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In Search of History - Hell's Angels (History Channel)
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8
Average rating: 3.0 of 5
Interesting but does not give credit to the movies 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
I saw this documentary on TV, and have two criticisms.
First, the growth and transformation of the Hells Angels from a local motorcycle club to a multi-national organization that spans at least five continents (North America, Europe, (South) Africa, South America and Australia) has an interesting history.
This growth was caused in large part by interest in the group overseas sparked by lwo budget films such as "Wild Angels" and the whole slew of drive-in quality "biker flicks" that lasted from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. (Members of the Hells Angels appeared, usually as extras, in several of these including "Wild Angels," "Hells Angels on Wheels," and "Hells Angels '69."
It was an odd merging of myth, movies and reality with an increase in one giving a boost to the other two aspects of the group.
Second, as someone who collects these (odd) films, I was astonished to see how much of the footage shown in this documentary came from various drive-in biker films.
Again we have the odd melding of myth, movie and reality merging in this documentary.
Much of the other footage, including interviews, came from the documentary "Hells Angels Forever," a film that was produced by the Angels themselves as a public relations effort.
Therefore I felt this documentary gave about half the story and tried to exaggerate what it had in the way of information.
Still, it was interesting. I enjoyed it, but I think people who really enjoyed it might enjoy digging deeper as most of the footage came from sources that are already available to the public.
Editorial Review:
Studio: A&e Home Video Release Date: 09/27/2005
In Search of History - Lost City of the Incas (History Channel)
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2
Average rating: 3.5 of 5
A little disappointing 4 out of 5 stars.
14 of 14 people found this review helpful.
I've visited Machu Picchu, and I suppose I was looking to re-live some happy vacation memories, but I found the footage a bit disappointing. Basically, we have one angle looking down on the city, but no reverse angle to see where the camera person stood, and these views are equally magnificent. There was no mention of the Gateway to the Sun, nor the trail leading to it from the city. I realize there were time constraints, but I would have preferred seeing this as opposed to time spent on Cusco (or Cuzco depending on your nationality).
That being said, I think they did a good job of touching on Inca history. Not enough information to do a paper on their civilization, but to the average viewer, enough insight to introduce an often glossed over culture.
Certainly worth the time to watch it, but if you're looking for a comprehensive study on either Machu Picchu or the Inca, this isn't it.
Editorial Review:
The spectacular Incan city of Machu Picchu, high in the Andes Mountains, was long thought to be legendary. Then in 1911, the intrepid explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon its remains. But while the walls and chambers have been extensively studied in the years since, the purpose of this ancient site remains unclear. Go to the top of the world to unravel the mysteries of this enigmatic place. See incredible footage of the earliest expeditions to Machu Picchu, and meet the men and women who have dedicated their lives to unearthing its secrets. Wander through the incredible ruins and feel the eerie presence of the past and the timeless secrets that are locked somewhere within. Was it a pleasure palace, an observatory, a fortress or something else entirely? The answers await just below the clouds in LOST CITY OF THE INCAS.
In Search of History - The Knights Templar (History Channel)
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6
Average rating: 3.0 of 5
Don't buy this DVD twice by accident 3 out of 5 stars.
61 of 61 people found this review helpful.
WARNING -- this entire documentary is included as a bonus on disk 2 of "Crusade: the Crescent and the Cross", also made by the History Channel. Not only that, but at the time I am writing this review, "Crescent and the Cross" is selling for less than $15, for 2 disks, with bonus material, while this DVD, "Knights Templar" is selling for about $22 and contains no bonus material at all.
"Knights Templar" is a good, not great, documentary. The story is very good, if brief, but the film footage is definitely NOT up to the History Channel's usual quality. They use a lot of Black and White footage from what looks like a very low budget film -- people swinging weapons like they don't know what to do with them. No actual actors performing for the camera, just background footage with voice-over.
My recommendation -- if you are interested in the history of the Knights of the Temple of King Solomon, buy this DVD, but as the bonus disk in "Crusade: The Crescent and the Cross". That, by the way, is a GREAT DVD!
