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Amazon.co.uk Review
It's paradoxical that the most heavily invented and imagined parts in this 10-episode Clash of the Gods series are so much less riveting than the simple storytelling by scholars cast to recap the myths in classroom-lecture style. In these hour-long episodes, myths are dramatized with acting that borders on farce. Men pumping their muscles and grunting or monsters' eyes glowing flaccidly into the camera lens are marked periodically by CG blood splatters and modern primitive tattoo designs blazing across the screen that do nothing for Greek myth except make it feel oafish. Even narrator Stan Bernard's rowdy, punctuated speaking style reminds one of narration for a detective show or a wrestling match instead of an educational documentary highlighting history's greatest mythic heroes. While modernizing ancient myth is a controversial topic, there are many reasons a television show visually explicating the classics to reach new generations is a great idea. But the erratic, hectic visual style of this series does a disservice to already-exciting stories that, according to the show's mission, explain the ancient world's belief that nature was subject to the gods. Clash of the Gods' other premise, more in keeping with its sensationalistic tone, is to expose hidden truths behind the myths.
The majority of the series devotes episodes to the rise of the Olympian gods, beginning with Zeus's battle with his father, Kronos, and the Titans. Images of Zeus with a ridiculous white lightning bolt painted across his face repeat ad nauseam throughout to supposedly show how Zeus took control of mortal earth until consumed by his "uncontrollable sex drive." Likewise, the episode "Hercules" depicts a well-oiled man in tight underwear roaming the desert to elucidate how he is the world's "ultimate superhero." Only scholars like Tom Stone, who humorously likens Hercules to Babe Ruth, or Michael Fontaine from Cornell University, do any justice to the exploration of metaphorical connections between Hercules's 12-challenge quest and the ordeals humans were experiencing when the myth was popular. "Minotaur" better achieves its aim to link truths to the myth, by linking historical wars between the Cretans and Athenians to the horrific tale of the man-eating Cretan beast, deemed Athenian propaganda by historians like David George at Saint Anselm College. Also meaningful is the narrative thread in this episode about Theseus's dual fathers, one mortal and one god, and the fantastic connection between historical politicians, such as Alexander the Great, who believed that they too were conceived of two men. While "Medusa," the two-episode "Odysseus," and "Beowulf" do zilch to enlighten beyond basic redundant storytelling, the lamest episode of all is "Tolkien's Monsters," a heavy-handed look at how J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth was inspired by his days in the trenches during World War I. While the information in this series is informative and interesting, simulated drama and footage that repeats as if the History Channel ran out of material to edit in makes for possibly the worst series on mythology out there. Save your money and read the books instead. --Trinie Dalton
Product Description
Myths so powerful that they remain woven into the fabric of the present world. Thousands of years ago, they were used to help frame the world of the ancients and dictate the guidelines of their societies. Today, they are often the first stories we learn as children, iconic tales where good and evil clash and humanity and fantasy collide. But what is the reality behind these stories? From the epic tragedy of Medusa, Greek mythology's most infamous female fiend, to Hercules, its greatest action hero and Hades, master of the land of the dead and a god so feared no one would speak his name, explore these myths and the legendary figures who inspired them in Clash of the Gods.
Each episode connects ancient myths to actual historical events, as well as to events in the Bible and other cultures mythologies, gaining important historical insight from renowned scholars in search of the truth behind the legends. This 10-part series on 2 discs travels back in time to reveal the stories behind some of history s most infamous mythological figures and legends.
Stills from Clash of the Gods (Click for larger image)
Each episode connects ancient myths to actual historical events, as well as to events in the Bible and other cultures mythologies, gaining important historical insight from renowned scholars in search of the truth behind the legends. This 10-part series on 2 discs travels back in time to reveal the stories behind some of history s most infamous mythological figures and legends.
Stills from Clash of the Gods (Click for larger image)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I was really looking forward to these DVDs, but they have been overproduced with repetition of the same few images over and over again with lots of flashing lights that were very distracting. It felt bitty, as if the producers were trying to pad out the relevant information to make it a longer programme. I only watched part of the first disc and shall not bother with the other two. They will probably end up in the recycling bin. GS
27 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The summary printed on the back cover of this 180min DVD reads, I quote:-"Reaquaint yourself with myths so powerful that they remain woven into the fabric of the present world, resonating with real-life relevance. Discover the stories behind some of history's most infamous mythological figures and legends.
Thousands of years ago, they were used to help frame the world of the ancients and dictate the guidelines of their societies. Today they are often the first stories we learn as children, iconic tales in which good and evil clash and humanity and fantasy collide. But what is the reality behind those stories?
Zeus
Ancient Greece's most powerful god wages an epic struggle against his father for control of the universe. It's the ultimate clash of the gods as the Olympians challenge the Titans in mythology's greatest showdown.
Hades
The myth of ancient Greece's most feared god. Hades takes us behind the veil of the ancient Greek belief in life after death.
Hercules
The tale of the strongest superhero in Greek mythology and his quest for redemption. To atone for committing a heinous crime, Hercules embarks on a series of seemingly impossible challenges known as the 12 Labours.
The Minotaur
A half-bull, half-man freak of nature, the Minotaur is one of mythology's most terrifying monsters. A bizarre tale of bestiality, human sacrifice and war, the myth of the Minotaur endures as a symbol of the beast inside all men."
