"Secrets of the Dead: What Happened to the Hindenburg" is a gripping documentary that aims to answer some age-old questions surrounding the Hindenburg disaster that took place on May 6, 1937. It is a part of the popular documentary series, "Secrets of the Dead," from PBS, which investigates some of the history's most enduring mysteries, focusing on various intriguing aspects of human history and prehistory. This series is known for its meticulous research and insightful analysis, and "What Happened to the Hindenburg" follows this trend beautifully.

The documentary features the infamous German airship, the LZ 129 Hindenburg, and its tragic fate. The airship was one of the most impressive feats of engineering of its time, with its impressive size and ability to carry a substantial number of passengers and crew on transatlantic flights. It was a symbol of pride for Nazi Germany and embodied the spirit of progress and technological advancement prevalent during the 1930s. However, the majestic airship's fate was sealed on a fateful day in 1937 when it exploded and crashed while attempting to dock at the Naval Air Station Lakehurst in New Jersey, United States. This incident led to 36 fatalities and marked the end of the airship era.

The primary focus of "Secrets of the Dead: What Happened to the Hindenburg" is to unravel the mystery surrounding the destruction of the Hindenburg. For many decades, the root cause of the disaster remained disputable, with multiple theories suggesting reasons range from a spark inside its hydrogen-filled hull, to a bomb planted by political enemies, or even a case of static electricity. In this documentary, the filmmakers delve deep into these theories, putting each one under scrutiny using both primary historical sources and modern-day scientific methods.

The filmmaking techniques used in the documentary complement its compelling narrative. It incorporates a fantastic blend of archival footage from the era and expert-interviews, creating a captivating and comprehensive narrative. Through these interviews, the film provides insightful comments from contemporary historians, engineers, and airship experts who offer their perspectives and conjectures on what could lead the illustrious airship to its tragic end.

Additionally, the documentary also does an excellent job of building suspense and intrigue, treating this historical event with the same tension and anticipation as a thriller movie. This technique helps engage the audience and brings a more profound sense of the human tragedy associated with the Hindenburg disaster.

"Secrets of the Dead: What Happened to the Hindenburg" also explores the larger historical context surrounding the event, delving into the implications it had on the era's technological advancements and the nascent travel industry. It captures the zeitgeist and subtly suggests the potential impact that this disaster might have had on undermining public confidence in such extraordinary technological leaps.

In addition to the exploration of the theories surrounding the Hindenburg disaster, the documentary also presents a fascinating look into the investigation that followed the crash and its aftermath on the victims' relatives. This approach adds a layer of human interest to the story, showing how the incident affected not only those directly involved but also those who were left behind to grapple with the loss.

To conclude, "Secrets of the Dead: What Happened to the Hindenburg" is a thought-provoking and well-researched documentary that provides a comprehensive view of the infamous Hindenburg disaster. It delves into this historical event with an investigative approach, offering viewpoints from various experts, combined with empirical data, to bring forth potential explanations for this tragic incident. Both for history buffs fascinated by the mysteries of the past and general audiences interested in captivating stories, the film offers a riveting watch.