Editorial Review:
Their fanatical courage struck terror in their enemies. Their fabulous wealth made them the most powerful men in Europe. Their secret rites inspired rumors of heresy. In the Crusades, these ferocious sword-wielding monks were charged with protecting the Kingdom of Jerusalem. In defeat, they were burned at the stake. Journey from Middle Ages Jerusalem to modern day Europe to unravel the extraordinary story of the legendary Knights who some say survived their supposed execution at the end of the Crusades and have preserved their order to this day. Leading historians reveal their fantastic origins, and period accounts bring their legendary battles to life. Ancient documents and artifacts hint at the mysteries that surround them. Did they discover ancient secrets buried beneath Solomon's temple, and conspire to seize part of Europe for themselves? Explore the incredible history of the Crusade's mightiest and most puzzling warriors.
In Search of History - Salem Witch Trials (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives)
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7
Average rating: 4.0 of 5
Salem's Trials 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 13 people found this review helpful.
This DVD is excellent for 11th Grade English Teachers, trying to go over the Salem witch trials can be difficult. If you purchase this DVD it goes step by step on how everything started and students get interested right away. I thought it was well explained and it was smooth transition into the whole Crucible unit.
Shallow and Inaccurate 2 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.
I've been fascinated with the Salem Witch Trials since I wrote a paper on the topic for my first year American History class in college. Since then, I've collected a modest collection of books, articles, and papers on the subject. I'm hardly an expert, but I do know enough to be terribly disappointed in this newest addition to my Salem collection.
First of all, this documentary is extremely short - certainly not long enough to justify the twenty dollar asking price. The "50 minutes" length also includes the long teasers that aired prior to and after commercial breaks, bringing the 'actual' length to much shorter than 50 minutes. Second, even accounting for this shortness, the content here is extremely shallow. I realize the History Channel is supposed to be approachable for everyone regardless of prior knowledge, but do we really need to have explained in detail that accused witches were executed because the Bible ostensibly required it? Surely someone interested in the Salem trials has already grasped this much of the material, and its inclusion here seems like a desparate bid to eat up necesary time to hit the 50 minute mark.
Being short and shallow makes for a bad documentary for an enthusiast like me, but not necessarily a bad documentary for, say, a classroom. However, here is where the documentary is most troubling for it is *extremely* inaccurate. Opinions are bandied about as fact, and facts that would undermine these opinions are kept hidden from the audience. For instance, the opinion is aired that perhaps the biggest impetus in stopping the Salem trials was that "nontraditional" people such as men were accused of being witches - without once mentioning the fact that of the first three executions, THREE of the exectuted witches were men and that the trials continued for months afterwards before abating. It would be far more fair to include that the apparent biggest impetus to ending the trials was the Dutch document undermining spectral evidence entirely and the subsequent dismantling of the court by the governor, but there is nothing said about this. There is also mention of George Burroughs' famous recitation of the Lord's Prayer at the gallows which is presented as being some sort of turning point in the peoples' minds, again without mentioning that if it WAS a "turning point", the actual turning was only accomplished months later! The narrator also states unequivocably that there were "no transcripts" of the trial, and fails to temper this with the fact that copious notes were taken by several of the judges, many in near-transcript form! The fact that most (but not all) of the trials were recorded to history has been obscurred in order to represent the much more interesting fiction that the whole event is supposedly surrounded by an impenetrable fog of mystery. This is dishonest and it is bad documentary technique, designed to entertain and titillate rather than inform.
An admittedly minor gripe of mine is also that, of the four or five 'experts' interviewed, two of them are religion professors with apparently little or nothing to add on the topic. It's unclear as to why an event that is notable for historical and psychological implications is left to religionists to interpret, and it feels like the makers decided that it was necessary to sprinkle in some nice religion experts so that they couldn't be accused of being anti-religion. If so, this is an incredibly cowardly way to construct a documentary - focusing on averting potential criticism of your motives rather than giving the best possible presentation regardless. If this had been a 3 hour long documentary, I wouldn't have minded the token religion professors nearly as much, but as a 50 minute presentation, it was grating to watch time slip away to the 'expert' opinion that Puritanism was a rough religion to adhere to.
In Search of History - The Aztec Empire (History Channel)
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3
Average rating: 3.5 of 5
a cursory but useful documentary 4 out of 5 stars.
21 of 24 people found this review helpful.
I usually hate cheesy historical reenactments. However, I loved seeing the gorgeous feathered headdresses, colorful chest pieces, and full loincloths of the Aztecs. To be honest, I saw few women being reenacted and that may be a bit problematic. Still, the reenactments helped add a dimension to the ornate and simplistic paintings done of the past empire.
