Split into two fairly arbitrary episodes, "Mongol Invaders" and "Protecting the Dragon", China's Great Wall traipses back and forth across the centuries detailing both the first halting attempts by the Han Dynasty to build an earthen defensive structure and succeeding additions to the basic structure, culminating in the Ming Dynasty's 16th century stone edifice. Though the Wall is certainly never far from the foreground throughout the documentary, there's actually a fair amount of both historical and sociological information imparted as the story ping-pongs back and forth through various timeframes.

Chinese meticulousness is emphasized in the example, still extant in actual abacus records, of how the Wall's planners did mathematical calculations to estimate how many men it would take to build a certain length of wall within a given amount of time. Considering the fairly primitive construction methods used in the early versions of the wall, it's amazing that anything got built at all. The Chinese used a brace system, into which they tamped down growing mounds of dirt that were slowly shoveled in. This method is still used by Chinese farmers to this day to erect barricades around their livestock, fields and even homes, as is shown in the first episode.

Though construction methods certainly advanced through the centuries, the peculiar notion that all non-Chinese were lesser semi-humans unworthy of being trade partners repeatedly led the empire to the brink of ruin. The Wall was originally built to protect the Chinese northern borders from "barbarians," poor nomadic tribes that tended to raid the fertile grounds to their south when they ran out of food. The tribes' repeated entreaties to engage in trade were unerringly rebuffed by the Emperor, who refused to even meet with emissaries. This peculiar behavior occurred again and again, ultimately leading frustrated Mongols centuries later to find a weak point in Beijing's perimeter defenses, push through, and actually conquer the outlying "suburbs" up to the gates of the Forbidden City itself. In an unbelievable, yet telling, display of bizarre thinking, the Emperor once again refused the request to trade by relying on formal courtly expectations, telling the Mongols they hadn't presented their request through the right channels. This, with a conquering army waiting yards away. The only thing more amazing is that the Mongols retreated to phrase their "request" in a manner more acceptable to the Emperor! But this refusal didn't end with this invasion; though the Chinese upped the ante and built their stone wall after this escapade, a few hundred years later the English arrived and were similarly rebuffed. Like their Mongol predecessors, they decided to fight for their right to trade, only this time they didn't have to overcome any earthbound obstacles--they arrived via boats.

What these anecdotes show so pointedly, and what is simultaneously at the core of the psychology which made the Great Wall possible, is the absolutely insular philosophy of the Chinese from earliest recorded history virtually until the destruction of the Ching Dynasty in the early 20th century. China was seen as the chosen country, just a step below heaven, and the Emperor was heaven's emissary on earth. How could this people, and its leader, possibly be troubled to deal with outsiders? And if those pesky outsiders seemed intent on interrupting the calm order within, what possible solution other than building a wall to keep them out could there be?

China's Great Wall is simply spectacular visually, even when some of the information being imparted gets a bit dry. Relying mostly on some very vivid recreations, most utilizing some very fine costumes and sets, there is always an abundance of beautiful things to see in virtually every frame. A nonstop underscore is similarly impressive, with expressive use of native instruments throughout. The documentary also has some nifty CGI, with my favorite effect being shots of dilapidated watchtowers magically reassembling themselves into what they must have looked like new.

With the 2008 Summer Olympics rapidly approaching, there's no doubt going to be renewed interest in Chinese history and culture. China's Great Wall makes a great starting point for understanding one of the great building achievements of human endeavor while highlighting the cultural idiosyncrasies that made it possible.

The DVD

Video:
Shot in high-definition with an enhanced 1.78:1 presentation, China's Great Wall is simply magnificent to watch. Thrilling aerial shots of the wall are intercut with sumptious historical reenactments, all of which sport brilliant clarity and excellent color.

Sound:
The DD 2.0 soundtrack is also very impressive, though there's really not much separation. Virtually the entire piece is narrated, with that voice front and center, though the through-composed underscore does utilize both channels effectively. Fidelity is excellent throughout.

Extras:
None are offered.

Final Thoughts:
China's Great Wall is a fascinating trip through time, illuminating one of the most amazing construction feats in the history of man. Highly recommended.

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"G-d made stars galore" & "Hey, what kind of a crappy fortune is this?" ZMK, modern prophet