Product Details

• Actors: Frank Delaney, Dave Allen, Enya, Miranda Green, Tania Grier
• Directors: David Richardson
• Writers: Frank Delaney
• Producers: Gordon Menzies, Tony Macaulay
• Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 3
• Studio: 20th Century Fox
• VHS Release Date: March 7, 2000
• Run Time: 330 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304814305
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,841 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Celts gave Enya her first popular showcase, but there's far more to this epic documentary series than lushly ethereal music. Produced by BBC Scotland in 1987, the six-part, six-hour series shows its age with simple graphics and visual design, but writer-narrator Frank Delaney compensates with thorough scholarship and engaging presentation. "The Man with the Golden Shoes" begins with the Celts' earliest origins in Austria, studying burial remains to reveal a fiercely independent people, driven to expansion and exploration but failing to unite against the dominant forces of Rome. Subsequent episodes follow a categorical approach to Celtic history: "The Rise of Nations" in the British Isles leads to Celtic strongholds in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Brittany; "A Pagan Trinity" surveys Celtic mythology and the transition (through cultural cross-pollination) from Druid priesthoods to Celtic-influenced Christian missionaries; "The Open-Ended Curve" illuminates the development of Celtic art, music, and literature; "The Final Conflict" explores the fading, and subsequent revival, of Celtic languages, and how this history is reflected in present-day (and often erroneous) definitions of "Celtic"; and "The Legacy" examines the tenacious efforts to preserve Celtic language and culture in modern society.

Delaney and director David Richardson occasionally misfire with pointless dramatizations (including a Celtic history teacher droning monotonously to his bored students), but period re-creations and archaeological studies prove consistently fascinating, and the sheer volume of information is sure to reward multiple viewings. Vintage BBC films serve as welcome bonus features, including a musical survey of Ireland, a news feature on international Celtic connections, and interviews and performances by Enya at the dawn of her phenomenal solo career. While dispelling myths to reveal the truth behind 2,500 years of history, The Celts is must-see viewing for anyone interested in this fascinating cultural heritage. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good overview of Celtic History, August 15, 2000

By 

Linda R. Johnson (Mandan, ND USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Celts - Rich Traditions & Ancient Myths [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have watched this 3 video set more than once and always find something new. The host is excellent. I would wish that there was more emphasis placed on ancient Celts and their religion, and legends than on modern day ones and their problems of keeping an ethnic heritage alive, yet it is good see that they are meeting with some success in this area. The movie also focuses on all Celtic cultures, rather than the stereotypical focus of Irish and Scots as being all there is. Enya provided the musical background and of course her music along is evocative both of past and modern Celtic culture. On the whole, enjoyable and informative.

52 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "The Celts" is the most informative video on Celt. Civ. ever, February 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Celts - Rich Traditions and Ancient Myths [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Delany's "The Celts" gives an in depth view on Celtic civilization from past to present. It shows culture, history, music and language and the struggles of the Celtic people to find their identity. It covers all genres of the culture and is beautifully written. This collection contains a wealth of information and is probably one of the best sources of information on the Celts ever. The music and scenery alone are worth the purchase!

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best documentary on the Celts!!, November 24, 2000

By 

Someone's Mama - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Celts - Rich Traditions & Ancient Myths [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have watched this set MANY, MANY times since I got it 2 years ago. I never get tired of it. I turn it on whenever I'm bored with TV. It has given me insight into some of the things I've read about the Celts, historically and fictionally. Enya's music is wonderful, as always. This is a must have for any Celt or ancient British Isles enthusiast!