History

National Geographic's great documentary, narrated by Jeff Bridges. This special program uses historical reenactment to trace Lewis & Clark's early 19th century odyssey into the then mysterious and uncharted West. In search for a Northwest Passage that c

Methamphetamine - "meth" - is considered one of the hardest addictions to quit. This dangerous drug craze is ravaging rural communities and spreading its poison to major metropolitan areas and across international borders at an alarming rate. What makes t

• The critically acclaimed, ground-breaking four-hour mini-series, Inside 9/11, goes beyond what's been widely reported to reveal an in-depth comprehensive picture of the day that redefined our nation.We will never forget September 11, 2001 - a day of unimaginable tragedy, forever altering history and our place in the world. With meticulous attention to detail and firsthand storytelling, Inside 9/11

Originally airing on the National Geographic Channel, this powerful documentary presents a comprehensive overview of the horrific events of September 11, 2001. Along with first-hand accounts of those whose lives were touched by the tragedy, the program also examines the history of al Qaeda, as well as the ongoing efforts by the government to prevent future terrorist attacks. 3 1/2 hrs. on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; bonus programs.

Of all the documentaries that deal with the horrible events of September 11, 2001, National Geographic's two-part, 3-1/2-hour program Inside 9/11 is the only one to trace the evolution of Osama bin Laden's reign of terror from its origins in the Soviet-Afghan war of the early 1980s to 9/11 and beyond. Presented as a comprehensive timeline that culminates in the hijacking of four passenger jets (including those that destroyed the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York), the program incorporates news footage and archival photos, computer graphics, thoroughly researched documentation, and eyewitness interviews to build an epic chronology of Islamic fundamentalism, carried out by radical sects which, in bin Laden's own words, "love death" with a religious fervor that was largely dismissed, in the early stages of terrorist assembly, by American intelligence services. The stage is set for bin Laden's well-financed orchestration of al Qaeda activities, and Inside 9/11 reaches a factual fever pitch as it focuses on the major players (including 9/11 architect Khalil Shaikh Mohammed, hijacker pilots Mohamed Atta and Ziad Jarrah, and other "sleeper cell" terrorists) as the countdown to 9/11 continues. What emerges from this minute-by-minute account is, in the harsh light of history, a much-needed understanding of how 9/11 happened, the conditions that led to lapses in CIA and FBI cooperation, airport security, and the "holy war" that bin Laden had so effectively precipitated. Subsequent, post-9/11 suicide missions are also included in this expansive chronology, making it potently clear that the war on terror will continue, and in some respects has only just begun. --Jeff Shannon

With stunning photography and compelling insights, this National Geographic program takes you far beyond the "picture postcard" treatment of Jerusalem. Discover fascinating new information about the sacred city and its most revered locations, including the Noble Sanctuary, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. 52 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; timeline.

• The unsinkable ship sank at 2:20 a.m. on April 14, 1912. Fifteen hundred people perished with her, a loss that stunned the world.For seven decades the fabled liner lay hidden 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) below the North Atlantic surface. Various expeditions tried to find her, but they were defeated by wild weather, the extreme depth, and conflicting accounts of the ship's last moments.Finally, in 19

Dr. Robert Ballard and a team of scientists journey to the ocean floor to capture the first underwater footage of the sunken Titanic. Martin Sheen narrates as Dr. Ballard's courageous crew travels two and a half miles under the Atlantic in search of the ship's lost secrets. 1997/color/70 min/NR/fullscreen.

The tragedy of the Titanic has fascinated all since she sank with 1,500 of her passengers and crew in 1912. Much later, scientist Robert Ballard set out to find and explore the wreck, despite difficulties of depth and location. Using the research submarine Alvin and a remote-controlled underwater robot, he was the first human in over 70 years to see the giant resting beneath the North Atlantic waves. Secrets of the Titanic tells the story of the events leading up to the sinking using footage and photographs from the doomed maiden voyage and then follows the luckier Dr. Ballard through the steps leading to his discovery. As usual for National Geographic, the photography is excellent, even within the cramped confines of the tiny Alvin. The first views of the Titanic's interior are truly spectacular, especially when contrasted with vintage photos, and the excitement of Ballard and his crew is contagious. The spirit and joys of discovery are well captured and the viewer is reminded that the world is still teeming with opportunities for adventure. --Rob Lightner

• Once little more than a potter's field, Arlington National Cemetery has become a national shrine and treasury of American history. Discover how this revered site came to be, and how it serves as the final resting place for both the famous and obscure, from John F. Kennedy to the Unknown Soldier. Through rare archival footage and captivating, true-life accounts, experience the moving stories of her

This moving program takes a privileged look at Arlington Cemetary's proud history and the intense daily rituals of the burial teams and honr guards, and recounts the real-life stories of the heroes and heroines buried at this place of pilgrimage.

One of Germany's most famous WWII ships, the mighty Bismarck took 2,000 lives when it was sunk by Allied forces in the North Atlantic. Now the discoverers of the Titanic wreckage take you on a fantastic journey to witness the actual finding of the Bismarck. 60 min. Soundtrack: English.

• Go inside the cunning mind of a charming criminal genius as National Geographic tells the dramatic story of this fearsome pirate who preyed on Caribbean trade routes. Blackbeard: Terror at Sea charts the exploits of Englishman Edward Teach, an intelligent and charismatic leader who confounded the powers of England and Virginia as he overtook and pillaged 40 ships in two years, stealing hidden carg

Go inside the cunning mind of a charming criminal genius as National Geographic tells the dramatic story of this fearsome pirate who preyed on Caribbean trade routes. Blackbeard: Terror at Sea charts the exploits of Englishman Edward Teach (played by Jame

• Join National Geographic's Lisa Ling as she captures a rare look inside North Korea - something few Americans have ever been able to do. Posing as an undercover medical coordinator and closely guarded throughout her trip, Lisa moves inside the most isolated nation in the world, encountering a society completely dominated by government and dictatorship. Glimpse life inside North Korea as you've nev

Join National Geographic's Lisa Ling as she captures a rare look inside North Korea - something few Americans have ever been able to do. Posing as an undercover medical coordinator and closely guarded throughout her trip, Lisa moves inside the most isolat

What really occurred on May 7, 1915, when a German U-boat torpedoed one of the largest luxury liners in the world, killing two-thirds of the 1,959 people aboard? Dr. Robert Ballard, the discoverer of the Titanic, investigates one of the most mysterious maritime tragedies in history. Martin Sheen narrates. 60 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; "making of" documentary; bonus program "Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria."