posting this. I'm a huge fan of the series. This inside look brought a lot to the experience of watching. No wonder they seemed so natural.
This is one of the GREATEST behind the scenes docs of all time!!!
I think it’s FANTASTIC that they got old school training. So cool
BoB is my favorite war mini series. I was thrilled to discover this little gem. Thank Ron Livingston and the rest of the actors who had to undergo this intense training. Curahee!
That was a gem to watch. Thank you Ron Livingston 😊. I still watch Office space at least once a year.
Matthew Settle was thee sexiest soldier!! All of you did a magnificent job and I have watched this series countless times....my husband's response "AGAIN??" It's 2021 now and his dad was highly decorated and we have the coffin flag with the bullets in the box and as I was dusting I was looking at it and thought "what a waste". Took it out of its box and said we're flying this baby. So up it goes except in the snow!!!
This and the sopranos are the two best series ever made. Amazing stuff.