Secrets of Middle-Earth: Inside Tolkien's The Hobbit

A history of the subject

This well-received British series, hosted by Grant McTavish, digs deep into the second volume of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic and, with the help of computer technology and the artistry of the Brothers Hildebrandt, looks at Middle's Earth's locales, language, cultures, residents and more. Tolkien expert Michael Stanton and historian David Doughan lend extra credibility to the analysis.

Featuring footage of British naturalist Charles Darwin's home, expert commentary and animated graphics to explain his theories, this riveting documentary chronicles the life of an extraordinary man and the lasting effect of his groundbreaking work. When Darwin developed the theory of evolution and natural selection and explained the concepts in his 1859 book The Origin of Species, he rocked the science world.

This is the story of a Waffen-Ss unit attacking an American held town in the Ardennes in 1945.

In eleventh century Scotland, three witches foretell that Macbeth will become King, while Banquo will beget Kings. Macbeth accordingly has King Duncan slain, and is duly crowned in his place. But that's where his problems really begin...

This program presents the stories of the works of architecture regarded by the Greeks and Romans as the most extraordinary structures of antiquity: the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, The Statute Of Zeus, the Temple of Artemis, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Pharos of Alexandria and the Pyramids of Egypt and more.

Documentary about the writing of the final part of the Lord of the Rings

The documentary Inside Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring traces the journey taken by the characters in the classic novel. In addition to offering insight into the characters, the filmmakers show what real-life works shaped the author's imagination as he created one of the most beloved books of the 20th century.

His name, image and adventures stir something in all of us - a time of chivalrous deeds, damsels in distress and gallant quests. King Arthur is the archetypal hero, a shining light from an age whose romance and myth still casts a spell over all who show a flicker of interest in his enduring legend. However, when we look for historical facts Arthur and his legend are shrouded in mystery and darkness, with little to no hard proof ever such a man existed. In the absence of concrete evidence, history and fantasy have fused together and in this video we attempted to separate fact from fiction with the expert opinion of historians and renowned Arthurian authorities. - The Power Of The Legend - Hidden Treasure In The Writings - Horsemen Of The Red Dragon - Power Of The Sword

Christopher Columbus survived battles with Tunisian galleys, shipwrecks, imprisonment and illness during his remarkable expeditions. Columbus eventually set foot for the first times in the West Indies and on the South American mainland: this is his story of victory against the odds.

This is the tragic story of the last bridge in the ill-fated WWII Operation Market-Garden, and features rare newsreel footage of the Allied operation that was supposed to end World War Two in 1944. Featuring extensive footage from the training films and newsreel cameras of both sides, plus a return to the battlefield under the direction of Robert Kershaw, author of It Never Snows In September.

For many Ernest Shackleton is the epitome of a courageous, resolute and determined adventurer, showing tenacity in the harshest of conditions. Like many explorers, Shackleton was drawn to the barren wastelands of the Antarctic, and to the honours, fame and fortune that would come from being the first person to reach the South Pole. The legacy he left would not be that of great discovery, but of survival, leadership and a journey of incredible human spirit. Rare photographs, dramatised re-enactments and expert commentary tell the story of a unique man, whose legend would inspire many an adventurer.

For nearly two thousand years, history has recorded the dramatic and moving stories of those who were prepared to pay the ultimate price for their faith. For these martyrs to Christ, nothing could deflect them from their chosen faith - even as they faced the hangman's rope or the licking flames of a burning fire.

Romanticised by Hollywood and embellished by centuries of creative writing, Camelot is the epitome of a fantasy castle. Brave knights such as Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad walk its stony corridors preparing for their next quest, while its loyal citizens go about their daily lives protected by its vast walls and sat in resplendent glory at the head of the Round Table is Arthur, King of Britain. But is there any factual basis for this most famous of fortresses or is it pure legend, a castle built on the idea of chivalry and nothing more? With the help of experts, archive material and new footage, we examine the very latest theories, findings and evidence surrounding Camelot including its possible location, occupants and links to King Arthur. Was Camelot the grand castle of legend, a nomadic court travelling the land to dispense local justice or simply an idealistic code of morals from a forgotten age?

By the year 1800, Napoleon's political career was in full swing but as First Consul he was hardly a man of the people - by a stroke of outrageous good fortune he even survived an assassination attempt on Christmas Eve 1800. This gave him the perfect excuse to eliminate several political enemies and tighten his grip on a tumultuous nation. This episode covers Napoleon's golden era - his rise to Emperor in 1804 and his remarkable military victories at Austerlitz, Eylau and Ulm. By 1808 the Emperor of France was just a short step away from becoming the Emperor of Europe.

Throughout the world, mankind is joined - but sometimes divided - by the depth and passion of his religious devotion. This film investigates the fascinating range of major religions from all over the globe and explores their differences and similarities. The program features all new location footage, expert comment and analysis,stylish reconstructions, period images, the religions and people.