TheArchive: Reviewing the Rare, Retro, and Restored

Memorial Day , often associated with the unofficial start of summer , is more than just a day for pool parties and barbecues. It's a day of profound significance, dedicated to honoring and remembering the people of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This day, observed on the last Monday of May, serves as a solemn reminder of the price of freedom and encourages us to reflect on the countless sacrifices made by soldiers throughout the rich tapestry of American history.  Memorial Day can be celebrated in many ways, such as visiting the graves of fallen soldiers , participating in a national moment of remembrance , or engaging with the actual stories of soldiers throughout history. One powerful way these stories are told is through literature and films that capture the heroism, struggles, and camaraderie of those who served.  We wanted to highlight the films Fallen Not Forgotten and Pearl Harbor: A Day of Infamy , currently streaming on TheArchive ,...

As Veterans Day approaches, we are reminded of the debt of gratitude we owe to those who have served in the military, often facing unimaginable challenges and personal battles. It's a day to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by veterans from all walks of life, different generations, and diverse backgrounds. One powerful way to do this is by reflecting on the remarkable story of Samuel Bernstein in the film In the Shadow of Suribachi: Sammy's Story .  In the world of war movies , there are countless stories of bravery and sacrifice, but few can compare to the harrowing experience of Iwo Jima and the untold challenges faced by the young Marine, Sammy Bernstein. In the Shadow of Suribachi: Sammy's Story , directed by Joseph Conforti, is a powerful and gripping film that chronicles not only the horrors of one of the Marine Corps' bloodiest battles but also the personal battle Sammy fought against anti-Semitism within the World War II military. The movie's plot ...

Beneath the Helmet explores the story of Five Israeli high school graduates drafted into the military. Eden Adler (First Lieutenant), Oren Giladi (Private), Mekonan Abebe (Private), Eilon Cohen (Private), Coral Amarani (Sergeant) enter training for eight months,  discovering their core values, unearthing emotions from the past, and learning that their teenage lives are now changed forever. The documentary highlights a few different positions the teens hold, ranging from First Lieutenant to Private, Sergeant and Commander.  Mekonen and Oren are both Privates, who emigrated to Israel from Ethiopia and Switzerland. After joining the army, the two became the best of friends — despite their different upbringing. The other three teens featured are Coral, Eden, and Eilon — all of whom hail from Israel.   Coral is from the affluent neighborhood of Herzliya Pituach and is a Sergeant at a pre-basic training program, working to get 12 soldiers integrat...

Written by Vietnam historian Peter Alan Lloyd,  M.I.A. A Greater Evil   is a thrilling horror film that touches on the conspiracy theories and notions surrounding the Vietnam War—those that suggest nearly 2,000 POWs were lost and kept captive in the jungles of Vietnam.  M.I.A.  deals with one of the great conspiracy theories of the 20th century, detailing the unknowns and the uncomfortable truths. In M.I.A. A Greater Evil, a group of American college students embark on an expedition in search of gold throughout the war-torn jungles of Vietnam. The college students (Valerie Bentson, Sarah Ball, and Mark Matula) are joined by their Geology professor in search of gold along a river in Vietnam.  With past stories of French gold miners finding riches within the waters, their intrigue is not deterred by rapids, detoured routes, or talk of the War and its ominous presence over the area. But their dreams of riches quickly unravel when an unint...