Greystone Communications

Made famous by the 1957 Hollywood movie, the bridges of the River Kwai emblematize one of the most misunderstood events in history. Contrary to the romanticized film version, the structures represent a period of terror, desperation, and death for over 16,000 POWs and 100,00 local slaves. The Thailand - Burma Railway was the vision of the Japanese Imperial Army: a 250-mile track cut through dense jungle that would connect Bangkok and Rangoon. To accomplish this nearly impossible feat, the fanatical and ruthless Japanese engineers used POWs and local slaves as manpower. Candid interviews with men who lived through the atrocity - including Dutch, Australian, British, and American POWs - illuminate the violence and horror of their three-and-a-half-year internment. From Britain's surrender of Singapore the enduring force of friendship, The True Story Of The Bridge On The River Kwai narrates a moving and unforgettable account of a period in history that must be remembered.

Tutored by Aristotle, helpless witness to his father's assassination, and a brilliant, pioneering tactician, Alexander the Great had conquered the known world--and sealed his legacy as one of history's most remarkable rulers--by the age of 25. In the year 334 B.C., 20-year-old King Alexander of Macedonia decided to bring the farthest reaches of the world under one domain. Over the next 12 years, he led a grand army across more than 20,000 miles and eventually brought all of Asia under his control, only to perish from battle wounds at the age of 32. Incorporating dramatic onsite reenactments with high-end computer graphics and the expertise of renowned scholars, THE TRUE STORY OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT is special presentation from THE HISTORY CHANNEL®, examining the life and career of this military genius, impassioned lover, and fearless leader. Hosted by Peter Woodward (Conquest), this definitive program is available on DVD for the first time.

The "unsinkable" Titanic was a dream come true: four city blocks long and a passenger list worth 250 million dollars. But on her maiden voyage in April 1912, that dream became a nightmare when the giant ship struck an iceberg and sunk in the cold North Atlantic. More than 1,500 lives were lost in one of the greatest disasters of the 20th century. Now, using newsreels, stills, diaries, and exclusive interviews with survivors, Titanic: The Complete Story recounts the sensational history of the premier liner. In Part I: Death of a Dream, the largest ship ever built is christened in Ireland before a cheering crowd of 100,000. Witness the disaster this trek becomes as numerous iceberg warnings go unheeded and the ship sinks in the icy North Atlantic. In Part II: The Legend Lives On, over-packed lifeboats edge away from the crippled liner as a futile SOS signals flare into the night--leaving 1,500 passengers to a watery grave.

A history of the supernatural at Gettysburg.

This documentary is a captivating account of the defense of Wake Island by a small contingent of United States Marines and civilian contractors. From December 8th until December 23rd, 1941 the defenders thwarted an aerial attack and an attempted amphibious landing from a naval task force before finally being overwhelmed by the third attempt by the Japanese Imperial Navy.

Descend into the dark world and tragic life of the melancholy author who is the uncontested master of the macabre, and hear excerpts from his famous works.

Perhaps the most beloved (and indisputably the greatest) American president, Abraham Lincoln was, in many ways, an enigma -- equally loved and hated in his lifetime. What drove John Wilkes Booth to assassinate Lincoln? Was the Confederate government behind the plot? The questions that have haunted Americans for more than 100 years are finally answered in this fascinating documentary that employs forensic experts as well as noted historians.

Among the topics explored are the predictions of ancient Greek oracles, the Jewish Kabbalah and the prophecies of modern-day American seer, Paul Solomon. Other segments focus on Laurie and Leonard Toye’s earth-changes map and the phenomenon of Virgin Mary visitations, as reported by individuals and groups in various cultures.

Share the magical memories - and see clips from her Oscar winning performances - in this profile of the "First Lady of the American screen."

The Battle of Gettysburg

Secrets of the Unknown daringly showcases the bizarre, the terrifying, and the unmistakably real. First, Bigfoot brings together eyewitnesses who relate their encounters with the legendary and mysterious 800-pound creature. Then, Witches explores the long and clandestine history of this misunderstood group of people and provides a close look at the black art with factual information presented by practitioners.

How the Soviet Union was able to copy the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, and the influence of the resulting Tupolev TU-4 on the Cold War.

Historical documentary that chronicles the history and legend of ancient Rome from Romulus and Remus to the rise of Christianity. Ancient accounts reveal the everyday life of Romans and extensive footage highlights the antiquities and treasures of Roman sites throughout Europe and the Near East.

Dinosaurs roamed and ruled earth for more than 150-million years, then suddenly vanished leaving only fossils to fascinate and befuddle us. In a feature-length unique approach to historical analysis of these creatures, we don't focus on the latest technology or the most controversial theory. Instead, we look chronologically at what we've gotten wrong about dinosaurs throughout the short history of scientific study of these magnificent, misunderstood creatures, and see where paleontologists are digging today.

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) are the link between the Officers who lead and issue orders and the troops obligated to carry out the orders. This History Channel documentary explores the history, roles and responsibilities of the NCO in all branches of the US Military.

More ghosts from Gettsyburg

Saga of the incredible journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the lands of the Louisiana Purchase, featuring in-depth profiles of the exceptional people whose lives and times stir our imagination. This biography thrives on rich details, fascinating portraits and historical accuracy.