This documentary has interviews from both American and Mexican scholars, it's not one-sided. The work ends by saying Aztec treasures are still being found. I love having that hope that more may be to come.
The documentary was top-focused, meaning the Aztec gods and kings took precedence. I once saw a painting of an Aztec scene which implied that they had clowns. What about those people? Did the Aztecs put boards on their children's head to make them pointy like the Mayas did? What happened in Aztec marketplaces? The film covers Moctezuma and his death. However, according to Stephen Murray's book "Latin American Homosexualities," Moctezuma may have been captured by the Spanish by being seduced by a blond, Spanish male youth. That doesn't come up in this work. Malinche, the Native woman that may have helped the Spanish, is brought up here. However, the contempt that some modern Mexicans and Mexican Americans hold for her is not brought up.
In a different documentary by the History Channel on the Incas, it said the Incas predicted their downfall in 1519 by a foreign force. Here too they bring up that prediction with the Aztec. This seems like too much of a coincidence. I wonder if this is something that imperialist cultures have made up or hype in order to excuses the ravages of imperialism or colonialism.
This work probably just skimmed the surface of the Aztecs. However, for a persont that knows little of that culture, this was an informative work.
Editorial Review:
When explorer Hernando Cortés arrived in the New World in 1519, he found the present-day nation of Mexico dominated by the Aztecs. Highly skilled farmers, builders, and merchants, they were also savage warriors who practiced human sacrifice. THE HISTORY CHANNEL® presents a comprehensive profile of this fascinating civilization. Listen as leading scholars trace the rise of the Aztecs from a band of just over 1,000 to the dominant culture of ancient America and learn how the Spanish were able to hasten the fall of this mighty society in mere months. Tour the great temple of Tenochtitlan, where ongoing excavations are unraveling some of the enduring enigmas of the Aztecs, and discover the culture's continued influence in Mexico today. THE AZTEC EMPIRE explores the riveting history of a civilization that rose to dominate nearly all of Mexico in just 400 years. DVD Features: Interactive Menus; Scene Selection
In Search of History - Viking Explorers (History Channel)
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Editorial Review:
The History Channel's IN SEARCH OF HISTORY series turns its attention to VIKING EXPLORERS. The program presents historical information about the Vikings including evidence about their journey across the Atlantic to America some 500 years before Columbus.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating: NR UPC: 733961752908 Manufacturer No: AAE-75290
In Search of History - The Greek Gods (History Channel)
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3
Average rating: 3.5 of 5
Just OK 3 out of 5 stars.
10 of 12 people found this review helpful.
The DVD is just basics on the Greek Gods. No real detail, but an overview.
Editorial Review:
Their exploits were recorded and passed down through countless generations. Their images inspired some of the most beautiful art ever created. Their names echo throughout history. From their mythical home atop Mount Olympus, the Greek gods played an integral part in Ancient Greek life. THE HISTORY CHANNEL® explores the fascinating history of these enduring figures through period accounts, interviews with renowned historians and classicists, and stunning location footage, including glimpses into the gods' phenomenal temples. Learn why the ancient deities were endowed with human failings and discover the significance of the most famous Greek myths. View the magnificent artwork that preserved their images and learn how these epic figures have been integrated into modern life. From Aphrodite to Zeus, THE GREEK GODS presents an unforgettable exploration of the mythic and monumental world of Greek deities. DVD Features: Interactive Menus; Scene Selection
In Search of History - Navajo Code Talkers (History Channel)
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4
Average rating: 5.0 of 5
Editorial Review:
"We weren't fighting for your country, we were fighting for our country." Carl Gorman, 2nd Marine Division. "Without the Navajo, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima." Major Howard Conor, 5th Marine Division.
Their forefathers had battled the U.S. Cavalry with grim determination and fierce pride. They had lost, and the Navajo Indians were forced to live on reservations where U.S. policy tried to strip them of their heritage and history. Yet, when World War II thrust the nation into its hour of need, young Navajo soldiers responded with one of the most important, secret and least heralded accomplishments of the conflict.
NAVAJO CODE TALKERS tells the incredible story of the only unbroken code in modern military history Navajo soldiers weaved their ancient language into a cipher that the enemies were unable to break. Numerous interviews with surviving code talkers illuminates their role, heroism and motivations. See how their legacy affects the Navajo people today and how the code they devised has served America since WWII.
System Requirements:Running Time 50 Mins.
