TV Documentary Movies

Through this video we travel around the world to some of the most remote regions to explore the different ways humans make use of sound. First, Nova takes us to northern Greenland to witness the amazing ability of native Eskimos to hunt for seals by listening to their faint sounds through thick layers of ice. Next, it is on to New Zealand where we meet the Maori. The Maori have incorporated sound into every single aspect of their every day life. Music to the Maori is a basic necessity along with food and water. Nova ends this journey into the mystery of hearing at the Helen Keller National Center where we make the acquaintance of Michelle Smithdas who is obtaining a cochlear implant to restore her hearing. ~ Laura Mahnken, Rovi

Join famed sensory epicure Diane Ackerman in discovering the variety of cuisine available around the world. Nova Video Library: Mystery of the Sense - Taste begins its journey with a delectable feast of lobster in a restaurant in France. Next up is an elaborate meal served in Mexico called the day of the dead and finally a quick stop at a street food stand in downtown Manhattan. We learn about the four main tastes -- sweet, sour, salty and bitter -- and how we have developed and maintained them as an inherited trait for hundreds thousands of years. ~ Laura Mahnken, Rovi

Join famed sensory epicure Diane Ackerman in a look at our most revealing sense -- sight. Nova Video Library: Mystery of the Senses - Vision takes a unique approach by exploring the connection between art, science, and sight using examples of early Native American petroglyphs and the more modern work of Roy Lichtenstein and M.C. Escher. ~ Laura Mahnken, Rovi

This documentary explores the ancient past to discover the secrets of the pyramids, most of which were built from 2686 to 2181 BC. The most famous of the pyramids is the one at Giza, which entombs some of the most powerful pharaohs of Egypt. Using 3D computer animation and new photography techniques, scientists have been able to give the viewer a detailed reconstruction of the Giza Pyramid, still one of the most awe inspiring edifices in the world. The film employs archeological experts, who speculate on who built the pyramids, and how they accomplished this amazing feat. Theories range from it being the toil of slaves of conquered peoples to the handiwork of extraterrestrials. This is a fascinating look at the Egyptian cult of the dead. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi

Travel back in time to visit some of the most intriguing places in history. The Lost Treasures of the Ancient World series uses detailed reconstructions, sophisticated photography and 3D computer animation techniques to reconstruct wonders from past civilizations. The Romans in North Africa explores the archeological vestiges of the ancient Roman dwellings in North Africa, and includes footage of Carthage, the underground city of Bulla Regia, the site of Dougga, the Colosseum of El Jem, Chimtou and a look at Lepcis Magna in Libya. Other videos in the series include, Ancient Greece, Carthage, Ancient Jerusalem, The Romans in North Africa, and Seven Wonders of the Ancient World ~ Sally Barber, Rovi

Meet 19th century French painter Edouard Manet in the art history documentary The Impressionists: Manet. Known as an experimental artist and innovator, Manet painted commonplace figures -- urchins, beggars, café characters -- and picturesque landscapes using bold lighting, simple colors, and vivid brushstrokes. Although his work inspired the Impressionist style, he did not label it as such. You'll get expert analysis and commentary on Manet's paintings in this 50-minute film which chronicles his life and career. ~ Kathleen Wildasin, Rovi

The life and art of Camille Pissarro (1830-1903) are depicted in this documentary. The French painter Pissarro was one of the founders of the impressionist art movement, which replaced the dark pallette of traditional art with a lighter, more atmospheric treatment of subjects. These experiments met with critical and public derision, and Pissarro helped organize the first independent impressionist show of 1874. He was a great influence on other painters interested in the use of light and color. Georges Seurat, in particular, became his disciple in the technique of freely applied touches of broken color and the play of light to transform ordinary settings. The film includes location footage and commentary by art historians on this most fascinating of artistic genres.

~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi

This program examines the life and art of impressionist painter Georges Seurat. The video delves into Seurat's life and times to give the viewer a clear understanding of the man and his art. The artist's works are examined, and his individual style is carefully detailed. To better understand the artist, Seurat's life is set in a historical context, allowing the viewer to better understand the inspiration for his works. Seurat's creative process is also examined. Commentary and analysis by Seurat scholars add to the experience, along with extensive and newly filmed footage of Seurat's art. ~ Michael McGrath, Rovi

As produced in 1973 (when the topic was still fresh and making headlines), Gordon Carr's muckraking documentary The Angry Brigade discusses and explores a controversial and infamous series of events that began three years prior - universally known and explored in Great Britain but seldom acknowledged in the States. In the early 1970s, a domestic terrorist group formed in the UK that alternately called itself 'The Angry Brigade' and 'The Stoke Newington Eight.' A libertarian militant unit designed to stir up anarchy and protest "the system," the Newington Eight set about planting bombs in a series of public and private locations throughout Britain, such as the homes of Tory MPs. Its activities officially began in 1970, with a bomb planted in the Paddington Green Police Station, but the group arguably culled inspiration from the First of May Group, with their horrific machine-gunning at the U.S. Embassy in London, c. 1967. Carr's documentary explores the doings and motivations of this outfit, and speculates on its (then) future. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

This documentary of the making of Miss Saigon focuses on the inner workings of the popular musical. Behind-the-scenes footage is shown of the worldwide casting search, the creation of the score, rehearsals, set, costume design, and more. Much of the video centers on the frantic search for the perfect leading lady with the subsequent showdown between Lea Salonga and Monique Wilson. This video is full of intimate details about one of the most-loved musicals of all time. ~ Karla Baker, Rovi

This documentary concerns the 200,000 Czech and Polish Jews of Lodz ghetto who were enslaved by the Nazis during World War II. Forced into labor camps, only 800 had survived by the time the camp was liberated by the Allied forces. Historical documents, archival films, interviews, and the reading of diaries of the prisoners were used to assemble this chilling story of the horrors of war. Over 1,000 still photos actually taken by ghetto residents who risked their lives were also used. The film was funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi

Part of the American Experience series on the presidents, this three-hour documentary examines the quest, triumph, fall, and legacy of one of America's most fascinating and controversial presidents. From his modest beginnings among the lemon groves in Yorba Linda, CA, to his taking on the highest position in the nation, the story of Richard Milhous Nixon is characterized by contradiction. A staunch anti-communist, Nixon opened up relations with China and the Soviet Union and took steps to end the conflict in Vietnam. American Experience describes how Nixon promoted family values and how he used his poker earnings to finance his first political campaign. From congressman to senator to vice president under Eisenhower, a man uncomfortable in his own skin, Nixon was nonetheless a tireless campaigner. The program details the "Pink Lady" campaign, the "Checkers" speech, and the humiliation of Watergate. ~ Brooke Hodess, Rovi

When George Washington, general and commander in chief of the Continental Army, led his troops to victory, absolute power was within his grasp. Washington could have used his power to establish a military dictatorship or become king, a notion not without support from his own army. Remarkably, he instead relinquished such opportunities for what he believed was the greater good of the country and to foster a union of the states under a strong central government. American Experience: George Washington -- The Man Who Wouldn't Be King explores Washington's growth as a fighter for the colonies, his relationship with his troops, his involvement in the Revolutionary War, and his interaction with America's other founding fathers including John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson. An outstanding leader and "Father of His Country," American Experience: George Washington -- The Man Who Wouldn't Be King takes an unconventional look at a man who symbolizes the American Revolution and a commitment to creating a country of democracy. ~ Brooke Hodess, Rovi