Describes this four part series perfectly, which is why I've included it in this review. These programmes are excellent entertainment, both telling and explaining as they do four highly complex tales from the dawn of Western civilization. I was suprised to see just how much 'Greek' mythology is actually incorporated in our christian Bible, and found the explanation as to how it got included highly informative. The parts 'revealing' the primitive pyschological impulses/explanations are also interesting; but to my mind, are based more on subjective opinion than 'fact'. I have no hesitation however, in recommending this excellent series to all those with an interest in either ancient Greek culture and/or mythology.Clash of the Gods [DVD] [2009]
Thousands of years ago, they were used to help frame the world of the ancients and dictate the guidelines of their societies. Today they are often the first stories we learn as children, iconic tales in which good and evil clash and humanity and fantasy collide. But what is the reality behind those stories?
Zeus
Ancient Greece's most powerful god wages an epic struggle against his father for control of the universe. It's the ultimate clash of the gods as the Olympians challenge the Titans in mythology's greatest showdown.
Hades
The myth of ancient Greece's most feared god. Hades takes us behind the veil of the ancient Greek belief in life after death.
Hercules
The tale of the strongest superhero in Greek mythology and his quest for redemption. To atone for committing a heinous crime, Hercules embarks on a series of seemingly impossible challenges known as the 12 Labours.
The Minotaur
A half-bull, half-man freak of nature, the Minotaur is one of mythology's most terrifying monsters. A bizarre tale of bestiality, human sacrifice and war, the myth of the Minotaur endures as a symbol of the beast inside all men."
Describes this four part series perfectly, which is why I've included it in this review. These programmes are excellent entertainment, both telling and explaining as they do four highly complex tales from the dawn of Western civilization. I was suprised to see just how much 'Greek' mythology is actually incorporated in our christian Bible, and found the explanation as to how it got included highly informative. The parts 'revealing' the primitive pyschological impulses/explanations are also interesting; but to my mind, are based more on subjective opinion than 'fact'. I have no hesitation however, in recommending this excellent series to all those with an interest in either ancient Greek culture and/or mythology.Clash of the Gods [DVD] [2009]
23 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Been watching this on the History Channel. It's got a permanent residency on the Sky + box. Enjoying it! Missed the first episode which I think was Hercules but have so far caught the episodes on Medusa, The Minotaur, Beowulf & Grendel and The Odyssey. Ok some of the CGI is a bit ropey but actually suits the highly stylised approach at times and it's well presented and very informative in uncovering the inspirations behind the myths. Certainly the make up fx were decent enough on Medusa, Grendel and Polyphemus the cyclops. I also really enjoyed the vivid depictions of two monsters from Homer's Odyssey; the terrifying Scylla and the equally dangerous Charybidis.
Certainly a good companion piece to the movies that we know & love such as Beowulf with Ray Winstone, Clash Of The Titans, Jason And The Argonauts, Troy, The Odyssey with Armand Assante (GREAT movie) etc
I do seem to remember Jonathan Edwards presenting something very similiar on BBC about 5 years ago?
I will definitely buy this at some point - can't wait to see the upcoming Clash Of The Titans remake. Trailers look awesome!
Looking forward to next week's episode on Hades and his dreaded Underworld....
Certainly a good companion piece to the movies that we know & love such as Beowulf with Ray Winstone, Clash Of The Titans, Jason And The Argonauts, Troy, The Odyssey with Armand Assante (GREAT movie) etc
I do seem to remember Jonathan Edwards presenting something very similiar on BBC about 5 years ago?
I will definitely buy this at some point - can't wait to see the upcoming Clash Of The Titans remake. Trailers look awesome!
Looking forward to next week's episode on Hades and his dreaded Underworld....
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Disappointing
Was really looking forward to this release, since i saw bits of the "Beowulf" on the web and it seemed very interesting. Read more
Published 28 days ago by D. Q. RAMOS
Brill
I really enjoy this series - I think the Review in the description is quite off to be honest as it describes the Hercules episode as "Hercules running round in a loin cloth and... Read more
Published 14 months ago by The_shark
An enjoyable ensemble, but....
Generally I enjoyed this tour of classical mythology, and although the effects were strictly made for television standard (no bad thing in itself), and the talking heads were... Read more
Published 16 months ago by J. D. O. Sullivan
This should have been 4 stars but.....
For 3 stars
The good - Great subject matter, some interesting ideas and on occasion reasonably well executed
The OK - CGI is OK but, I think, aimed at the ADHD... Read more
The good - Great subject matter, some interesting ideas and on occasion reasonably well executed
The OK - CGI is OK but, I think, aimed at the ADHD... Read more
Published 21 months ago by D. Griffiths
Grandchildren's homework
Both my husband and I thought this an excellent documentary on the Greek Gods.
A little gory in parts,but most children's DVDs, computer games, TV programmes are no different,... Read more
A little gory in parts,but most children's DVDs, computer games, TV programmes are no different,... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Mrs. Alyson Farr
Great Education
To all those people out there who like myself have a great interest in all forms of mtyh and Greek fables etc then this selection is a must for you to view ,hire or better still,... Read more
Published 24 months ago by Mr. Colin R. Howe
Not great
I found this very ordinary and not up to the standards of, say, the BBC.
I gave up watching after a program or two.
WHen there is nothing better to watch, I may revisit.
I gave up watching after a program or two.
WHen there is nothing better to watch, I may revisit.
Published on 12 May 2010 by A. Korsner
Clash of The Gods History Series
First recieving this box set and seeing the visual identity & effort put into the packaging alone I was in high expectation to see something both visially stunning and historically... Read more
Published on 14 April 2010 by Proud Brit
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