Empires - Martin Luther

Another in the PBS Empires series Martin Luther looks at the extraordinary life I'm the man who started the Reformation and destroyed the 1000-year Empire of the Roman Catholic Church born to abusive parents all Luther wanted to do was serve God he was disgusted at the church's corruption which got even worse under the leadership a Pope Leo the 10th he strongly believed that somebody did not have to go through a priest or a church to find their way to God but they could take their own path but he did not expect the unprecedented violence to break out he found the revolution he started he could not control he could be a extraordinary kind individual but he could also be extremely mean there was Martin Luther the hero and the villain he harbored deep anti-semitism which was appalling the documentary is a very balanced well thought-out look and one of the most important individuals in history Liam Neeson does a superb job in narration ,production values are excellent 3 Creations are solid this clearly is a very well produced documentary I was very pleased to purchase this documentary I have purchased other in the Empire series I have loved them all and this is just another one I highly recommended whether your religious or not he was an extraordinary person both for good and for ill and this is a fascinating look into him and the times he lived in special features include interview extras talking about both the good and bad side of Luther a brief behind-the-scenes look at the making of the documentary as well as a brief look at the world that Luther lived in at the time

For a PBS-produced documentary, this really does a good job of presenting a thorough and accurate detailing of Luther's life and struggles. Presented in a very fair and balanced way. Once I saw it at a friend's house, I knew I had to own a copy myself.Contrary to popular myth; Martin Luther never meant to establish his own brand of Christianity (Lutheranism). Rather he was conducting the Catholic mass etc and following doctrine in ways consistent with scripture with the intent of returning Catholicism to that original path.

I am amazed what Luther was able to accomplish. Having grown up in Germany, I think that Luther's initial strict conformity to the rules (which is quite strong there) contributed to his disdain of the hypocrisy of the church. This documentary tries to explain what drove him. I am in awe of someone with the willingness and ability to stand up to the church, especially at that time, given it's power. The re-enactments performed in this video are done well and help take the viewer back to the time. The scholars who explain Luther are quite articulate.

Another excellent production about the life of Martin Luther. He was one of the most exciting and pivotal figures in the last 500 years, and I do not think we have yet seen the last movie or DVD about his life. It has been 60 years since I read "The Life and Times of Martin Luther" by J. H. Merle D'Aubigne, and the courage he demonstrated to stand for truth and freedom at Worms still sends chills up my spine!

I saw this when I was in high school, and I love history, so this was a good documentary on Martin Luther and what change he brought about.Thank you PBS for this dvd!

Everything that applies to excellent film making such as script, location, actors, historical research and photography, is very well executed in this fine presentation of a true Medieval historical character and event. I can't truly find any faults that are worth criticism. This Martin Luther PBS presentation is also a great primer for understanding the time period and its crisis.I am Roman Catholic and find Luther's anger with Rome in this presentation as fair and justified historically.Thanks PBS for your objectivity and excellent film making.Yours,Don Carroll

PBS on Marin Luther is superb. It's not always recognized now what a cultural-shattering effect he had on Europe, and western civilization. It took 1500 years to get to the priesthood of all believers. From there, 200 years to get to consent of the governed, another 100+ years to outlaw slavery. Now, that's revolution.

More informative than some other Luther videos. Used it for Sunday School lesson. Really helpful.

Makes you aware how important Luther was.

Quite fascinating and informative