Pearl Harbor: Two Hours That Changed The World

A remarkable achievement.… even viewers used to this history are likely to find themselves watching with racing hearts.
The Wall Street Journal

On the 50th anniversary of D-Day, ABC News collaborated with the Japanese NHK television for this in-depth look at a historic event seen very differently by the American and Japanese people.

An exhaustive joint research effort into film, photo, audio and document archives in both Japan and the United States reveals the full sweep of events propelling the U.S. into World War II - escalating tensions in the Pacific, Japanese war preparations, and American complacency before the attack.

Attack on the USS Arizona, Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.

Attack on the USS Arizona, Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.

Interviews include the recollections of the fighter pilots as they approached Pearl Harbor and their exhilaration as they released their bombs. Americans stationed in Hawaii were surprised, angry, and ultimately powerless to defend themselves.

Hosted by David Brinkley. Aired on ABC and NHK in 1991.


Awards

George Foster Peabody Award

Victor KingSteve York