Documentary DVDs

"Fifty million stars in our galaxy have the potential of supporting life forms capable of traveling to other planets," says world-renowned authority Erich von Daniken, whose film version of his best- selling book, CHARIOTS OF THE GODS, gives stunning visual proof that some form of life from outer space landed on Earth centuries ago. It took five years for von Daniken to document, on film, the physical evidence of visits by galactic travelers who came to Earth. Just what they did here and the influences they left behind is the core of the film. In search of basic truths, the film, CHARIOTS OF THE GODS, takes the viewer into the far reaches of underground caves and tombs, and to the tops of desolate mountains on every major continent to show the evidence von Daniken has been collecting. Although this controversial film may provide the answers to age old mysteries, it may be the beginning of an entirely new set of questions. Bonus Features: Scene Selection, Photo Gallery, Bio on Erich von Daniken, Trailer. Specs: DVD5; Dolby Digital Mono; 90 minutes; Color; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - G; Year - 1972.

During the Exodus, one of the most famous miracles of the Old Testament took place. More than 3000 years have passed since Moses led two million Israelites across the Red Sea and out of the bondage of Egypt. It is a topic that so fascinated Hollywood director Cecil B. DeMille that he made The Ten Commandments, twice. Steven Spielberg also took on the story in The Prince Of Egypt. Now The Exodus Revealed follows the footsteps of the children of Israel on an unforgettable journey of discovery. A journey that reveals physical evidence for the Exodus, including: the remains of 3800 year old Hebrew settlements in Egypt's Nile Delta; Egyptian records of the Israelites' bondage under Pharaoh; the precise route they may have followed to freedom; their crossing site on shore of the Red Sea; and the location of Mt. Sinai.

The Vikings have had a one-sided image for too long. Since their first violent raids in the late 8th century, Norsemen have been considered nothing more than brutal barbarians and marauding savages who thoughtlessly murdered and pillaged the defenseless. Revolutionary new research is about to change their uncivilized reputation. Travel the globe with NOVA for a riveting two-hour special that proves the Vikings were much more accomplished than their vicious stereotype suggests. <P>True, the Vikings were ruthless in their quest for riches and power. But recently unearthed facts about of the Viking legacy reveal they were canny merchants, expert shipbuilders, superb artisans, and bold colonizers of far-off lands. Watch as modern shipbuilders recreate their marvels of nautical engineering. Search for clues that prove Vikings landed in North America 500 years before Columbus. Rebuild ancient villages, retrace a Viking trading expedition through Russia, and see spectacular Scandinavian artifacts that help introduce a surprising new definition of the Vikings.

The story of India is one of fabulous dynasties and kings, timeless belief systems and golden ages of culture. This fascinating program journeys through the centuries to demonstrate how glories such as the Taj Mahal reflect the character of a unique people. Authoritative and entertaining, this program features a stunning graphic re-creation of an Indus Valley City of the Second Millennium BC. Features superb 3D graphics, State-of-the-art computer generated animation, all new location footage, and expert commentary and analyses.

Man has constructed many remarkable monuments, but only one can be seen from space. The Great Wall of China remains the most soaring architectural achievement of the Chinese people –but it’s not the only one, as this entertaining and informative program reveals. Highlights include dazzling graphic re-creations of a Chinese village from seven thousand years ago, the terracotta army of the First Chinese Emperor and Beijing’s Forbidden City. Features superb 3D graphics, State-of-the-art computer generated animation, all new location footage, and expert commentary and analyses.

Studio: Pbs Release Date: 05/06/2009 Run time: 60 minutes

Castles, cathedrals, nobility, knights in shining armor, witches, dungeons, gothic splendor and almost constant war. The Middle Ages are all of that and more! This video tells the fascinating story of these thousand years of history, from around 500 A.D. to 1400 A.D. The Middle Ages are an incredibly dynamic period of history. So much of what we are familiar with today, from states to parliament to universities, came into being during this period. Originally called the "Dark Ages" by the people of the Renaissance, we now realize The Middle Ages were not "dark" at all, but a time that is distinct in its civilization - filled with grand, as well as miserable episodes. Scholars form Yale University and UCLA share their insights into leaders like Charlemagne, the power of the Papacy, the Crusades, and the lifestyle of the people who lived during this very diverse and fascinating age. It was an age of mysteries, of supernatural beliefs, witchcraft and fortunetellers. The church also played a key role in the lives of most Europeans; people's views of life and their place in it was much different than now. It was an age in which disease could -- and did -- wipe out a many as one third of the population! It was an age of religion, royal families, feudal lords and knights serfs, peasants, misery, poverty and warfare. From King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table to Attila the Hun. This video is a must-see for any student of history.

No period of history can boast of greater beauty than The Renaissance. This was the period, from approximately early 14th century to late 16th century; that yielded Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and the infamous bard, William Shakespeare. The word 'renaissance' is a French word which means 'rebirth'. The people credited with beginning The Renaissance period were deliberately trying to imitate the classical models of Ancient Greek and Rome. They were attempting to return to a golden age that they felt represented a high point for their civilization. This was an age when the world seemed to come alive with invention, creativity, imagination and curiosity. It was an age of exploration marked by the voyages of Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, Ponce de Leon, Balboa, De Soto and Marco Polo. It was a time when Venice was the world's busiest seaport and Florence was the heart of great art. At the beginning of The Renaissance, Italy, just as in the golden age of Ancient Rome, was again the center of world culture. Genoa, Milan, Venice, Rome, Verona and Florence were economic, trade and financial leaders for Europe. The Renaissance movement quickly spread across Europe. The invention of the Gutenberg printing press in 1450 is a milestone which marks the beginning of The Renaissance. It allowed the spread of ideas at a faster rate and in a broader geographical sense than ever before. Scholars from Yale University share their knowledge of The Renaissance in this video which takes the viewer on a captivating and beautiful trip back to one of the most glorious periods in world history.

What is the Black Death? Where did it come from? Scientists still do not know the origins of this deadly plague. Appearing miraculously in 542 A.D., the devastating outbreak claimed 100 million lives. Winding its way from Egypt, through Asia Minor and into Europe, the devastation lasted 52 years and disappeared as mysteriously as it arrived. Many believed that the plague was sent from God as punishment for the world's sins. How was the cure for the plague finally discovered? Is it still with us today? These are some of the many questions we will explore in this program.