Question:
A History of Britain - Simon Schama is being released by the BBC on 18 November. All 15 episodes on 6 discs.
Very tempting.
Know if it's in widescreen? :D
Originally posted by Byron
Know if it's in widescreen? :D
Well, after just flicking it on now (it's on BBC2)- yes. Rather narrow strips of black, to be sure, but definitely designed for you common-or-garden widescreen TV!
Cheapest I have found it is the BBC shop (http://www.bbcshop.com/bbc_shop/product.asp?shop=bbc&pf%5Fid=BBCDVD1127&mscssid=J37HHBU21XN89JJSJ6AX2J0T05HP31H8) at £41.99 + £1.95 p+p. They use Parcelfarce to deliver though, but I have had no trouble so far with the orders I have placed with them.
Paul
Excellent! I've always been out of the country when it's been shown (but for 2 episode) and had my father recording every episode - then he mislabelled all the tapes.
It's traditional "kings and cabbages" history, something of a let down after some of Schama's madly inventive writings ('Landscape and Memory' the best of them) and there are some factual errors but it's still vidid and compelling stuff given the limitations of the format.
Any ideas on price? Extras? (I would love a debate between Schama and David Starkey...)
Paul added a price while I've been typing.. does the BBC shop ship overseas?
Damn! can someone type the RRP of this without using the pound sign - my Korean display always turns the pound and the first digit into a '?'... :dork:
thank you
(Bensons World have it for ?3.95 - good price? :D )
Originally posted by paul_caygill
Cheapest I have found it is the BBC shop (http://www.bbcshop.com/bbc_shop/product.asp?shop=bbc&pf%5Fid=BBCDVD1127&mscssid=J37HHBU21XN89JJSJ6AX2J0T05HP31H8) at £41.99 + £1.95 p+p. They use Parcelfarce to deliver though, but I have had no trouble so far with the orders I have placed with them.
Paul
I've ordered mine through Amazon UK. They're not as cheap as this, but the BBC Shop doesn't ship internationally. :( Allthough they're not always the cheapest, I trust Amazon, and the R4 edition, released a fortnight later, actually ends up being at least A$15-20 dearer than the R2 once Amazon remove VAT.
:smokin:
Originally posted by Earl Jolly Brown
Damn! can someone type the RRP of this without using the pound sign - my Korean display always turns the pound and the first digit into a '?'... :dork:
thank you
(Bensons World have it for ?3.95 - good price? :D ) 41.99 at DVD.co.uk, the RRP is 59.99 and Amazon.co.uk have it for 47.99 or thereabouts. BBC shop only ships within the EU for some reason though.
Apparently it's also being released by A&E on R1 on 19.11.2002.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00006RCKI.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
From the dawn of civilization to the 20th century, A HISTORY OF BRITAIN re-animates familiar tales and illuminates overlooked aspects of England's past. Written and hosted by historian Simon Schama (the bestselling author of Rembrandt's Eyes and The Embarrassment of Riches), this monumental The History Channel®/BBC co-production has been hailed by critics for its colorful--and controversial--approach, which discards timelines and tiresome lineages for a lively look at the personalities and cultures that infuse British history.
From India to Ireland, the Norman Invasion to the American Revolution, Schama spotlights the epic themes and towering figures that transformed an island "at the edge of the world" into the greatest empire on earth, examining the impact of this extraordinary heritage on the modern nation.
All 15 episodes of the landmark series are available on DVD for the first time in this extraordinary collector's set that belongs in the library of every history buff.
Beginnings
Conquest
Dynasty
Nations
King Death
Burning Convictions
The Body of the Queen
The British Wars
Revolutions
Britannia Incorporated
The Wrong Empire
Forces of Nature
Victoria and her Sisters
Empire of Good Intentions
The Two Winstons
Thanks Paul
and here's the extras listed at Blackstar -
Two interviews with Simon Schama plus satellite link with Mark Wilson. Three original music pieces from the programme. Behind the scenes footage. One hour BBC Four Simon Schama lecture. The History Of Britain advert/promo. Photo gallery. Schama biography (text).
Sounds impressive
Excellent, I was hoping that the lecture would be included.
Anyone aware of any differences between the R1 & R2 of this?
According to ezydvd (http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/221885/id=Oja8e:jbmh0) it's also being released on R4 on 2.12.2002.
The complete 15-part epic series on six DVDs presented in a special-edition gift pack. Bringing Britain’s rich history to life, Scharma’s unique storytelling describes the triumphs and trials of the monarch, the effects of warring religions, the expansion of the empire and the decline of Britain as a world power. The story begins around 3100 BC and concludes 1965.
