Well, the timing couldn’t be better for the new DVD release of “Troy: Unearthing the Legend.” A&E, has wisely chosen to release this 2-disc set hot on the heels of the multi-bajillion dollar epic starring Brad “I’m a Golden God” Pitt, Orlando “Where’s that Olyphant” Bloom, and Eric “Hulk Smash” Bana. Those who take the time to watch Hollywood’s version of history, might wish to bone up on the real deal. “Troy: Unearthing the Legend” is made up of 4 different History Channel documentaries about the legendary city, the ten year war, and a really big wooden horse. The first documentary “Rise and Fall of the Spartans” is by far the most thorough of the group, coming in at about three hours. As a matter of fact, it actually takes up the entire first disc. It doesn’t focus directly on the war itself, but more on the Spartans themselves. We are given a fairly detailed look at the overall history surrounding the area and the people.

In “Ancient Mysteries: The Odyssey of Troy” we hear from host Leonard Nimoy as cameras take us into the heart of the ruins of Troy. Here we are given the opportunity to compare a bit of Homer’s ‘The Iliad’ to what archaeologists have been able to uncover. A little fact vs. fiction, if you will.

The third offering is “Treasure! The Ancient Gold of Troy”, which looks back at the exploits of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. In the 1870’s, Schliemann uncovered what was left of the great city of Troy. He also happened to find some extraordinarily beautiful artifacts, some of which were made of gold. Unfortunately, due to their obvious value, most of the artifacts disappeared during WWII. Many were located years later in secret vaults of a Russian museum.

The final documentary, “The Trojan City” was perhaps the only disappointing addition to this set. Certainly not due to any lack of historical information, but more the fact that it was almost exactly the same program as “Ancient Mysteries.” It had almost all of the same footage and interviews, so much so that it might actually have been better to leave this one off. If there was any new information to be learned from this documentary, I couldn’t say because I ended up turning it off.

With the exception of that final entry, A&E’s DVD release of “Troy: Unearthing the Legend” is still a worthwhile addition to any history buff’s collection. Personally, I’m glad to have the access to these programs more for my kids, as they get older.

Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: A&E
Release Date: 5/25/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Troy: Unearthing the Legend a B-.