Journey through the awe-inspiring Nordic wilderness in a documentary that brings together all three episodes in a single feature-length video, unveiling the untamed beauty and surprising contrasts of northern Europe. From the icy remoteness of the Svalbard archipelago to the snowy vastness of Lapland and the tense frontier with Russia, the story unfolds across a dramatic landscape shaped by nature and history. Explore the fjords of Norway and the volcanic extremes of Iceland, before heading south to Sweden and Denmark, where behind the smiles and prosperity lie unexpected and shocking truths. This series offers not just breathtaking views, but deep insight into what makes these societies both fascinating and fragile.
Two lifelong friends set out on an unforgettable journey across Europe like you've never seen before — not on modern machines, but on beautifully restored vintage motorbikes. From the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands to the icy reaches of the Arctic Circle, and down through the heart of the Baltics and continental Europe, they follow an unconventional path fueled by curiosity, friendship, and a passion for the open road. As they ride thousands of miles over two months, every detour reveals a new story, every breakdown sparks laughter, and every mile deepens their bond. This isn’t just a road trip — it’s a soulful ride through landscapes, memories, and the timeless joy of adventure. The first three episodes of this standout series follow Ewan and Charley as they set off across Europe — taking the longest, most adventurous way possible. After crossing the North Sea, they ride through the Netherlands and Germany, stopping in Charley’s mother’s hometown before continuing toward the Danish islands, where the sense of freedom begins to take hold. But the road soon turns unpredictable. In Sweden, Ewan’s bike breaks down, stranding him in unfamiliar territory. A group of local bikers steps in to help, showing that the journey is not just about distance, but about the people you meet along the way. With their support, he reaches iconic Scandinavian landmarks and new challenges, realizing that this ride is as much about resilience and friendship as it is about travel. These early episodes promise more than adventure — they deliver a soulful, cinematic ride into the heart of connection and discovery.
Madinat al-Zahra was given its Arabic name, which means "The Shining City," by the 10th century caliph Abd al-Rahman III, who had it built. Nicknamed the "Versailles of Andalusia", Medina Azahara, located in Cordoba, Spain, is today one of the most important Islamic archaeological sites. This unique capital city, built four centuries before the Alhambra in the mid-10th century, is the object of a new excavation campaign. Five years ago, a team of European archaeologists began a new excavation project at this World Heritage site. For over 100 years, excavations here have concentrated inside the Caliph's palace. This new excavation project is focused outside the palace walls, in areas of the city never before studied. A massive new building came to light, its function unknown. Beyond the mystery of this building, the very location of this city is an enigma in itself. Why was a Muslim city of such importance built in a then primarily Christian area? The site is a complete urban complex including infrastructure, buildings, decoration, and objects of daily use. By following this mission and revealing the mysteries of this lost city, this film traces the history of the golden age of al-Andalus.
Jessie Buckley narrates the extraordinary story of the first transatlantic communications cable. In 16 August 1858, a short message is telegraphed from County Kerry to Newfoundland, 3,000km away: ‘Europe and America are united by telegraph. Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will towards men.’ The Morse code message is conducted along the new underwater transatlantic telegraph cable laid across the bed of the Atlantic Ocean. Sending the same message by ship would have taken at least ten days, but the transmission takes just hours and heralds the dawn of the modern communications age. The quest is driven by visionaries and pioneers. Among them are Cyrus Field, a wealthy businessman who, despite his immense success, ends his life in poverty; Samuel Morse, inventor of the telegraph and Morse code; Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the British engineer who pushes boundaries and budgets; and Belfast physicist Lord Kelvin, who calculates how to achieve what had hitherto been deemed impossible. Together, their ingenuity and relentless pursuit helps realise one of the great scientific accomplishments of their age for which Valentia, on Ireland’s remote western coast, is ground zero.
Join us on an unforgettable voyage through one of the most desolate periods in human history as the rulers, conflicts, and cataclysmic societal breakdown of Early Middle Ages are brought to light. At its height in the second century A.D., the Roman Empire was the beacon of learning, trade, power and prosperity in the western world. But the once-powerful Rome--rotten to the core by the fifth century--lay open to barbarian warriors who came in wave after wave of invasion, slaughtering, stealing, and ultimately, settling. As chaos replaced culture, Europe was beset by famine, plague, persecutions, and a state of war that was so persistent it was only rarely interrupted by peace. The documentary profiles those who battled to shape the future, from the warlords whose armies threatened to case the demise of European society, like Alaric, Charles the Hammer, and Clovis; to the men and women who valiantly tended the flames of justice, knowledge, and innovation including Charlemagne, St. Benedict, Empress Theodora, and other brave souls who fought for peace and enlightenment. It was in the shadows of this turbulent millennium that the seeds of modern civilization were sown.
Edgar Froese, band leader of Tangerine Dream and pioneer of electronic music, is on a lifelong mission to find the ultimate sound. His constant quest takes him and his fellow band members to worldwide success, all the way to the Hollywood studios in Los Angeles. At his death in January 2015, Edgar Froese leaves a legacy of 48 years of music history. The film shows previously unreleased footage shot by the band leader himself: For the first time, we see the band backstage, on tour in Europe and the US, at photoshoots with Jim Rakete or on holiday at the seaside. Records and interviews with his wife Bianca Froese-Acquaye, with band members, close associates and fellow artists map the unique history of Tangerine Dream: a tribute to the musician Edgar Froese and the era of electronic music.
This series offers not just breathtaking views, but deep insight into what makes these societies both fascinating and fragile.