The virtues that mark most History Channel productions—solid research, enthusiastic dramatic recreations, and scholarly interviews—are evident in this handsome and informative two-part history of the three expeditions undertaken by feudal European armies to the Middle East in the 11th and 12th centuries, first to reclaim locales associated with Christ's life from Moslem rule and then to maintain control over the so-called crusader kingdoms established there. The opening program covers the events of the First Crusade (1095-1099) from the initial summons by Pope Urban II through the bloody capture of Jerusalem. The conclusion continues the story through the Second Crusade (1146-1147), and the Third (1189-1190), which pitted the great Moslem leader Saladin, who had recaptured Jerusalem, against the formidable King Richard the Lionhearted of England. Producer-director Mark Lewis structures the narrative intelligently, combining straightforward re-enactment and narration by Keith David with dramatized historical readings and comments by modern authorities. While emphasizing the political and military motives at work and noting the cruelties on both sides (and their modern implications), the program also touches on the religious elements. DVD extras are contained on a second disc, including a printable timeline, a “making-of” featurette that discloses some of the CGI tricks (and includes a strange segment about contemporary figures who have made sacrifices for idealistic reasons) and a 20-minute In Search of History episode on the Knights Templar. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)
The Crusades: Crescent & the Cross
(2005) 2 discs. 180 min. DVD: $29.95. The History Channel (dist. by A&E Home Video, t</span>el: 800-423-1212, web: <a href="http://www.aande.com/">www.aande.com</a>). PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 0-7670-8653-8. April 17, 2006
The Crusades: Crescent & the Cross
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