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Amazon.co.uk Review
Anchored by the impassioned presence of David Dimbleby, How We Built Britain is a terrific documentary series that follows its host on a journey of Britain’s architectural heritage.
Spread across six hours, it’s a diligent, patient journey too, allowing plenty of time and space to tell some of the extraordinary stories that underpin the buildings and work that Dimbleby discovers. How We Built Britain takes in the breadth of the British mainland, and fascinating stories are never far away.
What’s more, How We Built Britain is happy to pose many questions, attempting to uncover the appropriate answers too. What led to the modern day shopping centre, for instance? How, over the last 1000 years, has architecture developed? And has it been of benefit? What defined the look of certain types of buildings? These and many more posers are ably tackled by an intelligent and rewarding piece of television.
Grounded by strong photography, an unwillingness to resort to gimmicks, and a focus on good, honest documentary making, How We Built Britain is a terrific piece of work. Engaging, educational and with a broad appeal, it also boasts welcome rewatch value, and is also likely to ignite a desire to explore what lies beyond your front door. Excellent stuff. --Jon Foster
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Once again David Dimbleby takes to the road to drive his Land Rover through Britain and reveal some of the best places of interest it has to offer. Moving on from his previous series, A Picture of Britain, this time he invites us to explore the built environment.
In six glorious episodes we are conducted through the purposeful castle and cathedral building era of the post Norman Conquest, visiting the homes and public buildings of rich and poor alike throughout successive ages. We examine British architecture and its relationship to the people who lived at the time the buildings were constructed. This is not merely an opportunity to admire great buildings but to visit asylums, music halls and even sewers!
This series is a very high quality production which I found thoroughly compelling to watch. The photography is absolutely first class and David Dimbleby's commentary is conducted with humour and charm. This is the kind of production which leads me to believe television still has something to offer.
In six glorious episodes we are conducted through the purposeful castle and cathedral building era of the post Norman Conquest, visiting the homes and public buildings of rich and poor alike throughout successive ages. We examine British architecture and its relationship to the people who lived at the time the buildings were constructed. This is not merely an opportunity to admire great buildings but to visit asylums, music halls and even sewers!
This series is a very high quality production which I found thoroughly compelling to watch. The photography is absolutely first class and David Dimbleby's commentary is conducted with humour and charm. This is the kind of production which leads me to believe television still has something to offer.
69 of 72 people found the following review helpful
In my opinion, as a professional TV producer and director and an avid film buff from 'down under', I can't fault this amazing 6-part series in any way. In a word it's FANTASTIC!
David Dimbleby in his watermelon pink shirt does a sterling job (as usual) with his friendly and informative on-camera-location presentations. The production values are first class with some of the most beautiful camerawork I've ever seen in any English or International TV documentary. Congratulations BBC, the aerial shots are mind-blowing. The music score is excellent too, and one would believe that a mammoth budget was spent on its composition, orchestration, and recording.
The complete series is presented in widescreen 1.85:1 (anamorphic) and is one of the best transfers I have seen in a long, long time, with sharp, clean images and glorious colour. I can heartily recommend this series to anyone who loves Britain and would relish a trip through Britain's past to savour its heritage buildings, its beautiful countryside, and its famous towns and cities. Enjoy!
David Dimbleby in his watermelon pink shirt does a sterling job (as usual) with his friendly and informative on-camera-location presentations. The production values are first class with some of the most beautiful camerawork I've ever seen in any English or International TV documentary. Congratulations BBC, the aerial shots are mind-blowing. The music score is excellent too, and one would believe that a mammoth budget was spent on its composition, orchestration, and recording.
The complete series is presented in widescreen 1.85:1 (anamorphic) and is one of the best transfers I have seen in a long, long time, with sharp, clean images and glorious colour. I can heartily recommend this series to anyone who loves Britain and would relish a trip through Britain's past to savour its heritage buildings, its beautiful countryside, and its famous towns and cities. Enjoy!
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
I bought this DVD set because I had watched the series on BBC TV and was very impressed with the combination of spectacular images and beautiful musical score. So I was very disappointed when I watched the first two episodes and found that the music on the DVD is not the same as in the TV version. The series is still interesting, but that wonderful pairing of images and music is what I really wanted to see and hear again, and that is gone. Now I wish I'd recorded the series when I had the chance!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
How we built Britian
Very good watching. Has all the BBC production excellence. Informative and brilliant photography.
Highly recommended, as well as all other similiar dvd's of BBC creation.
Highly recommended, as well as all other similiar dvd's of BBC creation.
Published 4 months ago by jenpet
A must for every foreigner on this island!
A wonderful series! Really offering a great explanation about where the buildings you see around you fit in historically. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Kris Naudts
Interesting
This is a fascinating subject. I bought the DVD for the architectural and historical content. I got rather too much Dimbleby. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Roscoe
How We Built Britain
This was exceptionally well done I enjoyed every minute of it and have watched it twice more since purchase. very informative touch of humour and David had a try at everything . Read more
Published 24 months ago by B. B. Norman
A Fascinating Portrait
This is a fascinating portrait of Britain's architectural history and much more ~ a definite recommendation.
Published on 23 May 2010 by Mark Welsh
How We Built Britain
This is an excellent review of the architecture and culture of Britain over many centuries. Well produced with a superb commentary.
Published on 16 April 2010 by Mr. A. F. Telford
how we built Britain
Very interesting. Some buildings are just glossed over, it's a pity. I particularly liked when old techniques are demonstrated,as in the first part about the Middles Ages.
Published on 7 Jan 2010 by elfix
Beautifully filmed programme
Having just finished watching this series I really,really enjoyed it.David Dimbleby is an excellent host and is much more amusing than you would ever think. Read more
Published on 12 Nov 2009 by Mrs. I. S. Young
Escapism And Education
Dimblebly at his best: relaxed, witty and informative. A glorious glimpse into times when stonemasons, architects and (building) planners knew their, er, onions! Read more
Published on 18 Oct 2009 by Michael Shea
Sheer Quality
I still can't believe it: somebody gave this series 1 star. Like 'a picture of Britain', also written and presented by David Dimbelby this is also a masterpiece. Read more
Published on 9 Mar 2009 by D. Spreeuwers
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