Berlin (TV series)

Berlin is a 2009 documentary series co-developed by the BBC and the Open University. Written and presented by Matt Frei, the series has three 60-minute episodes, each dealing with a different aspect of the history of Germany's capital city.

Berlin
DVD cover
GenreDocumentary
Presented byMatt Frei
ComposerPaul Moessl
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes3
Production
Executive producerBasil Comely
ProducersSam Hobkinson, David Vincent
Running time60 minutes
Release
Original networkBBC Two
Original release14 November (2009-11-14) –
28 November 2009 (2009-11-28)

Episodes

Episode 1 – "Dangerous Ideas"

Using the life and posthumous legacy of Frederick the Great as its central theme, this episode covers some of the most notable political, social and cultural movements to emerge within Berlin over the past two centuries.[1]

Episode 2 – "Ruined Visions"

From the advent of the former Berliner Stadtschloss to the Palast der Republik which for a time took its place, from the creation of the Bauakademie to that of the Olympic Stadium, and from the rise of the Fernsehturm to the rejuvenation of the Reichstag, this episode looks at the varied periods of construction, destruction and renewal seen in the architecture of the city of Berlin.[2]

Episode 3 – "Ich bin ein Berliner"

Turning to look at the legacy which history has placed upon the people of Berlin – and that which Berliners themselves have offered in turn – this episode charts the tumultuous eras which the city has endured, for good or ill, through the course of the 19th and 20th centuries.[3]

Reception
Berlin booklet cover

Approximately one million people are reported to have watched the broadcasts of parts 2 and 3 on BBC2 in the UK.[4][5]

Part 1 was noted in The Times as having "brilliant" writing, but was criticized for following a pattern seen in other documentaries, in which presenters would "increasingly want to wear their credentials on their sleeves."[6] The History News Network review posits that "So, Frei certainly hits a chord when he says at the outset “The story of Berlin is one of a clash of ideas that would shape the modern world.”" [7]

Merchandise

A 1-disc Region 2 DVD (BBCDVD3039) was released on 30 November 2009, which features all three full-length episodes. An accompanying booklet was made available by the Open University. The bilingual (in English and German) guide is free to order within the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland.[8]

References
  1. "Berlin, Dangerous Ideas". BBC. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  2. "Berlin, Ruined Visions". BBC. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  3. "Berlin, Ich bin ein Berliner". BBC. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  4. Deans, Jason (23 November 2009). "TV ratings: The X Factor and I'm a Celebrity dominate primetime". The Guardian. London: Guardian News and Media. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  5. Tryhorn, Chris (30 November 2009). "TV ratings – 28 November: The X Factor stays on top after Jedward". The Guardian. London: Guardian News and Media. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  6. Billen, Andrew (15 November 2009). "Who's not scary? Weekend TV review". The Times. London: Times Newspapers. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  7. Ruddin, Lee P (8 January 2010). "History of "Berlin" on BBC TV". History News Network. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  8. "A brief guide to Berlin". The Open University. Archived from the original on 19 November 2009. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
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