Encyclopedia of the 20th Century

Excellent Library of Historic Film Footage

I really appreciate this DVD set especially for the incredible historical footage of key times in history. I thought it was extremely well done and the narration was harmonious in presenting the information. This is truly breathaking, especially the early 1900's with all of the inventions if the industrial era.

The film footage also sadly documents the disasters, wars and battles in history at the turn of the 20th Century and beyond including the Depression era.

Watching history on film gave me a new perspective. We're lucky to be able to rely on film whereas prior to it, people only had books and word of mouth to rely on for documenting history. A film libary such as this is unique and worth far more than it's market value. I would highly recommend this DVD set. June 20, 2008

Encyclopedia of the 20th Century(1900-1999)

POSITIVE: Good scene selections capabilities to view specific points of interest.
NEGATIVE: Content and information is not as in debth as on other DVDs. January 12, 2007

A very nice historical overview

I can see scholars and purists up in arms over this DVD collection and using terms as "Mchistory" and history for dummies and the like, but the fact is I enjoyed this five DVD set and its coverage in order of major world events during the last century. Using archival footage it really gave you a feel to the events as they occured,and I even learned a few things.For under $16 its a bargain..and of course far from comprehensive,but Madacy has put out a nice historical set. June 8, 2005

The 20th Century in a nutshell.....

The Encyclopedia of the 20th Century is a nicely done and decently comprehensive look at the last century. Covered over 5 discs (each one representing 20 years, 1900-1919, 1920-1939, 1940-1959, 1960-1979, 1980-1999, the material is presented in a well narrated manner with good video presentation. Although some of the material is dated, it can still be clearly seen and with sound only at the Dolby 2.0 level, it's still pretty distinct.

The fold out disc cases are good in the fact that there is a menu listed below each time line to let you know exactly what is on each disc. This documentary covers many major historical milestones but serious history fans may be left wanting more. Still, what is offered is very interesting, entertaining, and even educational.

Bonus features offered on each disc include full motion menu's, biographies (2 per disc on important persons or events), photo galleries, a trivia quiz (5 questions each), and direct scene access.

For the asking price and what is offered, this is a pleasing historical documentary that I would recommend to history fans and to everyone in general. January 20, 2005

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