Customer Reviews

Art of the Western World: From Ancient Greece to Post-Modernism [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In short, I must congratulate Michael Wood for an excellent documentary, showing both his knowledge of the subject of Art History, as well as, a well articulated series covering the most important movements and artists known to be studied by virtually every serious student of art, and student of art history. This video series is not boring, it is enlightening! I have a triple major maintaining a 4.0 in Studio Art, Art History, and Graphic Design, and can honestly say I am impressed. Mr. Wood, or what should be acknowledged and said is Professor Wood , you have produced - the best video series ever created on the subject of Fine Art! It inspires me every time I watch it!

I have viewed three comprehensive art history video series preparing to send six weeks in Europe. This was the best.
The selected material is representive,the research well done.the filming and background music pleasing. I have seen many of the included works in museums and look forward to seeing them with my newly acquired acumen.The modern art section is a little pc and the woman who intimates that western art is built on the exploitation of the female nude is off-the-wall. The section on Florence was my favorite because of its beauty and importance as the epicenter of western culture. No, this is not a boring series except for those who favor Michelob over Michelangelo.

The Art of the Western World video series is excellent up to 1945. We are using it for the second time for USF (University of South Florida) Senior Programs for students in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Picture and sound fit well together, and provide a lot of "Aha" experiences for people who have visited the sites, or seen the sculptures or paintings in art museums. The videos, shown in about 26 minute segments provide a super basis for discussions, and for subsequent visits to art museums.

The scope of this series prevents it from lingering on detail, but as a starting point, Art of the Western World is an intriguing outline of the periods of western art. It provides points of reference to the progress and changes in the style of art in the Western World. This series presents the art in historical context of the movements discussed, and tries to inspire a viewer to discover and learn more about art not, feed us the information like pablum. The only negative comment I have on this series, is that unlike the Renaissance (both Northern and Southern) part of the series, the Post-Modern presentation is too vague and seems rushed. If you already have extensive art history training or are only interested in viewing one period of art in detail, a program which focuses on one movement or historical period would be more suitable.

We watched this video series during the last two terms in my Art History class. Yes, alot of people appeared to be asleep, but if they are anything like the students at my school, that wasn't the fault of the video. I thought they were very interesting and filled in alot of the gaps in my art history knowledge. I liked how they had mini-slide shows of works with some music playing in the background. It was especially nice in our lecture hall with the surround sound system.

I found these videos pretty good and not in the least boring. Michael Wood and the production team have done a solid effort in presenting such a vast topic in the time allowed. The areas covered are well presented, intelligently commented upon and comprehensive. Well worth seeing a few times.

I teach art history and art appreciation. For years I have been using this series in class. It is about as sexy a documentary series as I have ever used. The filming (on location) is beautiful and Michael Wood's enthusiasm is contagious.

I should have guessed that trying to put the history of art into a video collection would be difficult, but I didn't realize it would be so difficult to watch. I wish no harm or to make insult, but frankly, the host Mr. Wood is very boring and his comments and several other art historian's assertions on their beliefs range from absurd to idiotic. There are of course good points in several choices and views. But, the art work is not discussed very much at all in depth. The video's are rather rushed through, quickly moving from one art style or period to another. Needed more detail and interesting narration. Hardly any artist names or titles of works of art show up in writing on screen. Please, read art history books, visit museums, and listen to lectures. The video's are a waste of time and insulting to intelligence.

We watched this video for my Humanities class. I do have to say these videos are extremely boring. From my observation over a third of the class was sleeping. If you feel like showing these videos, make sure you are fully awake.