ART OF THE WESTERN WORLD

This DVD is a classic for teaching any subject on the history and development of "Western Art." It is comprehensive, well done, well received and a fabulous visual follow-up series for all teachers of this important subject, whether it be undergraduate or graduate level courses in college or university art history. I highly recommend using this audio visual aid whether in the classroom or on-line. After very thorough discussion of each subject in the book by the same title or even another related text, it illustrates exactly what the class has been discussing. It is the best I have found to do this for the teacher and student.Dr. C. Edward Spann, Retired Dean, College of Fine Arts, Dallas Baptist University

This is an older compilation, but it still completely current as well as intellectually enjoyable look at the Art ofbthe Western World

Exceptional production, Great Host and great writing. Even prior to taking my first college history course on art, I had already viewed this exceptional work on PBS. Michael Wood is the perfect host and you can feel his enthusiasm while transported to each time period.Wonderful commentary by leading art historians also add to the production.I was very pleased this was made available on DVD. It has been freely available as a low resolution broadcast on the internet but it's nice to see the full glory of the new digital transfer. It may look dated due to the use of film initially,but it was an exceptional production.

I watched this series in the 80’s so some things have changed in the art world. The video quality is definitely NOT HD but overall an enjoyable purchase.

I have to give this survey mixed reviews because it is so uneven. Each of the nine 55 minute episodes (from the Greeks through Contemporary art) is written and directed by someone different.Moreover, even though historian Michael Wood narrates all nine, each episode gives considerable time to individual art historians of particular periods and artists. So, for example, in episode 7, "Impressionism and Postimpressionism", one art historian gives a wonderfully accessible yet deeply informed commentary on Courbet, Manet and the Impressionists. And then another art historian takes over for the Postimpressionists, and gives a less accessible art jargon filled commentary.In addition, some episodes try to cover too much and therefore move quickly, while others such as the one on the Baroque, the focus is kept on seven artists: Pietro di Cortona, Borromini, Bernini, Caravaggio, Velazquez, Rubens and Rembrandt, giving lots of screen time to the paintings themselves, something I really appreciated.And finally, the production values seem really dated, even though it is from the late 1980s. The production notes say they filmed in 150 locations in eight countries, at considerable cost. And yet that is woven with other grainy stock footage of scenery.All in all, though, it was worth watching, and the price is reasonable.

This series brings together Michael Wood as host and narrator with many experts expounding on the various periods starting at the being and going through to PostModern. There are segments at the locations talked about and the experts are shown at the various locations giving a first hand reference in the space. Expecially good for the person who does not have a great knowledge of any of the subjects being presented. The series is a very good place to start for a through overview of all of the period presented.

The most important dvd collection I own. Once upon a time you could only buy this collection through the Annenberg /CPB website for educational purposes if you were a teacher. The price was $300 for it. But it finally was released and thank goodness I didn't buy it for that price. But I almost did. As an artist this is a must in my collection. Michael Wood is an excellent host and the 9 episodes are filled with important information on artist and art and the times and places of the past and into the future they take place.

This is a wonderful survey course to art of the Western world told by a consummate story-teller. I am a huge Michael Wood fan, but it is a bit dated. None the less, it is an amazing introduction to art. The presentation of the various works are skillfully, and artistically, presented.

An excellent series, thoroughly informative, well researched, authoritative and comprehensive, containing much material that one seldom finds elsewhere. Unfortunately, the DVD seems to have been poorly copied (and recopied many times?) from the original 1989 video production and this detracts considerably from the pleasure of viewing it. Nonetheless, I am pleased to own it and will no doubt watch it again from time to time.

I have used the vhs version of this series for many years. The new DVD version is so much more convenient because it is menu driven and permits selecting scenes without have to fast forward through to a desired scene. The series is very well narrated, the historical information is very comprehensive and provides a very suitable survey of an extensive history ranging from pre-history to the modern age. I recommend it to artists and instructors alike.

It arrived on time and was just as described. All in all an excellent seller.

This is a poor quality 80's VHS transfer and a sleeper. It is outdated and should be pulled from the market. There are other far superior DVD's that are contemporary productions with a much more exciting delivery of the topic of art history. The other review is obviously from the seller. NOTE: This is a 2011 graphic design cover package on an old outdated 1989 VHS production. BAD! Can I give a half star?