Told through the eyes of a daring modern day adventurer, this is the story of a unique chapter in the history of one of the world's greatest super-powers. This program chronicles the history of the great Ming Dynasty treasure ships. Built in the early 15th century these ships gave China the capability of exploring and perhaps conquering the world.
Dominic Frisby
Narrator
Told through the eyes of a daring modern day adventurer, this is the story of a unique chapter in the history of one of the world's greatest super-powers. This program chronicles the history of the great Ming Dynasty treasure ships. Built in the early 15th century these ships gave China the capability of exploring and perhaps conquering the world.
The history of cinematic sound, told by legendary sound designers and visionary filmmakers.
A look at the origins, history and conspiracies behind the "Majestic 12", a clandestine group of military and corporate figureheads charged with reverse-engineering extraterrestrial technology.
A documentary on the making of the three Godfather films, with interviews and recollections from the film makers and cast. This feature also includes the original screen tests of some of the actors for "The Godfather" film, and some candid moments on the set of "The Godfather: Part III."
Oliver Stone charts the history of the United States from the Second World War to the present.
A documentary about the life and films of director John Ford.
“The Soviet Story” is a story of an Allied power, which helped the Nazis to fight Jews and which slaughtered its own people on an industrial scale. Assisted by the West, this power triumphed on May 9th, 1945. Its crimes were made taboo, and the complete story of Europe’s most murderous regime has never been told. Until now...
Documentary about the art of film editing. Clips are shown from many groundbreaking films with innovative editing styles.
Cameramen and women discuss the craft and art of cinematography and of the "DP" (the director of photography), illustrating their points with clips from 100 films, from Birth of a Nation to Do the Right Thing. Themes: the DP tells people where to look; changes in movies (the arrival of sound, color, and wide screens) required creative responses from DPs; and, these artisans constantly invent new equipment and try new things, with wonderful results. The narration takes us through the identifiable studio styles of the 30s, the emergence of noir, the New York look, and the impact of Europeans. Citizen Kane, The Conformist, and Gordon Willis get special attention.
A documentary highlighting the Soviet Union's legendary and enigmatic hockey training culture and world-dominating team through the eyes of the team's Captain Slava Fetisov, following his shift from hockey star and celebrated national hero to political enemy.
From the heights of her modeling fame to her tragic death, this documentary reveals Anna Nicole Smith through the eyes of the people closest to her.