Libramedi Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

Solidrariol Am I Missing Something?

Fairaher The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

yanshida I sat riveted throughout most of the programmes. Granted I did find Mr. Cruickshanks whispering a bit tiresome at times, but then I'm a bit deaf. I have a hearing aid, but I can't stand wearing it. One thing, either Mr. Cruickshanks or his researchers didn't to their homework was his visit to the Summer Palace in Beijing. The Yiheyuan, the Summer Palace he visited, wasn't destroyed by Anglo-French forces. It was the Mingheyuan - the one that contained remarkable buildings done in the European style. However, I relished Mr. Cruikshanks' comment about how frustrating it is to deal with Chinese officials. I bet when the powers-that-be in Beijing watched this series, the veins on their foreheads must have practically exploded with rage. Here is a top-notch series showing the treasures of the world. Most officials and governments allowed the BBC easy access, but no, some asinine official in Beijing, did his utmost to deprive the BBC of this courtesy. In the end, he cut off his nose to spite his face; this in a world where face is everything.

margp I have visited many of the places in 'Around the world in 80 treasures' and really loved my travels. However, Dan Cruikshank has trivialized the history, culture social systems and architecture of these places to present an imperialist, pompous 'search for treasure' -(whatever that is supposed to mean). The idea of a treasure (in mysterious places, like the East) is a totally Victorian imperialist British concept and completely inappropriate for discussing the cultures of the places that this idiot visits.He is an ill-informed waffler and a complete opportunist who hasn't even bothered to do adequate research into the places he visits - I doubt if he has much interest in knowing about these places. Rather the program is just about him and with his dramatics and animations he steals from these extremely interesting places to direct attention to himself. For example there is no need to emphasize the drama of the markets area of Calcutta through dramatic gestures, there is enough going on there already. So why doesn't he just let us enjoy seeing the place and tell us a few well researched facts, instead of forcing us to look at him? I think Dan Cruikshank is shameful and should be an embarrassment to the BBC - and to the ABC who present his antics. The only way I can bear to view this program is to turn the sound off - even then I'm forced to see his ridiculous gestures as he dominates the screen. Watching this program is an exercise of frustration and I won't be punishing myself again.

allagraphics I was waiting with great expectation to watch this series. The promos on the ABC seemed like it was going to be a great watch. Sadly the presenter seemed to whisper his way through the Machu Picchu segment. (Was he frightened he may scare the animals away?) My husband who is somewhat hearing impaired couldn't understand a word and we finally put on the text. By the time he had got to Chan Chan I was nodding off and my husband was fast asleep. So much for what I thought would be an interesting and educational trip. Don't know if i'll bother with the rest of the shows next week!!! Can learn more by getting a good encyclopedia and a look on Google Earth.

Koenraad G F Vissers The presenter may at first sight appear a bizarre character, just listen to him and you won't find it hard to believe my (if you haven't yet enjoined his previous productions) that he constituently proved his worth as an exceptionally knowledgeable expert on architecture and art in general, from all periods, as well as the bigger -cultural and general- picture of historical context. Here the lucky devil is allowed to travel from country to country (several are providing more then one stop) in pursuit of 80 exceptional works of art, all of which he selected as personal favorites for various reasons, which are usually well explained, although the format simply does not allow for anything like the thoroughness he usually displays in other, much more specific BBC series. Still, a remarkable combination of obvious musts and far less known choices, some of which are likely to be intriguing discoveries for most of you, as they were for me. As usual, he BBC provides reliable quality - I doubt whether anyone can challenge any fact (appreciation as such is of course to subjective ever to be 'reliable'). The enviable perk of a dream tour around the world is not wasted on such an exceptional connoisseur and born story teller - if only other stations could learn from the BBC how to pull of such stunts with panache and hardly ever failing success!