Russia - Land of the Tsars

Product Description

Its forests stretch from Europe to the Pacific. Its winters have vanquished the mightiest armies ever mustered. Its people have borne the excesses of some of history's most notorious rulers.

Russia: Land Of The Tsars illuminates the imperial past of the world's largest nation. At the heart of this epic tale are the figures whose names have become legend: Ivan the Terrible, who expanded the empire at the rate of 50 miles -and innumerable lives - a day; Peter the Great, whose sweeping reforms westernized the nation; and Catherine The Great, whose rule was marked by conquest, change and controversy.

Filmed on location throughout Russia, enriched by exclusive visits to important sites and museums, and filled with commentary from renowned scholars, this is a kaleidoscopic, captivating portrait of a land that has endured centuries of despair and rebellion, innovation and conflict.

System Requirements:
Running Time: 200 Min., Color
Copyright 2003 A&E Home Video.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Good Introductory Documentary on Russia.......2007-09-06

If you approach this documentary with an understanding of what it is and what it is not, you'll probably not be disappointed. This is NOT an in-depth, scholarly history of Russia, nor a detailed examination of the historical forces at work at each major turning point of Russia's history. What is IS, however, is a good, solid introduction to the main themes and threads of Russian history, with an emphasis on the personages (the "Tsars") that were in power over the period covered (e.g., Ivan the Terrible, Catherine, Peter the Great, Nicolas II, and others). If you are interested in a general introduction to the country, this is probably not a bad place to start. And because many people don't know much about Russia, it's probably safe to say that this documentary will likely appeal to the majority of potential viewers.

The documentary was developed by The History Channel, and although it is in no way comparable to the premier documentaries created by the BBC, or even PBS, it has generally good production values, a script that clearly presents the content in a coherent manner, and a good narration in Hermann. Yes, there are the typical theatrical "visuals" that one often sees in THC productions, but so what? The most important thing is that we get the overall picture, learn basic content, and then are able to visualize it more accurately by watching the period acting, the photo reproductions, and even seeing a few historical clips embedded in the show. The documentary is broken into four separate episodes, each one designed to fit into a typical on-air TV hour block (about 50 minutes).

Perhaps the most impacting aspect of watching this show is realizing the amount of tyranny and despotism these people have endured over the centuries. Learning so helps us to be more understanding, more sympathetic, and perhaps more able to interpret modern Russia's tendencies and behaviors. Russia's history is in many ways a great history, but it is also a history filled with many sorrows and tribulations. It is a history worth knowing. Here's an easy way to get started.

One Important Flaw.......2007-07-26

The video is fantastic but it does have one reprehensible flaw - NO SUBTITLES OR CLOSED CAPTIONS. It is absolutely unacceptable that video documentaries, especially historical ones, are not provided with subtitles or at least closed captions. This should be a compulsory feature for every video! Not only for the hearing impaired but also as valuable tool for teaching the English language to foreigners!
Shame on The History Channel and A&E !

truth story.......2007-01-06

I just came back from Russia would like to learn more. It is very good reference film.

Ends Abruptly - But Still Worthwhile.......2006-12-07

This 2 DVD set from the History Channel with the soothing voice of Edward Herrmann narrating tells the story of Russia starting in the 1500s and how this collection of varied peoples became a nation.

This tortured land and its citizens have suffered everything including invasions, revolutions, plagues, wars, and persecutions, yet Russian history remains a highly compelling tale.

While full of interesting information about each Tsar (including where the name came from), the documentary suffers from an overuse of the same re-enactment footage over and over.

But my biggest complaint is that it is too focused on the Tsars and ends abruptly with the death of the last Tsar Nicholas in 1918. There is nothing about the tumult in most of the 20th century. I was hoping for more of a complete Russian history.

Still it is a better than average historical documentary and the Tsars are very interesting ranging from the holy to the horrific.

