Generally I'm not really interested in period drama however from the limited information I'd found about this historical BBC series I was significantly persuaded to buy a copy of this box set. Now over three years later I am still hugely enthusiastic and appreciative of this stunning neglected 1974 thirteen part serial. Admittedly attempting to cram so much European history (from 1853 to 1918) is a bit daunting at times to fully comprehend. However the main appeal of this series is the stunning range of quality acting talent on offer. A veritable wealth of Britain's finest actors includes Barry Foster, Laurence Naismith, Diane Keen, Denis Lill, Maurice Denham, Peter Vaughan and T.P.McKenna to name but a few. In addition fans of 'classic series' Doctor Who will spot many familiar faces occasionally popping up including, in the final episode, none other than Sixth Doctor actor Colin Baker! A special mention is worthy for James Bond film stars Curt Jurgens (Stromberg in 'The Spy Who… more »

Generally I'm not really interested in period drama however from the limited information I'd found about this historical BBC series I was significantly persuaded to buy a copy of this box set. Now over three years later I am still hugely enthusiastic and appreciative of this stunning neglected 1974 thirteen part serial. Admittedly attempting to cram so much European history (from 1853 to 1918) is a bit daunting at times to fully comprehend. However the main appeal of this series is the stunning range of quality acting talent on offer. A veritable wealth of Britain's finest actors includes Barry Foster, Laurence Naismith, Diane Keen, Denis Lill, Maurice Denham, Peter Vaughan and T.P.McKenna to name but a few. In addition fans of 'classic series' Doctor Who will spot many familiar faces occasionally popping up including, in the final episode, none other than Sixth Doctor actor Colin Baker! A special mention is worthy for James Bond film stars Curt Jurgens (Stromberg in 'The Spy Who Loved Me') and Charles Gray (Blofeld in 'Diamonds Are Forever') although they are for me totally eclipsed by the mesmerisingly brilliant performance of Patrick Stewart. The actor best known for Star Trek's 'Captain Picard' portrays Lenin with such passionate conviction, particularly in episode six ('Absolute Beginners') so as to make the character so totally believable.

This four disc set has four episodes per disc with the fourth disc containing the thirteenth instalment plus special features. Despite its age both picture and sound quality arte generally excellent plus there is the option to select subtitles. Each episode runs between fifty-two and fifty-five minutes in length whilst the respective special features interviews are of ten and a half (Charles Kay), thirty-two (Gayle Hunnicutt) and twenty-three (David Cunliffe) minutes duration. The photo gallery is split between episodes 1-6 and 7-13, each containing thirty images in each although you've got to flick between each rather than a rolling montage format. In addition the slipcase also includes a fascinatingly detailed, well researched full colour forty page viewing notes booklet written by Andy Priestner which is an excellent essential companion to the series. It might be a sadly neglected and forgotten BBC serial from 1974 but if you love quality drama and the majestic splendour that typifies BBC historical re-enactments then I strongly recommend you have a look at this. You won't be disappointed!