The first thing I ever really learned about the Roman Empire was about the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. I was in Grade 4 or 5 at the time, and read a book (I don't remember the title) that described Pompeii's last day from the perspective of a young boy in the city. The book drew me into the events and gave me a lifelong curiosity about the eruption and the people who experienced it. This superb BBC documentary takes on the same challenge - and pulls it off spectacularly. With a narration that offers a lot of important historical and scientific information combined with some excellent dramatic recreations of the events, which include graphic descriptions of the horrific ways in which some people died, and with archaeological footage mixed in especially near the end (the body casts and skeletons that have been found are such poignant reminders of the fact that real people suffered and died in this cataclysm) this production is absolutely fascinating, and anyone with even a remote interest in what happened on August 24 AD79 should take the time to watch this.About the only criticism I would make is of a perhaps overly dramatic end. Noting that 3 million people now live in the area surrounding Vesuvius, the narration notes that such eruptions occur about every two thousand years - meaning the time is ripe for another. I've actually come across nothing suggesting such a specific timetable, and suspect that was included just to heighten the drama as the program came to its end. If so, it wasn't necessary. Vesuvius may well erupt again. I know the Italian government actually keeps a close watch on it and has evacuation plans ready for the region if need be. But even if it never erupts again, the eruption of AD79 and the ensuing nightmare it threw so many into will never be forgotten.

I've seen many documentaries but few have gripped me as this one did. The combination of live action, computer graphics, and scholarly voice-over made it a compelling picture. Unlike many feature films, I didn't even look at the clock to see when it would be over.The only drawback for me was that some of the science went by a little too quickly. I got the general idea of "the column collapses" but would have liked it to be explored a little more in order to have a more comprehensive view.The inclusion of artifacts was especially moving, particularly when paired with imagined scenes. Overall this is a great documentary -- we could use more like it!

I've seen several documentaries about Pompeii and Herculaneum but this one is by far the best. It is of exceptional quality throughout and I just can't imagine making a better film to discuss the horror when Mount Vesuvius erupted.What makes this film so interesting and well made is that it combines both live action recreations of the lives of many of the victims and greatly humanizes the tragedy. This makes this film so good--these aren't just special effects or caricatures but actual real people whose lives have been recreated by archaeologists who have examined their remains (such as the slave girl who tried, in vain, to protect the child in her charge). Now this alone might have been moving but also is only half the story. In addition, current views of the buildings and casts of victims bring to bear the full story--showing the the contrast between then and now. Despite the film making the stories so sad, it also was done in a very respectful and non-sensational manner--complete with beautifully somber and appropriate music. Perfect and well done in every way--a must for everyone to see.By the way, this BBC production was shown on US television and was highly edited and material was added. I have seen both and prefer the original British version--though both are worth while.

This television documentary showcases a few examples of stories of the people of Pompeii during its last hours and follows these people through to their deaths, combining past and present. It follows the story of gladiators, a tradesman (who owns the equal of today's laundrette), that tradesman's wife, and a politician and his family (including his slaves). It just gives a little bit of life to the different roles that people would have played.I have always thought that a full-length movie about Pompeii would be nice. it would be an excellent disaster movie, and I think a lot could be done in this aspect.