Special Features:
Two interviews with Simon Schama, plus a satelite link with Mark Wilson
Three original music pieces from the programme
Behind-the-scenes footage
One-hour Simon Schama lecture
Photo Gallery
Schama biography
Originally posted by Joe
Well, after just flicking it on now (it's on BBC2)- yes. Rather narrow strips of black, to be sure, but definitely designed for you common-or-garden widescreen TV!
I know the series is widescreen, I was talking about the DVDs; since lots of the shots and vistas are very cinematic, it would be very annoying to have the picture hacked.
Great looking set, but please God don't let us in the UK have that hideous packaging! It looks just like all the other bargain-basement history doccos out there, and the series' distinctive flame-entwined columns are so much better and subtle.
Ah ha! Just found this at amazon.co.uk:
http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00006JI1X.02.LZZZZZZZ
Please upload images to your own webspace first if you wish to directly link to them
Yah boo sucks to the US edition! :D
Was just about to post a link to that Byron. For those who do not want to search,
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006JI1X/tag=Here-21&path=tg/qid%3D1036949031/026-7314163-1690813
for the set.
Affiliated Link - Harsin
I think I shall go for this from Amazon - with the free P+P on orders over £39 and the £3 voucher from The Times, it is only marginally more expensive than the BBC shop, and at least my postie is understanding and knows where to hide packages. With Parcelfarce I never know when to get them!
Edit - comes out at £44.46 with the voucher and free shipping,
would be £43.94 from the BBC Shop.
By the way, the R2 extras as listed on Blackstar (http://www.blackstar.co.uk/video/item/7000000073226) are :
Two interviews with Simon Schama plus satellite link with Mark Wilson. Three original music pieces from the programme. Behind the scenes footage. One hour BBC Four Simon Schama lecture. The History Of Britain advert/promo. Photo gallery. Schama biography (text).
Sorry splob! :)
Take a look anyhow folks ... this is one case where you'd have to be certifiable to order the R1. :nuts:
Originally posted by dixpix
According to ezydvd (http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/221885/id=Oja8e:jbmh0) it's also being released on R4 on 2.12.2002.
I could have sworn I'd already said this...
:confused:
So - has anyone who has this comment on how good the DVD is?
Or does anyone have any links to reviews?
feverpitch96 - I've read your thread on the R2/R4 packaging :thumbs:
I've found the following reviews:
http://www.dvdmoviecentral.com/ReviewsText/history_of_britain.htm
http://www.webwombat.com.au/entertainment/dvds/brithist.htm
Thanks
8-]
8-],
Apologies if this is not the usual standard of a review, have never done one before and not really sure what to put in!
Starting with the packaging, Simon Schama's A History of Britain comes in a 6-disc set, in a similar book wallet style to the later Buffy and Angel boxed sets. Fortunately, the BBC has learnt from those experiences and the wallets each have a protective felt to protect the playing surface.
Dealing with the actual series, it is presented in 16:9 with Dolby Digital soundtrack. The series covered the history of Britain from 3000BC to the present day. Admittedly, when covering such a wide period of history in 15 episodes, there are going to be omissions and generalisations - the first episode covers history from a Stone Age settlement in the Orkneys, the Roman invasion and departure and the Dark Ages all in one hour. However, as an introduction to the history of a nation, it covers many of the salient points in an informative and exciting manner.
Schama himself is an excellent presenter, displaying a great breadth of knowledge and conveys the facts to the viewer in a simple but entertaining way. The history is interspersed with fantastic shots of historic landmarks relating to the tale, an examination of artefacts and re-enactments of important events.
Although I have not yet got onto the extras disc, it lists the extras as a lecture " Television and the Trouble with History", two exclusive interviews, an interview taken from "The Rest is History" and a biography of Schama.
With an RRP of £60, this may seem pricey for a 6-disc set. However, I have found it at the BBC shop for £41-99 so the deals are out there. In conclusion, I would say that Simon Schama's A History of Britain is an excellent series covering the beginnings and development of a nation, and is currently without rival in the DVD market in my opinion.
Paul.
Just in case anybody is interested, the first 2 books out of a series of 3 are currently in the Amazon Sale:
A History of Britain: At the Edge of the World? 3000 BC-AD 1603
A History of Britain Volume 2: 1603 - 1776
Both are available for £10 each. Not as good as having the box set of DVDs, I agree, but each book is over 400 pages long so you are getting quite a lot for your money.
