Discovery Channel - Titanic Gift Pack [DVD]

This is an excellent documentary and investigation into RMS Titanic, presented across eight discs each in their own slimline box, in this order as follows:

Disc 1. The Investigation Begins:

This programme documents an unprecedented August 1996 research and recovery expedition, during which a section of the Titanic's hull is raised, briefly, before returning to the ocean floor. Approximately 52 minutes long and narrated by Nat Benchley.

Disc 2. Anatomy of a Disaster:

In this programme scientists and researchers combine underwater archaeology, forensic science, metallurgy, microbiology and sonar imaging to present a complete investigation of the sinking and attempt to answer puzzling questions about the wreck. The use of computer graphic animation provide important aspects of the sinking. In addition to interviews with scientists, survivors share their thoughts and dramatic recreations which offer a view into the history as it was happening. Approximately 104 minutes long, narrated by Martin Sheen.

Disc 3 and 4. Answers from the Abyss - Volumes 1 and 2:

In these two episodes groundbreaking deep-water tests show what's never been seen, Titanic's fate, once she slipped out of sight, beneath the chilly ocean waves. New photo mosaics images show stunning views of new pieces of the submerged hull. Each episode runs approximately 60 minutes, both narrated by Jonathon Pryce.

Disc 5. Deep Inside the Titanic:

This episode sees special remote submersibles glide through the living spaces of this famous ship. Viewers witness the current condition of the ballrooms, hallways and living quarters of the vessel, while the programme reveals what each was like before the tragedy. On a guided tour of the ship, the stories of the inhabitants of each room are told. Around each corner, the grandeur that made this ship the pride of the White Star line brings home the poignant story of those who spent their last moments aboard. Approximately 52 minutes narrated by Dave Corey.

Disc 6. Untold Stories:

This is the personal account of the people and the tragedy. In never-before-seen footage, historian Charles Haas descends the depths of the North Atlantic and guides us on a tour of the Titanic. While recounting tales of triumph and struggle, we see among the many sites the doors where all passengers would have entered, peer through the porthole of a first class cabin, see the davits where the too few lifeboats hung, pause by the mailroom where the postal workers heroically died. Unique footage, letters, old stills, artefacts and new recreations help tell the human stories of the Titanic. Approximately 52 minutes narrated by Linda Hunt.

Disc 7. Last Mysteries of the Titanic:

This compelling documentary sees Academy Award Winning Director, James Cameron, lead his team of underwater explorers on a series of historic dives to film and document the innermost spaces of the Titanic. Using research subs, four mini-robots, a seafloor-to-satellite data system and a suite of the most advanced cameras and lights, Cameron's team create unparalleled "live" images of the world's most famous shipwreck. Approximately 88 minutes.

Disc 8. 90 Years Below:

This final episode uses footage of both recent and archival expeditions to explore the history of the ship and the technology that finally found the Titanic on the ocean floor thus enabling subsequent exploration and salvaging dives. Approximately 65 minutes.

This is probably the most detailed and comprehensive televisual documentary of the Titanic to date. However, it is not without its drawbacks, namely it is filmed and presented in 4:3 (i.e. not in widescreen), narrator Nat Benchley is a bit woody, robotic and dull (but hey, it's the facts that count), and finally it offers no subtitle option.

This is an excellent value for money box set, the first couple of DVDs are a little stale in terms of offering nothing new, but as you work throught the set, you are really drawn into the story.

There is some amazing footage of the Titanic on the seabed, especially some interior shots never seen before which are fasinating. There is alot of analysis of the sinking, etc which is neither too stuffy or dumbed down and some fairly interesting and credible theories are put forward that really get you thinking.

In terms of the expedition footage, it is kept in context, unlike most books and DVDs that spend far too much time banging on about the submarines and the techniques used to explore the titanic.

If you watch the DVDs together in close succession, there is some repetion of shots and narrative, but it is fairly minimal.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the films and learnt quite a bit more about the Titanic, the sinking and people who were on it.

Excellent value multi dvd set, i have a little one that is facinated about the Titanic.... this was just what the doctor ordered! lol Highly recommended if into the Titanic... oh and excellent service from Amazon as per usual.