Terry Jones' Barbarians (DVD)
APPROX. 180 MINS. - PROD. YEAR: 2006 - MPA RATING: NR
" You’ll never think of barbarians the same way.
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The series also focuses on the scientific and cultural achievements of some of these alleged barbarians. The Celts, for example, had developed sophisticated calendars and an advanced society. Jones also takes great pleasure in skewering Roman arrogance. The Romans got so cocky at their height they even referred to the Greeks as barbarians, an evaluation they had to reconsider when the Roman fleet attacked Syracuse only to be repelled by the ingenuity of a lone Greek scientist by the name of Archimedes. Naturally, when the Romans finally breached the city walls after a lengthy siege, instead of taking advantage of a brilliant mind, they simply slaughtered Archimedes on the spot.
The series spans most of the European continent, with Jones´ presence the constant holding everything together. He comes across as both witty and friendly, and articulates his anti-Roman, pro-barbarian position quite persuasively. "The Barbarians" is a thoroughly enjoyable journey through an alternate history that should probably be more mainstream.
Each episode is approximately 45 minutes long. The four episodes (two on each disc) are: "The Primitive Celts," "The Savage Goths," "The Brainy Barbarians," and "The End of the World."
Video
The episodes are presented in their original 1.33:1 full-screen aspect ratio. The transfer is no better than adequate, but what do you really need for a television series like this? The transfer is also interlaced which means you will see some instances of combing and occasional softness in the image.
Audio
The DVDs are presented in Dolby Digital Stereo. No subtitles are provided to support the English audio.
Extras
None.
Series Value
"The Barbarians" serves up a satisfying blend of humor and information in order to argue a single focused thesis: "The Barbarians weren´t as barbaric as we all think." Jones is a great host for a series that is a cut above the typical historical cable fare we´ve all become used to. You´ll never think of barbarians the same way.
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