Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1157 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-08-20
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English, Hindi, Bengali
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 150 minutes

Amazon.com
The Ganges River (Gang Ma or Great Mother) is the holiest river in the world. Rising from the pure glacial meltwaters of the Himalayas, it flows down onto India's Northern Plain, then heads eastwards into the swamplands of Bangladesh, finally discharging a 500-km (310-mile) tongue of red silt into the Bay of Bengal. As well as filling wells and irrigating crops to sustain the cities and villages along its banks, it is the spiritual life-blood for India's primary religion, Hinduism. Bathing in the Ganges remains the lifelong ambition of many of India's believing masses, who consider the river to be a living goddess. People gather daily at her banks to murmur prayers, baptise children, wash vibrant coloured saris, drink her waters or simply die believing such acts help absolve sins and lead the way to Nirvana.

Ganges reveals the source of the river high in the Himalayas, the youngest mountain range in the world, and follows its route as it sharply incises the mountains on its journey south-east. Along the way we discover the Hindu story of the river's creation, and how it supports the myriad forms of life that thrive on its banks. With stunning, evocative images by photographer Jon Nicholson, Ganges is a true visual feast, as teeming with life and colour as the mighty river itself.

Synopsis
This sumptuous series tells the story of the most extraordinary river in the world - the Ganges. Human life and nature bustle along her river banks, in a kaleidoscope of colour and energy in this dramatic BBC documentary. From man-hunting tigers to giant lizards, in Ganges the wildlife encountered is as diverse as the people. Travelling from the peaks of the Himalayas through frenetic cities to the teeming delta where the river meets the sea, this is a vibrant and colourful look at how the Ganges shaped the wildlife, culture and beliefs of India..

Customer Reviews

Marvellous but...
This 'series' really was excellent - excellent narration, production, filming etc. however it just doesn't feel quite long enough to be able to cover the whole scope of the Ganges in any major detail. Unlike Michael Wood's India, or other similar series, you don't leave this one feeling better informed or with a general feel of the geography. Worth watching, but it needed more.

Beautiful Images but lacks...Soul
I was waiting for this DVD long. Didn't disappoint in the visual department but it narrative is too serious and it lacks in details. At times ends up looking like a wildlife documentary. Very short, narrow and shallow look at what is the center of about billion people's life. Could have been more detailed with human elements. I'd rather have Michal Palin (of Old) do it.

Emotive and sumptuous
A wonderful and emotive journey along India's holy river with no holds barred. Well written, filmed and excellent narration make this one of the wonder journeys of television series. Sumptuous shots and sounds.

It brings back many happy memories to those who have been able to stand on the banks with the privilege of having its waters lap around one's toes.

A must for those who wish to learn about this fascinating sub-continent and for those who like to remember.

See also: The Story of India : Complete BBC Series