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Ancient Rome The Rise And Fall Of An Empire [2006]


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Editorial
Synopsis

This dramatised documentary series tells the story of the rise and fall of Ancient Rome through the six key turning points. Factually accurate and based on extensive historical research, it reveals how the greed, lust and ambition of men like Caesar, Nero and Constantine shaped the Roman Empire. It describes how Rome destroyed Carthage, was conquered by Caesar, how it suppressed the Jewish revolt, and converted to Christianity. CGI is mixed with compelling drama and spectacular live-action battles to tell the definitive television story of how the Empire was formed, how it achieved maximum power, and why it eventually failed.


Very good series...but wish it covered more
Review date: 2008-07-11 Rating: 8 out of 10

Having been a history buff at school and since then reliant on the odd TV series or Hollywood remake, I decided to try out this series. It focuses on the period when the Roman Republic was crumbling (~52BC) up to the fall of Rome (476AD). I must say this was a very good series to watch, with lots of political intrigue, assassinations and some battles thrown in. The format was different with it part narrated and part dramatized, but it works quite well. The standout episode was the second one covering Nero. The actor (Michael Sheen) portraying the mad Emperor was outstanding, though I was surprised that there was no mention of the persecution of Christians in the Great Fire story.

I only gave it 4 stars because I think Ancient Rome had other critical periods too, such as the Punic Wars and the epic battles against Hannibal, and of course what happened directly after Caesar's assassination. A lot of the BBC history series tend to limit themselves to 6 episodes but I am one of those people that want more information. I think some more could have been added as extras to this DVD set. Nevertheless, I rate it very highly and recommend it happily.

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Reviews


Enjoyable but flawed
Review date: 2008-04-19 Rating: 8 out of 10

This DVD consists of 6 episodes each covering an event which took place during the period of the Roman Empire and which the creators consider to be pivotal. The format is a docu-drama - by that I mean that within each episode there are a number of actors playing roles of famous romans, who follow a script which portrays the events that took place. To deal with the obvious problem of how to make sure we know what the events and characters are talking about, there is a commentary filling in the gaps - delivered by one of those chaps you hear in cinema adverts - with a confident, strong delivery method which implies he is delivering the information as if it were the 10 commandments written on tablets of stone. So, confident that of course none of the events or incidents could ever be considered untrue or have some analysis behind them.

This format has its benefits and drawbacks. The characters in the drama sections are played by well known and therefore good actors who deliver the lines well. The battle scenes are not what one would expect from a movie set but are not bad given what I would expect of the BBC budget. This format is therefore excellent for keeping attention, as its short bursts of good acting followed by a dialogue on the events but overall its also disappointing as the events chosen are completely separate from each other, whereas if this was a drama there would be consistency throughout and it ends up being neither one thing or the other.. The events covered are also not necessarilly everyones choice covering ; including fun stuff like Ceasar & Nero and Constantine but also less well know pieces like the Jewish Revot.

In summary I am not a great fan of this format as if the BBC was going to take the time and money to pay these good actors and build these scenes why not make a drama series along the lines of HBO Rome or I Claudius, you can't beat the romans for intrigue, places, events, scandal, sex, politics, battle scenes etc.. etc.. To me this format is a compromise which fails its a documentary of events, where actors play characters, but, there is no historical analysis as one would expect in a documentary series and no real chance for the actors to let loose or build a story line as if this were a drama series. On the postiive side its diverting well acted with some nice shots so easy watching.

Viewable but with a few reservations
Review date: 2008-01-28 Rating: 6 out of 10

The thing that I find disturbing with this series is that some of the episodes remind me of long, Hollywoodesque, film trailers. The commentary sounds a bit too much like the bumper-sticker English we are used to in disaster films like Armageddon. Not even the best actors can conceal the fact that their lines are a bit too two dimensional.
BUT, when you stop focusing on the negative, the series still provides both interesting facts and entertainment. However, in my opinion it does not reach the heights of 'I Claudius' or 'Rome'.

Gripping and great introduction to the History of Rome
Review date: 2007-10-30 Rating: 10 out of 10

Once I got over the hamminess of the guy who plays Julia Caesar in the first episode, I was gripped. I am not able to comment on its accuracy but as the BBC said the programme was based on real life accounts and documentation I took this as trustworthy. I thought it was brilliantly directed, I wasn't expecting it to be visually impressive but it was and there are some good performances. For a novice I found this very interesting and can't wait to watch the second part. It worked well going between the action and part narration to fill in the gaps. Overall very enjoyable

Impressive documentary
Review date: 2007-09-13 Rating: 8 out of 10

"Ancient Rome" is an extremely informative and entertaining series, a combination that is rare on TV these days. The sets are quite impressive for a documentary, generally a low-budget area. Of course, one is prone to compare it with "Rome". For example, Sean Pertwee (Labienus in the Edel film "Julius Caesar"!) presents Caesar in a rather lacklustre way as a vain and slightly deranged person whereas Ciaran Hinds impersonates a true ruler. That Marcellus is wasted in this production shows his Cato in "Rome". My favourite episode is "Rebellion". Peter Firth makes for an excellent Vespasian, tough and witty at the same time. (Let's hope they finish "Titus" in the IMPERIUM - series soon!) This episode and the fifth demonstrate conclusively it is not a good idea to let religion enter a political or military equation.
A word of praise for the director of "Caesar": The soundtrack and the light combined perfectly to create a slightly mystical atmosphere at the Rubicon, without overdoing it as some Roman sources do.
By the way, some corrections: Caesar didn't decimate the entire ninth legion, only the ringleaders (i.e. 12 out of 120). And the remarkably bloodless war in Spain took him only 40 days to win. Italy he conquered in less than three months, showing unheard-of clemency.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Michael Sheen
Catherine McCormack
James D'Arcy
Geraldine James
Sean Pertwee

Creators:
James D'Arcy (Primary Contributor)
Geraldine James (Primary Contributor)

Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 5014503212124
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: Anamorphic, PAL,
Release date: 2006-10-23
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 360 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2006
Language: Spanish (Original Language)
Language: English (Original Language)

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