This is a very interesting look at trains/railroads. I will rate the four episodes separately.
Episode One; Engines of Enterprise American railroads, how they sparked big business and changed the economy of the United States forever. The weakest of the shows, still very good. 7 out of 10.
Episode Two; Taming the Iron Monster The railroad's infancy in Great Britain during the 19th century. This was the highlight for me. Very well done, insightful, and surprisingly surreal in some moments. 10 out of 10.
Episode Three; The War Machine The train's role in both World Wars. Learned lots of things. Again, a great, informative show, with some outstanding camera-work. Especially impressive were some present-day shots of refurbished battle trains plowing through the fog. 9 out of 10 stars.
Episode Four; Magic Machines and Mobile People This one covers several topics, but focuses on how the railroad has affected the world in general. Hosted by the ubiquitous Jack Perkins (who narrates all the episodes, but only physically hosts here), this episode teaches us about both the past and the present, including a look at Japan's railway innovations. Slightly different format; doesn't ruin the show though. 8 out of 10 stars.
Overall, worth checking out if you are a train buff or just a history buff in general. Highly recommended.
---------------------------------- "AH! MOVIE SIGN!" (6-5-4-3-2-1...)
Episode One; Engines of Enterprise American railroads, how they sparked big business and changed the economy of the United States forever. The weakest of the shows, still very good. 7 out of 10.
Episode Two; Taming the Iron Monster The railroad's infancy in Great Britain during the 19th century. This was the highlight for me. Very well done, insightful, and surprisingly surreal in some moments. 10 out of 10.
Episode Three; The War Machine The train's role in both World Wars. Learned lots of things. Again, a great, informative show, with some outstanding camera-work. Especially impressive were some present-day shots of refurbished battle trains plowing through the fog. 9 out of 10 stars.
Episode Four; Magic Machines and Mobile People This one covers several topics, but focuses on how the railroad has affected the world in general. Hosted by the ubiquitous Jack Perkins (who narrates all the episodes, but only physically hosts here), this episode teaches us about both the past and the present, including a look at Japan's railway innovations. Slightly different format; doesn't ruin the show though. 8 out of 10 stars.
Overall, worth checking out if you are a train buff or just a history buff in general. Highly recommended.
---------------------------------- "AH! MOVIE SIGN!" (6-5-4-3-2-1...)