And the bolchevik propaganda continues.......2006-08-11

This documentary is filled with bocheviks lies to reinforce the mantras against the imperial Russia. It was a religion war to destroy christianity and culture and to rob the russians. This is still going on. Those thoughts are wrong. Wake up!

Fairy Tales From Far Off Land, Volume 1 (Russia, Import)

Average customer rating:

FUN FOR ALL AGES

Fairy Tales From Far Off Land, Volume 1 (Russia, Import)
Director: Vladimir Degtyarev , Mikhail & Vera Tsehanovsky , Lev Atamanov , Ivan Aksenchuk , and Ivan Ivanov
Manufacturer: Jove Films/ Mosvideofilm
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
Product Features:

120 minutes/ 5 animated fairytales: (1) THE UGLY DUCKLING, (2) THE FROG PRINCESS, (3) THE GOLDEN ANTELOPE, (4) WITCH AND SWITCH, and (5) THE PRINCESS AND THE SIMPLETON
Colorful and breathtaking entertainment for children and even adults
Soundtrack in ENGLISH and FRENCH only

ASIN: B000MKTGVC

Product Description

Welcome to a rare and wonderful treasured library of animated films from Moscow's famous Soyuzmultfilm Studio. Breathtaking art and exceptional storytelling unveils a whole panorama of the best fairytales from around the world. These everlasting and heart-warming fairytales are sure to delight and unite children of all cultures through the universal language of animation. Volume 1 includes the following 5 animated fairytales: (1) THE UGLY DUCKLING by Hans Christian Andersen is the story of a lonely and rejected duckling who uncovers his own self worth by becoming the kingdom's most beautiful swan. This animated film won first prize in the British Festival of Animation. (2) THE FROG PRINCESS, a Russian folk fairytale, tells us a thrilling story about a prince who must battle a bitter wizard to save his enchanted bride-princess, turned into a frog by the wizard. This animated film was honored at the International Film Festival in Argentina. (3) THE GOLDEN ANTELOPE is the charming Indian folk adventure about an orphan boy who risks his life to save a beautiful and graceful antelope from a cruel and greedy Raja. This richly animated classics has won awards at five International Festivals, including Cannes. (4) WITCH AND SWITCH is a Russian folk fairytale. Follow the fanciful escapades of a young girl in an enchanted forest who must befriend a kind-hearted giant and a magical tree in order to rescue her little brother from an evil witch. This animated film won the International Festival of Films for Children and Youth in Venice. (5) THE PRINCESS AND THE SIMPLETON is a Russian folk fairytale. When a peasant lad rescues a fish, his simple act of kindness brings him fantastic powers. Yet power in the hands of a very simple lad soon turns the entire kingdom topsy-turvy in this hilarious Russian fairytale. This animated film was honored at the Venice Film Festival. ENGLISH & FRENCH SOUNDTRACK ONLY.

Customer Reviews:

FUN FOR ALL AGES.......2007-03-22

I greatly enjoyed these cartoons, it is perfect for kids and adults as well. It is especially good for kids because every fairy tale teaches high moral values, plus it captures the plot very well with bright colors. Better than Disney, I highly recommend it.

Fairy Tales From Far Off Land, Volume 2 (Russia, Import)

Average customer rating:

Fairy Tales From Far Off Land, Volume 2 (Russia, Import)
Director: Ivan Aksenchuk , Valentina Brumberg , Dmitriy Babichenko , Boris Dgenkin , and Leonid Amalrik
Manufacturer: Jove Films/Mosvideofilm
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
Product Features:

***RUSSIAN SOUNDTRACK ONLY***
145 minutes/ 5 animated fairytales: (1) CIPOLLINO, (2) BRAVE TAILOR, (3) BOY FROM NAPOLI, (4) MILLION IN A SACK, and (5) THUMBELINA
Colorful and breathtaking entertainment for children and even adults

ASIN: B000MKVD0O

Product Description

DVD:

DVD

DVD