Product Description

The eminent art historian Sir Kenneth Clark was commissioned to write and present an epic examination of Western European culture defining what he considered to be the crucial phases of its development. Civilisation: A Personal View by Lord Clark would be more than two years in the making with filming in over 100 locations across 13 countries. The lavish series was hailed as a masterpiece when it was first transmitted in 1969.Running Time: 670 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. UPC: 794051260628 Manufacturer No: E2606

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8526 in DVD
• Brand: Warner Brothers
• Released on: 2006-06-27
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 4
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 670 minutes

Amazon.com
Civilisation, A Personal View by Lord Clark, may be the definitive documentary series of the past 50 years. Aired in 1969, this ambitious British undertaking which spanned an "80,000 mile journey visiting 13 countries, 117 locations, 18 libraries, and 118 museums," not only reconfigured the public view of documentary style, but also cemented BBC Two and its new Controller, David Attenborough, in history. In watching this thirteen-episode series, one clearly sees how Attenborough, as well as narrator Kenneth Clark, pioneered the direct-gaze speaking style of the narrator along with the concept of placing the narrator in the setting he refers to. In episode one, The Skin of Our Teeth, Clark stands in front of Notre Dame to question first, if civilization worth preserving, and secondly, what the difference between art and culture is. Heavy. In subsequent episodes, cultural history is viewed through an art historical lens. Especially wonderful is The Worship of Nature, discussing 18th century England's obsession with landscape painting in relation to religious beliefs of the period. Deep philosophy colors each 50-minute segment. This DVD set includes an interview with Attenborough. Undeniably educational, Civilisation feels eternally significant, and improves with repeated viewing. --Trinie Dalton

Customer Reviews

A Walk Through Art and Time with Kenneth Clark
There have been many attempts at a comprehensive history of Western art on film, but none have succeeded as well as this wonderfully opinionated and often-wrongheaded series. The photography remains among the best in the genre, with skillful use of contemporaneous music adding to the charm. What comes through most clearly is Clark's love of his subject, a warmth which covers a multitude of sins. One cannot always agree with his conclusions, and subsequent scholarship has not always borne out his theories, but the series is never less than stimulating, and is an enduring joy to watch.

Cornerstone
This authoritative documentary is a key source for understanding our past and how it relates to the present.

Poor Quality DVD
Although the substance of Lord Clark's epic series remains bright, the medium does not. This is a series about great art, yet the BBC made no effort at all to remaster the original for these DVDs, which leaves the viewer with little art to appreciate. The colors are faded out to the point that sometimes it is difficult to see there is color at all; sepia is a dominant color and lush landscapes look barren. Some of the scenes have those old film cracks and scratches. It looks like it was merely duped to DVD from someone's 30 year old VHS tape.



Bad show, BBC!