The Knights Templar dvd movie.|
The Knights Templar cheap dvd videos, dvd movies for sale |
 |
List Price: $19.98 Our Price: $17.99 You Save: $1.99 Features • Color • NTSC In Theaters : 01 January, 2000 DVD Release : 08 February, 2002 |
| [ + Zoom ] [ Buy Now ] | DVD : Usually ships in 24 hours |
|
|
| ♥♥♥♥♥ | Historical reference, but visually challenged |
| The material is based on the researches of Professor Malcolm Barber of the University of Reading in England, who appears in this production discussing the history presented. It is augmented with material by Dr. David Nicolle of the University of Nottingham in England as well. Both men are noted Medieval Historians and authors, Prof. Barber being a noted historian on the Crusades, and Dr. Nicolle being very well versed on medieval history, castles and warfare.
The production is in four parts, covering Origins, Corporation, Frontier and Legend. Origins cover how the Templars came about. They do not mention Hugh de Payne or the original group who are credited with the founding of the Templars, but does pick up from the time of the First Crusades, and does cover the circumstances of why a military order was needed, and how the Order was finally acknowledged and accepted. Corporation is much more interesting, showing how much of an important part the Templars played in the construction of the financial basis for that time period in history. The foundation of the Templar finances is examined and clearly laid out. This is necessary in order to understand what finally happens to them. Frontier lays the basis for the fall of the Holy Land and the effects it had on the Templars. Reinforced and secure, they lose their ground to the Mamluks. The power struggle plays out, the Holy Land is finally lost to the Crusaders, and the Templars move back into Europe to find they are financially secure, but have no reason now for existence. The final installment, Legend, examines the fall of the Templars. Their financial holdings appealed to a failing monarchy, they become the target for the financially strapped French King, and are arrested, tortured, tried and burned. Throughout the documentaries, Prof. Barber and Dr. Nicolle, as well as a few other specialists, add their viewpoints and their expertise to the topic and make some sense out of what could be confusing and lacking in details. The material is augmented by the commentaries and is very much like a college class study than a read through a high school text book. A big plus in my view. The examination of the legends and stories about the Templars is also a big plus, as it puts into perspective some of the myths that started almost as soon as the last Templars were put to death. A very good addition to the work. While the history seems skimmed over, it appears the timing is probably the reason why. Each episode is approximately 30 minutes long, so there really isn't all that much time to get into details. As far as the history, the material is well researched, well presented and the whole of the production is very interesting and the time allowed for the production covers the material well enough. One thing I did find annoying was the production itself. There is much repetition in the visuals. The same knights keep trotting across the screen to fill in the visuals while the narrator Art Malaik covers some details. I gave it three stars because of this. We watch videos for the visual content, which is lacking here. This would fit well as a four part series to augment any medieval history class, as they are roughly thirty minute episodes. And the expertise of Prof. Barber and Dr. Nicolle make this a very good all around picture of the Crusades as well. So, if you are looking for some good historical background material for the Crusades and the Knights Templar, this is a good production well worth the time to explore. medievalcrusadesbabe |
|
|