History Channel Crusades: Crescent & The Cross
A&E Video (2005)
Documentary, History
In Collection
#5975
0*
Seen ItYes
733961736113
  6.5
3 hr 0 mins UK / English
DVD  Region 1   NR (Not Rated)
Keith David Narrator
Nayef Rashed Ibn Al Athir
Crusades-Cresent & the Cross
Rosa Maria Sardá
Elvira Minguez
Ricard Borrás
Director
Mark Lewis
Stuart Elliott
Producer Mark Lewis
Richard Bradley

The History Channel

The Crusades: Crescent & The Cross presents the epic battle between two Middle Age superpowers: the Christian Crusaders and the Muslims. Fought over two centuries, the conflict decided the fate of the Holy Land of the Middle East. Only a tiny strip of land, just a few hundred miles long, it contained the ultimate prize, the city of Jerusalem.

This documentary tells the story of the key personalities of the First, Second, and Third Crusades, the popes, kings, sultans, and knights, who, in the name of God, ruthlessly fought for land and power. Experience the murder, treachery, and bloodshed of this legendary chapter of history through the eyes of key historical figures such as Richard the Lionheart and Saladin, King Louis VII, and Nur al-Din.

With breathtaking CGI-enhanced visuals, heart-pounding re-enactments, and stunning footage from rarely seen locations, The Crusades: Crescent & The Cross brings the first three Crusades alive, and offers fresh insight for a new generation in conflict.
Episodes
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    11/6/2005  1.  Part 1 - First Crusade
There is an examination of the causes of the initial conflict, examining cultural issues, Religious issues, European social and political unrest, Church influences, financial issues and points of conflict in the Moslem and Byzantine world. While Religion is acknowledged as the primary cause of the conflict, they also do not ignore key issues that lead to these conflicts. There is also discussion of Urban's "selling of the Crusades". Very well put together and an in depth examination of the events leading up to the First Crusade.
Director:  Stuart Elliott 
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins  2.  Part 2 - Second & Third Crusade
Again, social and political climates are discussed and examined. Again, the story is covered in a "timeline" of events from the vantage point of the chroniclers. We are presented with the fall of Edessa, the calling of the Second Crusade, the rise of Nur-el-Din, the battle for Damascus, Egypt and Sal-al-Din and the arrival of Richard the Lionheart in the Holy Land for the Third Crusade. Again, key battles are reenacted, strategies discussed, failures noted and by the end of the film we are looking at a very good wrap up of the entire program.
Director:  Mark Lewis 
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins  3.  Part 3 - Second & Third Crusade
Again, social and political climates are discussed and examined. Again, the story is covered in a "timeline" of events from the vantage point of the chroniclers. We are presented with the fall of Edessa, the calling of the Second Crusade, the rise of Nur-el-Din, the battle for Damascus, Egypt and Sal-al-Din and the arrival of Richard the Lionheart in the Holy Land for the Third Crusade. Again, key battles are reenacted, strategies discussed, failures noted and by the end of the film we are looking at a very good wrap up of the entire program.
Director:  Mark Lewis 
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins  4.  Part 4 - Third Crusade
Again, social and political climates are discussed and examined. Again, the story is covered in a "timeline" of events from the vantage point of the chroniclers. We are presented with the fall of Edessa, the calling of the Second Crusade, the rise of Nur-el-Din, the battle for Damascus, Egypt and Sal-al-Din and the arrival of Richard the Lionheart in the Holy Land for the Third Crusade. Again, key battles are reenacted, strategies discussed, failures noted and by the end of the film we are looking at a very good wrap up of the entire program.
Director:  Mark Lewis 
Edition Details
Series The Crusades: Crescent & the Cross
Distributor A&E Home Video
Release Date 12/26/2005
Packaging Custom Case
Screen Ratio Widescreen (16:9)
Audio Tracks Dolby Digital Stereo [English]
Layers Single Side, Dual Layer
No. of Disks/Tapes 2

Features
Disc 01 Behind-the-Scenes Featurette: History in the Making: The Crusades Timeline Bonus Documentary: The Knights Templar