Used at first as a means of bringing together the faithful from all over the Reich and presenting the public with the Party platform, the Reichsparteitage more and more began to resemble an elaborate theatre ensemble to showcase, idolize and build up the persona of one man: Adolf Hitler. The First Reichsparteitag was presented only a few short years after Hitler was released early from his prison sentence for high treason in Bavaria and the Tenth, and last one, was held in 1938, after the Anschluss of Austria to the Third Reich. The Party faithful, as well as tens of thousands of guests, came from all over the Reich --- and the world! --- to watch this marvel of choreographed and synchronized events, parades and, yes, even a carnival.

The films in this DVD are described as "with switchable English subtitles". This is true; however, with small exceptions, any speeches in the individual sections are NOT subtitled (or only have small bits subtitled). The accompanying, actual films from the individual Reichsparteitage days provide excerpts of the multi-day events, through which the mood and progression of the Days can be gleaned.

CONTENTS:

THE NAZIS GREAT SHOW - DIE REICHSPARTEITAGE

This film gives an historical overview of the "Party Days": when they began; what the individual themes of each Day referred to; the logistics involved; the effects. It is an excellent overview and while at times a bit verbose and confusing, it is probably the best source of information about the Reichsparteitage I've come across.

Quality of the film varies with the film sources, but overall is excellent. In German with switchable English subtitles. Approximately 53 minutes.

DER REICHSTAGPARTEITAG DER NSDAP 1927

Highlights from the events of that year.

Overall unclear film quality with indistinct features. The film has German intertitles with switchable English subtitles. Martial music throughout. Approximately 18 minutes.

DER REICHSPARTEITAG 1929

Highlights of the Days in 1929.

Overall unclear film quality with indistinct features. Watchable. Pixellization issues. The film has German intertitles with switchable English subtitles. Martial music throughout. Approximately 65 minutes.

TOTAL RUNNING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 136 MINUTES

A continuation from Part I, this DVD contains highlights from the individual Reichsparteitage:

CONTENTS:

DER REICHSPARTEITAG DER NSDAP 1933:

Overall poor film quality, with indistinct and unclear features and pixellization issues. German intertitles with switchable English subtitles. There are also some speeches with some translating of the words. Approximately 4 minutes.

DER REICHSPARTEITAG 1933 (PART II):

Overall poor film quality, with indistinct and unclear features and pixellization issues. German intertitles with switchable English subtitles. There are also some speeches with some translating of the words. Approximately 6 minutes.

DER REICHSPARTEITAG 1935 - RAD:

Film quality varies with the multiple source materials used in this film. Overall, however, very good. German intertitles with switchable English subtitles. Some bizarre choices in background music. Approximately 22 minutes.

DER REICHSPARTEITAG 1936:

Entitled Der Reichsparteitag der Ehre. Variable film quality, but overall, unsharp with indistinct features and pixellization issues at times. In German with switchable English subtitles (but not all the time, as with speeches). Approximately 9 minutes.

DER REICHSPARTEITAG 1937:

Variable film quality, but overall very good to excellent. In German with switchable English subtitles, for the most part. Approximately 8 minutes.

DER REICHSPARTEITAG GROSSDEUTSCHLAND 1938:

Very poor quality overall with serious pixellization issues. In German with switchable English subtitles for parts of the film. Approximately 16 minutes.

TOTAL RUNNING TIME APPROXIMATELY 65 MINUTES.

PLEASE NOTE THAT SWITCHABLE (SOFT) SUBTITLES WILL NOT SHOW UP WHEN VIEWING THE SAMPLE BELOW.  IF YOU SEE SUBTITLES, THEN THEY ARE HARD-ENCODED (meaning, they cannot be turned off when viewing the film):