Ray
Originally posted by billybuttons
Just in case anybody is interested, the first 2 books out of a series of 3 are currently in the Amazon Sale:
A History of Britain: At the Edge of the World? 3000 BC-AD 1603
A History of Britain Volume 2: 1603 - 1776
Both are available for £10 each. Not as good as having the box set of DVDs, I agree, but each book is over 400 pages long so you are getting quite a lot for your money.
Ray
Absolutely, a cracking deal for two large and heavy hardcover tomes which began life with an RRP of £25 each. Even Volume III is 50% off (the other two are 60% off) which means it comes in at a tasty £12.50.
:thumbs:
Originally posted by paul_caygill
8-],
Apologies if this is not the usual standard of a review, have never done one before and not really sure what to put in!
Starting with the packaging, Simon Schama's A History of Britain comes in a 6-disc set, in a similar book wallet style to the later Buffy and Angel boxed sets. Fortunately, the BBC has learnt from those experiences and the wallets each have a protective felt to protect the playing surface.
Dealing with the actual series, it is presented in 16:9 with Dolby Digital soundtrack. The series covered the history of Britain from 3000BC to the present day. Admittedly, when covering such a wide period of history in 15 episodes, there are going to be omissions and generalisations - the first episode covers history from a Stone Age settlement in the Orkneys, the Roman invasion and departure and the Dark Ages all in one hour. However, as an introduction to the history of a nation, it covers many of the salient points in an informative and exciting manner.
Schama himself is an excellent presenter, displaying a great breadth of knowledge and conveys the facts to the viewer in a simple but entertaining way. The history is interspersed with fantastic shots of historic landmarks relating to the tale, an examination of artefacts and re-enactments of important events.
Although I have not yet got onto the extras disc, it lists the extras as a lecture " Television and the Trouble with History", two exclusive interviews, an interview taken from "The Rest is History" and a biography of Schama.
With an RRP of £60, this may seem pricey for a 6-disc set. However, I have found it at the BBC shop for £41-99 so the deals are out there. In conclusion, I would say that Simon Schama's A History of Britain is an excellent series covering the beginnings and development of a nation, and is currently without rival in the DVD market in my opinion.
Paul. Thanks for the review Paul.
I've just been catching up on Forums goings on while I was away and just got around to this thread. :)
I think that based on what you posted and my liking of the episodes that I watched I will probably be buying this boxset.
:thumbs:
Very tempting.
Answers:
Know if it's in widescreen? :D
Answers:
Originally posted by Byron
Know if it's in widescreen? :D
Well, after just flicking it on now (it's on BBC2)- yes. Rather narrow strips of black, to be sure, but definitely designed for you common-or-garden widescreen TV!
Answers:
Cheapest I have found it is the BBC shop (http://www.bbcshop.com/bbc_shop/product.asp?shop=bbc&pf%5Fid=BBCDVD1127&mscssid=J37HHBU21XN89JJSJ6AX2J0T05HP31H8) at £41.99 + £1.95 p+p. They use Parcelfarce to deliver though, but I have had no trouble so far with the orders I have placed with them.
Paul
Answers:
Excellent! I've always been out of the country when it's been shown (but for 2 episode) and had my father recording every episode - then he mislabelled all the tapes.
It's traditional "kings and cabbages" history, something of a let down after some of Schama's madly inventive writings ('Landscape and Memory' the best of them) and there are some factual errors but it's still vidid and compelling stuff given the limitations of the format.
Any ideas on price? Extras? (I would love a debate between Schama and David Starkey...)
Paul added a price while I've been typing.. does the BBC shop ship overseas?
Answers:
Damn! can someone type the RRP of this without using the pound sign - my Korean display always turns the pound and the first digit into a '?'... :dork:
thank you
(Bensons World have it for ?3.95 - good price? :D )
Answers:
Originally posted by paul_caygill
Cheapest I have found it is the BBC shop (http://www.bbcshop.com/bbc_shop/product.asp?shop=bbc&pf%5Fid=BBCDVD1127&mscssid=J37HHBU21XN89JJSJ6AX2J0T05HP31H8) at £41.99 + £1.95 p+p. They use Parcelfarce to deliver though, but I have had no trouble so far with the orders I have placed with them.
Paul
I've ordered mine through Amazon UK. They're not as cheap as this, but the BBC Shop doesn't ship internationally. :( Allthough they're not always the cheapest, I trust Amazon, and the R4 edition, released a fortnight later, actually ends up being at least A$15-20 dearer than the R2 once Amazon remove VAT.
:smokin:
Answers:
Originally posted by Earl Jolly Brown
Damn! can someone type the RRP of this without using the pound sign - my Korean display always turns the pound and the first digit into a '?'... :dork:
thank you
(Bensons World have it for ?3.95 - good price? :D ) 41.99 at DVD.co.uk, the RRP is 59.99 and Amazon.co.uk have it for 47.99 or thereabouts. BBC shop only ships within the EU for some reason though.
