Product Description

This extraordinary documentary film explores one of the most beautiful and mysterious cathedrals in the world, the famous Chartres Cathedral in Chartres, France.

Filmed by an acclaimed BBC cameraman, it features haunting images and beautiful music, and advances challenging theories and discoveries by Professor Keith Critchlow, a leading expert in sacred architecture who has studied the mysteries of Chartres Cathedral for over forty years. Also featured is Malcolm Miller, author and longtime cathedral guide.

Forty-four magnificent stained-glass windows, including three rose windows, tell the story of the world from creation to the day of judgment. The 12th Century labyrinth in the nave paving is the largest and best preserved surviving example of a mediaeval labyrinth in France. Who were the architects, the so called Masters of the Compasses? Where did they get the courage and confidence to build such a complex and magnificent cathedral as Chartres?

This extraordinary documentary will inspire all students of architecture, religious studies and the mysteries of life.

The DVD Bonus Feature is a Photo Gallery of Chartres Cathedral, provided courtesy of the Virtual Chartres Cathedral (Professor Stephen Clancy and Ithaca College)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30220 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-09-30
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 60 minutes

Educational Media Reviews Online
"...a fascinating introduction to the cathedral and the meaning of its sculpture and glass. The program is highly recommended."

Video Librarian
"…otherwise combines science, faith, art, and history remarkably well. Highly recommended. Three and a half stars"

Library Bookwatch
"...brilliantly conceived and superbly presented documentary showcasing the majestic Chartres Cathedral..."

Customer Reviews

Fascinating!
I love this DVD!

I hope someday I can see Chartres Cathedral for myself, but for now, I am thrilled to have found this DVD. I had no idea about the sacred geometry involved in the construction of a medieval cathedral, the direct relationship of its proportions to the proportions of the human body, and so much more.

It's exciting and provocative to realize that people in medieval times had a wealth of knowledge that we have lost in our scientific, materialistic era. They understood that there is another dimension to life beyond what we can grasp with our senses, and they managed to incorporate this knowledge into their sacred architecture. The deep faith which drove their loving, intentionally anonymous work may have been largely left behind in the intervening centuries, but we still yearn for something beyond what our day to day lives offer. And entering into an ancient cathedral like Chartres affects many people in unexpected and deeply profound ways. Can the spiritual concepts which informed the architecture have something to do with this reaction?

I highly recommend this DVD to anyone who is fascinated by the spiritual dimensions of the architecture of Chartres, or of medieval cathedrals in general; and also to anyone who simply wants to get a close look at one of one of the most awesome buildings in the world.

Remebering the sacred
When I read several of the negative reviews here, I am struck by how they miss the whole point of the film and essentially the whole point of the cathedral. This documentary, which I find simply breathtaking in its detailed analysis of the meaning of Chartres, reinforces something that is so lacking in our time- a sense and remembrance of what is sacred. The various scholars who are interviewed for this film reiterate this key frame of mind that was present in the builders and worshippers of the 12th Century. They knew what it meant to worship God and find God present in all things and in all places. That is the whole point, and they directed their mostly anonymous toil and craftsmanship to this end- the remembrance and experience of the sacred.

Not only does this DVD give breathtaking tours of Chartres, it is accompanied by a high degree of historical and theological scholarship that clearly and profoundly explains the methods and purpose behind its higly symbolic design. Certainly worth five stars!

See also the VHS "Cathedral" by Macaulay and the most excellent book, "Building the Great Cathedrals" by Francois Icher! You won't be disappointed.

Enjoy!

Experiencing the Sacred within yourself
This powerful video talks about the timeless and enduring values that have supported individuals and communities from the beginning of time. The building of the Cathedral of Chartes involved the entire Christian community working in harmony to achieve a noble purpose that will long endure. "All hearts were united and each man forgave his enemies."