Format: DVD MOVIE
In Search of History - Scourge of the Black Death (History Channel)
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1
Average rating: 2.0 of 5
Editorial Review:
Some people believe it was sent by God to punish the sins of the world. First recognized in 542 AD, the plague swept from Egypt through Asia Minor and Europe on a path of destruction, killing more than 100 million in countless outbreaks and plunging the world into the Dark Ages. Today, much is known about this ancient scourge, and modern medicine is largely able to contain it. But its origins remain unclear, and there is always the threat that a new, disease-resistant strain could once again prove to be a major threat to mankind. The Scourge of the Black Death is a comprehensive look at the deadliest disease to ever strike mankind. Historians trace its incredible, apocalyptic spread and detail the sweeping changes it forced. Scientists including Dr. Kenneth L. Gage, Plague Section Chief at the Center for Disease Control explain how the disease lives, spreads and kills, and reveal the latest breakthroughs in the ongoing battle to contain it. And incredible archival art, artifacts and accounts, along with location footage from throughout Europe, bring the horrific years of the plague's dominance to life.
In Search of History
Scourge of the Black Death
Starting in 1348, the bubonic plague ravaged the continents of Europe and Asia, killing an estimated forty million people. Victims suffered a horribly painful death characterized by fever and dying flesh. Looking to religion, superstition and quackery, people tried to understand and prevent infection from a disease whose origins were a mystery. In Search of History unravels the mystery of the Black Death and its mysterious origins. Scourge of the Black Death would be useful for classes on World History, Science and Medicine, World Culture and Folklore. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
Vocabulary
• calamity
• carnage
• catastrophe
• catastrophic
• contemporary
• flourish
• forsaken
• horrific
• inadvertently
• macabre
• necrosis
• ominous
• pestilence
• pneumonic
• portent
• quarantine
• random
• repugnant
• succumb
• virulent
Discussion Questions
1. The Black Death did not discriminate in its choice of victims. How was the plague democratic?
2. What is superstition? What was the role of superstition in the plague? What superstitions can you identify today?
3. Although there is no indisputable proof of how the plague reached Europe, historians have their theories. How do historians theorize the origins of the plague in Europe?
4. What was the role of religion in people's beliefs about the plague?
5. The bubonic plague was called the Black Death. Why was it given this name? How is this name both a physical and psychological characteristic of the plague?
6. What were some of the symptoms of the bubonic plague?
7. Europeans chose Saint Sebastian as the patron saint of the Black Death. How did St. Sebastian come to be associated with the Black Death?
8. Compare people's responses to the Black Death with some of the present-day responses to AIDS.
9. What were some of the attempts made by people to survive the plague and/or protect themselves from the plague?
10. Physicians treating plague victims donned some bizarre costumes. Why did these physicians resort to wearing bird-like masks?
11. A religious group known as the Flagellants formed as a response to the plague. Who were the Flagellants? How did they try to stem the tide of the plague?
Extended Activities
1. On a world map, highlight the areas where the plague occurred.
2. Write an essay in which you discuss and compare the bubonic plague with modern-day plagues such as the Ebola virus and Aids.
In Search of History: Hitler and the Occult - History Channel
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1
Average rating: 5.0 of 5
Detailed Product Information 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Here's some detailed product information from The History Channel on this item that might help:
The Nazi party grew out of several occult groups that sprung up in the late 19th century as a reaction to the advanced materialism and technology of the era. These groups spoke of the coming of a new Messiah that would save Germany. Young Adolf Hitler developed the notion that perhaps he was the chosen one to save the German people.
The political parties created in the wake of the country's defeat in World War I combined nationalistic sentiment and occultist practices to forge an image of a superior German people. Hitler's imprisonment after the failed 1923 Munich Beer Hall Putsch would make him a national hero for his defense of a strong German state, convincing him that he was the Messiah who could save Germany.
Hitler appropriated Christian religious symbols such as the Spear of Destiny and the Holy Grail for his own purposes. He adopted the swastika, which contained occult significance from earlier cultures, as the symbol of Nazi Germany. Adolf Hitler's rise was the product of forces and events connecting him, his associates and the occult. Was Hitler influenced by supernatural ideas or was he just the embodiment of pure hate and evil? Examine the importance of symbols of the occult, religion and astrology to Hitler's concept of world domination.
Editorial Review:
A 50 minute documentary from the History Channel