Search - Genius - Leonardo da Vinci (1999) on DVD

Narrated slide show of sketches with expert interviews

Eugene Tenenbaum | Bronx, NY USA | 11/26/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"It is mostly a narrated slide show of Leonardo's sketches of technical ideas, human anatomy, botanic, figure, and art studies interlaced with interview-like expert commentaries directly spoken to viewers from the screen. There are a few quite simple 3d animations of Leonardo's technical (mainly military) inventions, brief biography illustrated by maps and pictures of Leonardo's patrons, and very brief presentations of his significant art works (mainly paintings) without much of analysis except for Mona Lisa. The 1972 "Life of Leonardo Da Vinci" - though more theatrical - seems to be better made and much more interesting.
CONTENTS:
Chapter 1. Opening
Chapter 2. A True Renaissance Man
Chapter 3. Early Years
Chapter 4. Use of Light and Shade
Chapter 5. The Mona Lisa
Chapter 6. Scientific Observation
Chapter 7. Anatomical Drawings
Chapter 8. Studies in Mathematics
Chapter 9. Evolutionary Theory
Chapter 10. An Architect and Sculptor
Chapter 11. Studies in Animal Motion
Chapter 12. A Nomadic Existence
Chapter 13. Flying Machines
Chapter 14. Hydrodynamics
Chapter 15. Designs in Weaponry
Chapter 16. Bridge Designs
Chapter 17. Mechanical Science
Chapter 18. The Final Years
Chapter 19. A Man Ahead of His Time
Chapter 20. Credits"