Special features of these DVDs: widescreen presentation ; Dolby Digital ; scene selection.

Music, Andy Price.

David Starkey, host.

Eminent scholar and energetic storyteller Dr. David Starkey serves as your guide through nearly 10 centuries of royal rule in England. From the fall of the Roman Empire to the Restoration, Starkey vividly describes the human drama behind the throne, with all its intrigue, lust, treachery, and thirst for power.

The early Kings: After Roman rule dissolves, England suffers wave after wave of Anglo-Savon and Viking invaders. Out of this chaos, leaders such as Alfred the Great and Canute the Viking set the standard for English kingship, ruling nobles as "the first among equals." Then, in 1066, William the Conqueror arrives from the Continent with the civilizing ideals of chivalry and a whole new concept of monarchy.

Medieval Monarchs: Charismatic and commanding, Henry II clashes with his former friend Thomas Becket, opening a rift with Rome. His line extends through Richard the Lionheart, who bankrolls the Crusades; John, who signs the Magna Carta; Edward I, "Hammer of the Scots," whom moviegoers know from Braveheart; and eventually Henry V, Shakespeare's hero, who turns his attention to conquest.

A new dynasty: The succession of nine-month-old Henry VI leads to a long period of intrigue and bloodshed known as the Wars of the Roses, as the white rose of York vies for power with the red rose of Lancaster. Alternately passing between these two houses, the crown is finally seized by Henry Tudor, who returns from exile in France, kisses the sand, and boldly imposes his will.

The Imperial King: With a warrior mentality worthy of his hero, Henry V, and a lust for fame as fiery as any modern rock star's, Henry VIII defies Pope and people in his pursuit of love and male heir. He brings the monarchy to the pinnacle of its power, but ultimately allows personal passions to drive his political agenda -- profoundly changing England and the crown forever.

A question of succession: After six marriages ending in two divorces, two executions, and one tragic bereavement, Henry dies, having produced three children. Which will succeed him? Edward, the fiery Protestant, dies in his teens. Mary follows, briefly restoring Catholicism but delivering only bloody cruelty and a phantom pregnancy. Finally, Elizabeth emerges from her role as "Second Person" to wear the crown as the magnificent Virgin Queen.

Revolution and the republic: James -- son of Mary, Queen of Scots -- ascends the throne and assumes the role of peacemaker. The peace proves short-lived, however, as bitter disputes with Parliament culminate in civil war and the execution of Charles I. The kingless country rests uneasily under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell, self-styled Lord Protector. When Cromwell's death leaves a power vacuum, Charles II returns in triumph, restores the monarchy, and ends a national identity crisis.

Explores the history of the British monarchy from the Roman Empire to the Restoration.

Not rated.

DVD.

Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.