(NEXSTAR) -- In 2024, you'd be able to see war footage on your phone in an instant. In some cases, the images spread across the world before information becomes available. Eighty years ago, it was the exact opposite.
During War War II, Americans would learn about the conflict overseas through listening to the radio or reading about it in the daily newspaper. See video? You'd have to go to a movie theater.
In the weeks following D-Day, the American public would have to buy a movie ticket and catch a film newsreel before their favorite flick was shown. At the time, these offered a truly unique visual dimension to the news they'd read. The newsreels often featured attention-grabbing headlines and factual news stories narrated by well-known voices. As you'll be able to hear in the clip above, it often includes a compelling music track.
These days, you'd expect to see footage in an instant. Back in 1944, some of these clips could be turned around in a matter of days -- which was essentially seen as the speed of light. It was considered a truly timely experience.
These film newsreels served as a vital visual confirmation of what the American public couldn't otherwise see. Years later, they'd become obsolete. By 1950, millions of households had television sets and could view news in their homes.
Nevertheless, film newsreels played a crucial role in keeping Americans informed during one of the most pivotal periods in U.S. history.