Customer Reviews

NOVA: A Man, a Plan, a Canal - Panama

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I truly do appreciate when the time is taken to make a worthwhile subject to a few, interesting and accessible to many. My background is in civil engineering and I am a history buff. When the subject came up one day with my kids and spouse about the Panama Canal (I know, not general conversation) I remembered seeing this documentary. Fortunately, it had just come out in DVD (June 2004). Not only does it explain the engineering aspects in 'real people' language and visuals, but it tells the story of the people who made this happen through endurance and great hardship. And I was pleasantly surprised it did not cover the truth regarding the U.S. acquisition of the rights to the land for the Canal. I know if more 'archaic' subjects could be given this treatment, more kids and adults would be enriched by the knowledge. I will purchase this DVD in the near future.

I have used this film for many years in my history classes. It is based on the book by McCollugh "The path between the seas" It is natatted by the author and has footage of the actual building ot the canal. The companion book is also very usefull. It has many photographs and shows all that went into the construction. My VHS got to old and I was delighted to find the DVD.

Understanding how the Panama Canal was built. who started the building, the workers who help built the canal, the sacrifice that these people has to endure, who was responsible in finishing the momumnetal task and to what is the Panama Canal today is a marvelous historical representation.

I thank you.

This was informative and exciting; it added the dimension I had missed from listening to the audiobook by McCullough.

This DVD gives a good historical overview with breathtaking historic pictures and movies. A little bit more information about the current status of the canal would be great, but this seems to be not the intention of the movie.

The book by David McCullough on Panama Canal was excellent and injoyable, full of details on the history, complexity and vast magnitude of the project - describing the ingenious engineering (you will be surprised to learn the key role played by the unique railroad system built for the project) and the special people who figured out how to build the Panama Canal, one of most remarkable projects ever.

This DVD is an enjoyable summary of the book. Better yet, the story of the Panama Canal is truly uplifting, and this documentary leaves the viewer full of awe and satisfaction for the amazing story of the Panama Canal.

Are you thinking of taking a cruise through the Panama Canal? Are you about to go? Even though this NOVA production is now a bit dated, get it anyway. Your trip will mean so much more if you understand what a marvel - even today - the Canal is. There are interesting things here for everyone, including not only Canal construction history, some of it not usually taught in American schools, but good photography of the Canal from a modern cruise ship bridge during transit and good explanations of how the Canal works. People of all ages can get something from this 60-minute CD.

I've cruised through the Panama Canal --- so wanted to have this DVD --- what an amazing feat that canal was to build.

David McCullough wrote what is considered to be the best book on the Panama Canal and narrates this Nova episode. We transited the canal and they showed this DVD on the ship because it is such a complete look at the canal and its history. The only drawback is that it is over 10 years old but no one has made a better one or one with a more comprehensive view of the canal and its history.

This is a thorough review of the building of the Panama Canal with lots of historical photographs. Very interesting!