Videoteca

Unbelievable Flying Objects 2007
A hilarious countdown of the black sheep of aviation, aircraft that have embarrassed their builders, enraged the owners and terrified their pilots. These are stories of aircraft that should have never been built, including highly imaginative concepts to “fly” tanks and jeeps directly onto the battlefield, a real flying saucer and starkly bizarre efforts to design and build a submarine that flies. We come to understand why these ideas were doomed from the start…

Piano Grand! A Smithsonian Celebration 2000
A musical tribute to the piano's 300th anniversary celebrates the legacy, grandeur and showmanship of this instrument. Hosted by "Piano Man" Billy Joel and taped before a live audience in Washington, D.C., this special mesmerizes audiences with its grand salute.

The Art of Illusion: 100 Years of Hollywood Special Effects 1997
A history of movie magic from 1895 to 1995, showing primitive effects used in such films as "A Trip to the Moon" up to the state of the art effects used in "Apollo 13" and "The Abyss."

Libra 1978 star_border 5.1
The year is 2003, and space colony Libra's development of solar power could solve an acute, worldwide energy crisis. Government opposition to the Libran energy plan sparks a debate about free enterprise and government control.

The Legendary Curse of the Hope Diamond 1975 star_border 7
The curse of the legendary blue Hope Diamond on all its owners is dramatized from the gem's discovery in 17th Century India until its donation to the Smithsonian Institute.

Native Peoples of North America Release date not available
The Great Courses has partnered with Smithsonian to bring you a series that reveals new perspectives on the historical and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples and their significant impact on this country. Gain a new point of view on seemingly familiar stories America was built on, and be prepared to change how you understand American history

WWII's Most Daring Raids 2016 star_border 10
They were U.S. paratroopers, Norwegian operatives, and British Commandos, Allied teams leading high-risk operations throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia to fight Hitler and turn the tide of the war. WWII's Most Daring Raids puts you in the heart of the action, giving you a minute-by-minute account of the most astonishing surprise attacks against the Third Reich. We forensically examine how exactly these assaults played out, through expert analysis and testimonies from the brave men who carried them out.

Angkor: Land of the Gods 2013 star_border 10
Buddhists, Hindus, and hundreds of thousands of travelers from around the globe flock to Cambodia every year to experience the grandeur of Angkor. Its famous temples were built over the span of five centuries by the rulers of the Khmer Empire, and endure today as one of Earth's greatest archaeological wonders. We peel away the myth and legend to uncover the hidden story behind the creation of this ancient city.