Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Siddhartha Mukherjee, this film tells the story of cancer, from its first description in an ancient Egyptian scroll to the gleaming laboratories of modern research institutions. It interweaves a sweeping historical narrative; with intimate stories about contemporary patients; and an investigation into the latest scientific breakthroughs that may have brought us to the brink of lasting cures.
Ken Burns: The Story of Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies
The story of the war on cancer spans centuries and continents. It is a scientific story, but also a deeply human one: of doctors, researchers, and especially patients who - through courage, suffering, and occasional hubris - pushed the boundaries of knowledge. These people helped define cancer as the scourge of the modern age, and then mobilized the federal government and private industry to wage an all-out campaign against it - a campaign we are still fighting.
Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Siddhartha Mukherjee, tells the complete story of cancer, from its first description in an ancient Egyptian scroll to the gleaming laboratories of modern research institutions. At six hours, the film interweaves a sweeping historical narrative; with intimate stories about contemporary patients; and an investigation into the latest scientific breakthroughs that may have brought us, at long last, to the brink of lasting cures.
Special Features include…
- Additional Scenes
This program contains mature subject matter which may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
Producer: Ken Burns, Barak Goodman
Executive Producer: Ken Burns
Production Company: Laura Ziskin Pictures, Inc.; Ark Media Productions; WETA; Florentine Films
Production Year: 2015
Copyright Year: 2015
Rating: TV-14
Narrator: Edward Herrmann
Writers: Barak Goodman, Ken Burns, Geoffrey Ward, David Blistein
Number of Discs: 3
Length: 360 minutes
Subtitled: Y
Subtitle Languages: English (SDH)
DVI: Y
Audio Format: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen
Content Warning: Viewer Discretion Advised.
VIDEO USAGE RIGHTS
Why the AV version? Because it provides additional usage options for PBS videos. AV versions come with limited performance rights so they can be shown in classrooms, at PTA meetings, during after school programs, and transmitted on a closed-circuit system within a building or on a single campus. They also can be enjoyed in admission-free public screenings, which also makes them ideal for use by library patrons and businesses involved in community clubs and organizations.