Answers:
Apparently it's also being released by A&E on R1 on 19.11.2002.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00006RCKI.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
From the dawn of civilization to the 20th century, A HISTORY OF BRITAIN re-animates familiar tales and illuminates overlooked aspects of England's past. Written and hosted by historian Simon Schama (the bestselling author of Rembrandt's Eyes and The Embarrassment of Riches), this monumental The History Channel®/BBC co-production has been hailed by critics for its colorful--and controversial--approach, which discards timelines and tiresome lineages for a lively look at the personalities and cultures that infuse British history.
From India to Ireland, the Norman Invasion to the American Revolution, Schama spotlights the epic themes and towering figures that transformed an island "at the edge of the world" into the greatest empire on earth, examining the impact of this extraordinary heritage on the modern nation.
All 15 episodes of the landmark series are available on DVD for the first time in this extraordinary collector's set that belongs in the library of every history buff.
Beginnings
Conquest
Dynasty
Nations
King Death
Burning Convictions
The Body of the Queen
The British Wars
Revolutions
Britannia Incorporated
The Wrong Empire
Forces of Nature
Victoria and her Sisters
Empire of Good Intentions
The Two Winstons
Answers:
Thanks Paul
and here's the extras listed at Blackstar -
Two interviews with Simon Schama plus satellite link with Mark Wilson. Three original music pieces from the programme. Behind the scenes footage. One hour BBC Four Simon Schama lecture. The History Of Britain advert/promo. Photo gallery. Schama biography (text).
Sounds impressive
Answers:
Excellent, I was hoping that the lecture would be included.
Answers:
Anyone aware of any differences between the R1 & R2 of this?
Answers:
According to ezydvd (http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/221885/id=Oja8e:jbmh0) it's also being released on R4 on 2.12.2002.
The complete 15-part epic series on six DVDs presented in a special-edition gift pack. Bringing Britain’s rich history to life, Scharma’s unique storytelling describes the triumphs and trials of the monarch, the effects of warring religions, the expansion of the empire and the decline of Britain as a world power. The story begins around 3100 BC and concludes 1965.
Special Features:
Two interviews with Simon Schama, plus a satelite link with Mark Wilson
Three original music pieces from the programme
Behind-the-scenes footage
One-hour Simon Schama lecture
Photo Gallery
Schama biography
Answers:
Originally posted by Joe
Well, after just flicking it on now (it's on BBC2)- yes. Rather narrow strips of black, to be sure, but definitely designed for you common-or-garden widescreen TV!
I know the series is widescreen, I was talking about the DVDs; since lots of the shots and vistas are very cinematic, it would be very annoying to have the picture hacked.
Great looking set, but please God don't let us in the UK have that hideous packaging! It looks just like all the other bargain-basement history doccos out there, and the series' distinctive flame-entwined columns are so much better and subtle.
Answers:
Ah ha! Just found this at amazon.co.uk:
http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00006JI1X.02.LZZZZZZZ
Please upload images to your own webspace first if you wish to directly link to them
Yah boo sucks to the US edition! :D
Answers:
Was just about to post a link to that Byron. For those who do not want to search,
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006JI1X/tag=Here-21&path=tg/qid%3D1036949031/026-7314163-1690813
for the set.
Affiliated Link - Harsin
I think I shall go for this from Amazon - with the free P+P on orders over £39 and the £3 voucher from The Times, it is only marginally more expensive than the BBC shop, and at least my postie is understanding and knows where to hide packages. With Parcelfarce I never know when to get them!
Edit - comes out at £44.46 with the voucher and free shipping,
would be £43.94 from the BBC Shop.
By the way, the R2 extras as listed on Blackstar (http://www.blackstar.co.uk/video/item/7000000073226) are :
Two interviews with Simon Schama plus satellite link with Mark Wilson. Three original music pieces from the programme. Behind the scenes footage. One hour BBC Four Simon Schama lecture. The History Of Britain advert/promo. Photo gallery. Schama biography (text).
Answers:
Sorry splob! :)
Take a look anyhow folks ... this is one case where you'd have to be certifiable to order the R1. :nuts:
Answers:
Originally posted by dixpix
According to ezydvd (http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/221885/id=Oja8e:jbmh0) it's also being released on R4 on 2.12.2002.
I could have sworn I'd already said this...
:confused:
Answers:
So - has anyone who has this comment on how good the DVD is?
