Whidbey metalheads, history nerds and anyone who wants to learn more about World War I are invited to take a seat at Oak Harbor Cinemas and enjoy “The War To End All Wars — The Movie,” by Swedish heavy metal band Sabaton.
On Nov. 8, 9, 15 and 16 the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum is presenting Sabaton’s mash up of history, heavy metal and 3D animation. The band is known for its lyrics and music videos that tell the stories of real war heroes and historical battles and wars. In 2022, Sabaton released the album “The War To End All Wars,” which the musical motion picture is based on. The 67-minute long musical is part of Sabaton’s efforts to promote history and support different museums around the world.
The Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum is among over 120 participating museums worldwide and two participating museums in Washington. The museum’s Visitor Services and Public Programs Manager Kelly Davidson said the closest location is over five hours away, and she expects visitors from other states like Oregon and Idaho to travel all the way to Whidbey.
The movie will be screened at Oak Harbor Cinemas at 6:30, 8 and 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 8, 9, 15 and 16. All proceeds will go towards building the new museum for Naval Aviation history at 545 Ault Field Road in Oak Harbor, expected to open in late summer or early fall of 2024.
Among the historical events and figures from WWI that are chanted in the album, there is the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the beginning of World War I, the Harlem Hellfighters (a regiment of mainly African American and Puerto Rican soldiers that was not allowed to fight with White American soldiers), and the Christmas Truce (where British and German soldiers paused fighting and played together on Christmas Eve, 1914).
Visitors can purchase tickets at the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum on Pioneer Way or on the museum’s website, on Oak Harbor Cinemas’ website, or at the door. Davidson recommends buying tickets in advance. Tickets are free for children below aged 5 and under.
