General

The Isle of Man has one of the world's most fascinating landscapes, shaped by the Ice Age, weathered by time and colured by human history. But much of this beautiful and dramatic scenery is rarely seen to its full advantage and can only be hinted at from ground level. In this unique programme, presenter Charles Guard, gives you the opportunity to savour the whole island from the air.

The Isle of Man is a magical land of spell-binding contrasts - of purple mountains and rocky shores, ancient castles and bustling commerce, peaceful glens and furious motorsports. Although it is one of the world's busiest offshore finance centres, it is also one of those places where there is "time enough" to enjoy a rare quality of life.

Witihn the shores of the Isle of Man lies an abundance of mystery and history, largely untouched by the way of life that exists in the rest of Britian today. TV presenter Melvyn Bragg explores the many facets of this outstandingly beautiful island including prehistoric times, Viking invasions, the Victorian industrial age, fishing, farming, internment camps, tourism and the financial sector.

This is a vibrant and evocative mix of sound and vision, art, interviews, poems and songs that creates a sense of what this familiar but mysterious and liminal world really means to the people of the Isle of Man.

The Isle of Man sits at the heart of the Irish Sea, easily overlooked but of great importance to the many species of birds, mammals and fish that call its hills, glens and seas home.

From the huge basking sharks that feed in the plankton rich waters every summer, to the tiny wrens nestling in the many stone walls that criss-cross the landscape, this small island is a sanctuary for wildlfe

Across the open moorland you might glimpse a hen harrier glide gracefully in search of its prey or see hares resplendent in their white winter coats. In the spring and summer the craggy cliffs become temporary high-rise housing for numerous colonies of seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills and fulmars, while the far wandering Manx shearwaters make use of abandoned burrows to raise their young.

Join local naturalist Chris Sharpe for a year round visit to this beautiful haven.

A comprehensive documentary illustrating Isle of Man wildlife. Featuring dolphins, whales, basking sharks and the wonderful bird life. Filmed over the five years since the original Wild Mann DVD and containing all new footage. Take a journey through the seasons and enjoy the diverse wildlife and beautiful Manx countryside.

A history of mining in the Isle of Man that visits the old mining sites and explores this once thriving industry.

This DVD features nearly three thousand years of history from the earliest hill and promontory forts to the great castles at Peel and Castletown.

Presenter Charles Guard visits many of these sites and bringing together the latest research, paints a fascinating picture of the turbulent life and times of those who built and lived in these remarkable structures. Using computer graphics, animations and stunning aerial photography, Charles shows the sites as they have never been seen before and recreates some of the grander ones to give us an idea of what they might have looked like many centuries ago.

Isle of Man Tourist Board archive film from 1949, 50, 69 and 73.

Isle of Man Tourist Board archive film from 1939, 46 and 57.

A colourful kaleidoscope of film extracts from the Isle of Man's tourism archive.

A celebration of folk dance from across Europe featuring 58 dances performed by 13 groups from the Isle of Man, England, Wales, Germany and Sweden.

Colourful costumed displays in concert performances from the Villa Marina Royal Hall and bonus dances filmed in stunning locations around the Isle of Man

Two disc DVD filmed at the International Folk Dance Festival celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Manx Folk Dance Society

Discover the legend of the tailess Manx Cat, in a story stretching from the shores of the Isle of Man to deep in the Texas heartland.
Manx cats have captured the hearts of pet lovers worldwide with their faithful gentle nature and here their fascinating history is explored.

One of the most fascinating DVDs ever made about the Island. Presenter Charles Guard explores all sorts of extraordinary machines and inventions, unexplained structures and hidden chambers as well as visiting shipwrecks and World War II remains. Two programmes (including More Curiosities) available on DVD.