Or does anyone have any links to reviews?
feverpitch96 - I've read your thread on the R2/R4 packaging :thumbs:
I've found the following reviews:
http://www.dvdmoviecentral.com/ReviewsText/history_of_britain.htm
http://www.webwombat.com.au/entertainment/dvds/brithist.htm
Thanks
8-]
Answers:
8-],
Apologies if this is not the usual standard of a review, have never done one before and not really sure what to put in!
Starting with the packaging, Simon Schama's A History of Britain comes in a 6-disc set, in a similar book wallet style to the later Buffy and Angel boxed sets. Fortunately, the BBC has learnt from those experiences and the wallets each have a protective felt to protect the playing surface.
Dealing with the actual series, it is presented in 16:9 with Dolby Digital soundtrack. The series covered the history of Britain from 3000BC to the present day. Admittedly, when covering such a wide period of history in 15 episodes, there are going to be omissions and generalisations - the first episode covers history from a Stone Age settlement in the Orkneys, the Roman invasion and departure and the Dark Ages all in one hour. However, as an introduction to the history of a nation, it covers many of the salient points in an informative and exciting manner.
Schama himself is an excellent presenter, displaying a great breadth of knowledge and conveys the facts to the viewer in a simple but entertaining way. The history is interspersed with fantastic shots of historic landmarks relating to the tale, an examination of artefacts and re-enactments of important events.
Although I have not yet got onto the extras disc, it lists the extras as a lecture " Television and the Trouble with History", two exclusive interviews, an interview taken from "The Rest is History" and a biography of Schama.
With an RRP of £60, this may seem pricey for a 6-disc set. However, I have found it at the BBC shop for £41-99 so the deals are out there. In conclusion, I would say that Simon Schama's A History of Britain is an excellent series covering the beginnings and development of a nation, and is currently without rival in the DVD market in my opinion.
Paul.
Answers:
Just in case anybody is interested, the first 2 books out of a series of 3 are currently in the Amazon Sale:
A History of Britain: At the Edge of the World? 3000 BC-AD 1603
A History of Britain Volume 2: 1603 - 1776
Both are available for £10 each. Not as good as having the box set of DVDs, I agree, but each book is over 400 pages long so you are getting quite a lot for your money.
Ray
Answers:
Originally posted by billybuttons
Just in case anybody is interested, the first 2 books out of a series of 3 are currently in the Amazon Sale:
A History of Britain: At the Edge of the World? 3000 BC-AD 1603
A History of Britain Volume 2: 1603 - 1776
Both are available for £10 each. Not as good as having the box set of DVDs, I agree, but each book is over 400 pages long so you are getting quite a lot for your money.
Ray
Absolutely, a cracking deal for two large and heavy hardcover tomes which began life with an RRP of £25 each. Even Volume III is 50% off (the other two are 60% off) which means it comes in at a tasty £12.50.
:thumbs:
Answers:
Originally posted by paul_caygill
8-],
Apologies if this is not the usual standard of a review, have never done one before and not really sure what to put in!
Starting with the packaging, Simon Schama's A History of Britain comes in a 6-disc set, in a similar book wallet style to the later Buffy and Angel boxed sets. Fortunately, the BBC has learnt from those experiences and the wallets each have a protective felt to protect the playing surface.
Dealing with the actual series, it is presented in 16:9 with Dolby Digital soundtrack. The series covered the history of Britain from 3000BC to the present day. Admittedly, when covering such a wide period of history in 15 episodes, there are going to be omissions and generalisations - the first episode covers history from a Stone Age settlement in the Orkneys, the Roman invasion and departure and the Dark Ages all in one hour. However, as an introduction to the history of a nation, it covers many of the salient points in an informative and exciting manner.
Schama himself is an excellent presenter, displaying a great breadth of knowledge and conveys the facts to the viewer in a simple but entertaining way. The history is interspersed with fantastic shots of historic landmarks relating to the tale, an examination of artefacts and re-enactments of important events.
Although I have not yet got onto the extras disc, it lists the extras as a lecture " Television and the Trouble with History", two exclusive interviews, an interview taken from "The Rest is History" and a biography of Schama.
With an RRP of £60, this may seem pricey for a 6-disc set. However, I have found it at the BBC shop for £41-99 so the deals are out there. In conclusion, I would say that Simon Schama's A History of Britain is an excellent series covering the beginnings and development of a nation, and is currently without rival in the DVD market in my opinion.
Paul. Thanks for the review Paul.
I've just been catching up on Forums goings on while I was away and just got around to this thread. :)
I think that based on what you posted and my liking of the episodes that I watched I will probably be buying this boxset.
:thumbs:
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