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Africa's Great Civilizations DVD & Blu-ray

$34.99 $24.99
Item #: WA7482
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. takes a look at the history of Africa, from the birth of humankind to the dawn of the 20th century. This is a journey through two hundred thousand years of history, from the origins, on the African continent, of art, writing, and civilization itself, through the millennia in which Africa and Africans shaped not only their ... More
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. takes a look at the history of Africa, from the birth of humankind to the dawn of the 20th century. This is a journey through two hundred thousand years of history, from the origins, on the African continent, of art, writing, and civilization itself, through the millennia in which Africa and Africans shaped not only their own rich civilizations, but also the wider world.

Africa's Great Civilizations In his six-hour series, Africa's Great Civilizations, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. takes a new look at the history of Africa, from the birth of humankind to the dawn of the 20th century. This is a breathtaking and personal journey through two hundred thousand years of history, from the origins, on the African continent, of art, writing, and civilization itself, through the millennia in which Africa and Africans shaped not only their own rich civilizations, but also the wider world.

Professor Gates travels the length and breadth of Africa to chronicle the continent's history from a firmly African perspective. His journey takes him from the city of Great Zimbabwe, to the pyramids of Meroe, and the spectacular rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia.

The epic story that he tells is full of surprises and unexpected connections, helping us to appreciate the collective and individual genius of Africans who, across thousands of years, built civilizations and empires, fought wars, established great cities, furthered and spread learning, and created some of the most sublime art and architecture in human history.

Descriptive Video for the Visually Impaired in English (DVI)

Producer: Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Dyllan McGee, Peter Kunhardt
Production Company: McGee Media; WETA; Inkwell Films, Inc; Kunhardt Productions
Production Year: 2016
Copyright Year: 2017
Rating: TV-PG
Host: Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Writers: Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Number of Discs: 2
Length: 360 minutes
Subtitled: Y
Subtitle Languages: English (SDH)
DVI: Y
Audio Format: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen

21 Reviews
N
Nicole
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
09/24/23
Excellent documentary
Review by Nicole on 09/24/23 review stating Excellent documentary
Excellent documentary
M
Margaret
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
12/16/22
Great overview
Review by Margaret on 12/16/22 review stating Great overview
I watched this on my local PBS station and was blown away. I had no idea of the fascinating complexity of Africas history or any expectations for this program. I thought it was a great program with arresting visual images. This was entertaining as well as informative. They could easily use this to teach in schools
M
Mary
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
07/28/22
Terrific
Review by Mary on 07/28/22 review stating Terrific
We are thoroughly enjoying this series. We are learning a lot about the history of specific African civilizations that we did not know through other means. The series is visually beautiful as well.
B
Barbara
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
An amazing human journey
Review by Barbara on 05/14/22 review stating An amazing human journey
This is a wonderful story about human development and learning. A truly amazing story of the growth of language, art, building, various religions and populated the world.
A
Annie M.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
This is a product Id like to give as a gift.
Review by Annie M. on 05/14/22 review stating This is a product Id like to give as a gift.
This documentary was an awesome history lesson.
R
Ray C.
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
05/14/22
Stunning visuals
Review by Ray C. on 05/14/22 review stating Stunning visuals
Stunning visuals for a spectacular and universal story that everyone should know. A few more subtitles would help the viewer understand, especially with proper names of key figures and place names.
E
Earful
Anonymous User
3.0 star rating
05/14/22
Great visuals, commentary, but the soundtrack intrudes
Review by Earful on 05/14/22 review stating Great visuals, commentary, but the soundtrack intrudes
This six part production is dense with on-site visuals, commentary, interviews, and fabulous maps. Its a massive topic but well organized. But the soundtrack makes it hard to watch! The sound effects and music are offen unique and fit the visuals, but are so loud and relentless that the entire production is undermined. Could it be that the great commentary of the narrator and the expanses of the desert could actually be improved with less music? Only the mute button gives one relief.
P
Pato
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
Informative
Review by Pato on 05/14/22 review stating Informative
Insightful and thank you PBS and the crews, everybody did a great job. Well done guys. I will buy the DVD to show in my home town to my community in Edo State Nigeria.
A
Artemis3of6
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
Awesome research and impeccable photography!!
Review by Artemis3of6 on 05/14/22 review stating Awesome research and impeccable photography!!
My own knowledge of African history was spotty and shoddy Mr. Gates filled in most of those holes and answered so many questions that I had about the history even before the Egyptians set up shop! Well done. Well done!
Q
Queen O.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
AMAZING
Review by Queen O. on 05/14/22 review stating AMAZING
Thank you Dr Gates, PBS and all the sponsors for this amazingly informative series, Buy yours now before they are all gone ,
S
Sbwolfolk
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
Monumental! Some of Dr. Gates best work to date!
Review by Sbwolfolk on 05/14/22 review stating Monumental! Some of Dr. Gates best work to date!
Thank you Dr. Gates for your numerous contributions to the understanding and validity of the African culture. SBWOLFOLK
L
Lagosbeauty
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
I already Pre-ordered copies for me my family
Review by Lagosbeauty on 05/14/22 review stating I already Pre-ordered copies for me my family
LOVE this documentary, I would like to thank Professor Gates and PBS for doing a documentary that was long over due. African civilizations from North, South, West, East Central Africa. He did not leave any kingdom not mentioned, North and Sub-Saharan Africa great kingdoms was high lighted perfectly. From the art sculptures of the Ile Ife Kingdom Benin Kingdom to the great wall of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, and etc. definitely ordering copies for future generations, this DVD needs to be shown to future generations to finally spread the truth of the great beautiful continent of Africa
M
Mustangm
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
Amazing
Review by Mustangm on 05/14/22 review stating Amazing
This was a great series when it aired on PBS. I couldnt wait to order the DVD. I could tell there was so much more to be told. Keep on enlightening the world with knowledge.
M
Md4lifecol323
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
Very informative
Review by Md4lifecol323 on 05/14/22 review stating Very informative
This was a great series. I learned a lot - which speaks to how neglected this area is in history courses in American schools. The first episode was a little too dense - it could have easily been expanded to two episodes. I would have liked to hear more about the topics and the editing seemed a bit choppy for just the first episode. I also agree with the other reviewer about the distracting music. However, the content and visual presentation were excellent, so I still gave it 5 stars.
S
Servant
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
Wonderful
Review by Servant on 05/14/22 review stating Wonderful
God sent His son Jesus with the truth and He will lead us into all truth. the truth sets us Free and whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Thank You Doctor for seeking the truth.
G
Granny L.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
I watched program twice so informative
Review by Granny L. on 05/14/22 review stating I watched program twice so informative
I have grandchildren I want them to know their history it is such a Rich and beautiful legacy that most black know absolutely nothing about we were never taught in school and Im sure they are only touching snipets of it.
S
Sunshine
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
Mind bottling
Review by Sunshine on 05/14/22 review stating Mind bottling
This documentary is so informative everybody in the world to see it I love it if I had the money I would give it to a million people
B
Bj
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
excellent series.
Review by Bj on 05/14/22 review stating excellent series.
excellent series.
P
Phillip
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
05/14/22
Important and entertaining.
Review by Phillip on 05/14/22 review stating Important and entertaining.
I discovered Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on Finding Your Roots, and he brings the same expertise and human warmth to this production. Incredibly important piece of art and education!
J
JEROME
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
04/27/22
Short but good overall viewing.
Review by JEROME on 04/27/22 review stating Short but good overall viewing.
Short but good overall viewing.

"…this program does a good job of picking some of the most impactful points in the continent's history to give a comprehensive view of the land's thousands of years of history. Entertaining and educational, this would be a welcome addition to any classroom as well." - Albany Times Union

"ambitious and poignant" - Spirituality and Practice

3.5 out of 4 stars “…the art, architecture, and landscapes on display here are stunning, and the historical concepts are clearly explained. Highly recommended.” - Video Librarian


Highlighted Customer Reviews


J
Joe reviewed Africa's Great Civilizations DVD & Blu-ray
5 star rating
Africas Great Civilizations is an awesome documentary
Review by Joe review stating Africas Great Civilizations is an awesome documentary
Mr. Gates did a wonderful job. Africas Great Civilizations is a brilliant documentary. I am such a fan...
P
Phillip reviewed Africa's Great Civilizations DVD & Blu-ray
5 star rating
Important and entertaining.
Review by Phillip review stating Important and entertaining.
I discovered Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on Finding Your Roots, and he brings the same expertise and human warmth to this production. Incredibly important piece of art and education!
S
Sunshine reviewed Africa's Great Civilizations DVD & Blu-ray
5 star rating
Mind bottling
Review by Sunshine review stating Mind bottling
This documentary is so informative everybody in the world to see it I love it if I had the money I would give it to a million people

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