Product Details

• Actors: Jean Simmons
• Writers: Cassius Dio, Plutarch
• Producers: David Robert Cobb, Douglas Brooks West
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: A & E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: August 10, 2001
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: 0767017498
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #420,593 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

A look at the life of Cleopatra that may surprise you. This 2-hour special suggests that she may not have been a calculating seductress, but rather a loving wife who risked everything to preserve her great city's heritage.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Cleopatra overshadows Alexandria., June 2, 2001

By 

brainysmurf (IL, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cleopatra's World: Alexandria Revealed [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Contrary to the title, this documentary addresses a lot more about Cleopatra than Alexandria.

The history of Alexandria's two most famous buildings - the Lighthouse at the island of Pharos and the library receive most attention. The proposed projects of a new library and a lighthouse under the auspices of UNESCO also get a mention.

Intertwined in the story was the life of Cleopatra from before her birth till her death. The narration covers her lineaage, education, her ascent to power as well as her affairs with the two most powerful men of the time - Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony. The program makes a point to show the side of Cleopatra other than the common views: Cleopatra the mother instead of Cleopatra the seductress.

The narration is fairly smooth and is coupled with pictures and video from egypt. The portions that deal with Alexandria also feature footage from present-day Alexandria. However, they couldn't stay away from showing clips from Hollywood movies - understably because there is no other way to show the ancient times.

The documentary doesn't reveal any new insights or information beyond showing Cleopatra's role as a mother. Alexandria is more or less overshadowed by Cleopatra.