Product Details

• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Nat'l Geographic Vid
• DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008
• Run Time: 52 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001D7T460
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,844 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

STRESS:PORTRAIT OF A KILLER - DVD Movie

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

102 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stress Is Like Ice Cream............., September 24, 2008

By 

Robert L. Bayliss (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: National Geographic: Stress - Portrait of a Killer (DVD)

So, how is stress like ice cream? Well, a little now and then is ok, a triple serving may only make you temporarily sick, but "all you can eat" might kill you!

I've followed Robert Sapolsky's work for 10+ years and he definitely is the #1 expert on the effects of stress on the brain.

Prolonged, sustained, excessive stress and your similar response to it, not only causes deterioration of your brain, but it also compromises your immune system; your ability to fight off diseases.


Thousands of years ago, we mostly lived until we either starved, were accidentally poisoned or we were eaten by another animal. Now, we have the distinct ability to slowly kill ourselves over a period of about 80 years with chemical laced foods, too much alcohol and prolonged reaction to stressful events. All are avoidable, if we make the choice to do so.

Unfortunately, most of the people who really need the information in this documentary will never see it and the vast majority who do see it will ignore it. Only those determined to live a quality life for as long as possible will pay attention to this video.

At the present time, 1 in 4 of us will die in a state of dementia or with Alzheimer's. If you want to increase your odds against that happening, then buy this video, pay attention to it, re-watch it several times and invest in a scientifically proven brain fitness program. Not just crossword puzzles and Sudoku, nor any of the popular Name Brand games that mislead you to believe that they will improve your brain or memory. Invest in yourself with a research-based program that has been scientifically designed for the human brain, extensively tested on humans, published and peer-reviewed. The cost for such a program is minimal compared to being an invalid who not only can't find their car keys, but doesn't remember what they are for! For an introduction to the proper type of program that you should use, I suggest you watch, "The Brain Fitness Program" DVD featuring Peter Coyote.

If this video has piqued your interest in repairing your brain, maintaining your brain and improving you brain, then you will probably also enjoy reading the following -

"Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers" by Robert M. Sapolsky, Ph.D.
"Spark" by John Ratey" M.D.
"Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain" by Sharon Begley
"Brain Rules" by Dr. John Medina
"Can't Remember What I Forgot" by Sue Halpern
"The Brain That Changes Itself" by Norman Doidge, M.D.

Most of the above are easily read without a medical or scientific background. The few parts that do get a little "deep" are short and should not keep you from finishing the book and understanding the message of the author. Some of the above are also available in Audio format.

So, again, I suggest that you buy this and put the information to use. You can add life to your years and years to your life!

34 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative but does not cover how to deal with stress, March 7, 2009

By 

Rasih Bensan (Istanbul, Turkey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: National Geographic: Stress - Portrait of a Killer (DVD)

This DVD shows how animal and human bodies are affected by stress, the harm and dangers. The threats especially to the brain, cardiovascular system and chromosomes are emphasized. Pregnant mothers under stress can transmit stress hormones into the fetus whose nervous system changes and in adult life becomes more prone to stress, stress related diseases and depression. The information here is based mostly on a Stanford University professor's study on baboons, who specializes in the neuropsychology of stress.

However, very little time is devoted to what to do about i.e. how to manage and reduce stress so that it doesn't become so lethal.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Important Topic - EVERYONE SHOULD SEE, February 6, 2011

By 

Anne "ja2003" (United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: National Geographic: Stress - Portrait of a Killer (DVD)

This is an AMAZING DVD backed with scientific data of how stress damages us physically and emotionally. We live in a stressful society where stress is killing us on an hourly basis.

One scientist stated that our society admires people who multitask and accomplish so much. But that is actually very stressful. She stated that we should admire people who have balanced and serene lives. I agree with her. What value does all this "over achievement" add to our lives, when it is killing us.

This is an excellent DVD, because it makes the viewer re-evaluate one's life and ask the all important question, "What should we value in life to bring about the happiness we are all searching for?"

I highly recommend this DVD.