Peter Ackroyd's Venice [DVD]

The dvd offers interpretations of Venetian development from four perspectives. This does produce several repetitions of central points. Ackroyd's presentational style is somewhat heavy. I did not feel that I had learned anything fresh about Venice from watching the dvd but Venice itself excites and grabs attention.

Thrilled with this DVD. Visually stunning, I found Ackroyd a first class presenter. Intellectual without being dull, many would scorn Ackroyd for not being 'pretty'. For my part, I care only for his thoughtful analysis and considered insight. Totally brilliant. But it. Dan the Man.

I bought this dvd as it was shown on Sky which we do not have & as we love Venice & enjoy Peter Ackroyd's books it was an ideal choice.

Sumptuous viewing

Wonderful insight into the history of Venice from different viewpoints

Wonderful dvd. I thoroughly recommend it.

Peter Ackroyd presents a charming & poetic 'brief history' of Venice. Beautifully filmed, it features M. White & 'The Venetian Ladies', who featured previously, and memorably, in a BBC documentary about Vivaldi, and Sarah Quill, the author of a very pleasant volume on Ruskin's 'Stones of Venice'. All in all, most commendable, and a pleasure. There are a couple of editorial mistakes, which are surprising (watch out for Veronese / Tintoretto), but these don't detract, although they may confuse.

Dearie me, very sorry to differ profoundly from most but I found this an exceptionally poorly filmed and edited set of programmes, with far too many virtually identical establishing shots of this infinitely beguiling and richly various city.Ackroyd reappears from time to time in water taxis, gazing dyspeptically at the glories and lookinging very much as if he is suffering from trapped wind, offers a few bons mots with what sometimes feels like belligerent resentment, then for no apparent reason disappears into a print shop for a disjointed chat with the proprietress.I wonder that so sophisticated a man let this mish mash escape into the public realm. I know Venice well, and she gets both stars; Ackroyd gets none.