“Millions of people around the world believe we have been visited in the past by extraterrestrial beings. What if it were true? Did ancient aliens really help to shape our history? And if so, what if there were clues left behind, something hiding in plain sight? What if we could find that evidence?”
Ever since Eric von Daniken released his speculative book and its subsequent 1970 film Chariots of the Gods, there has been an entire field of study created around something commonly called Ancient Astronaut Theory. The idea is that extraterrestrials have visited many of our ancient civilizations. The theory continues that these visitors had a hand in shaping our development, whether it be through technology or even manipulation of our very DNA. These believers point to a world of evidence to support their claims. There are tons of images from earlier civilizations that could certainly be interpreted as depicting modern devices, concepts, or even space men. There is plenty of speculation that some of the knowledge and accomplishments of these peoples could not have been possible without some outside interference. There are even those who believe that aliens best explain our religious beliefs and that God himself was/is an extraterrestrial being. Whatever your own beliefs on the subject, there are certainly some fascinating points to be made. There is no question that the speculations and observations bring up some interesting queries that deserve our attention. This series attempts to document much of this evidence and the beliefs these findings have inspired.
It appears that the first season was somewhat of a mini-series. There were only a handful of episodes. This time we get a full ten episodes that cover a lot more ground than the first season. Here are some highlights:
We explore Nazi Germany’s possible ties to aliens who might have been providing Hitler with technology. There’s even some stuff on Hitler’s search for the Ark Of The Covenant. Paging Dr. Jones.
One of the best episodes looks at underwater cities. Some have actually been discovered. While I’m not really buying the whole ancient alien theory, some of these images are pretty cool. I would love to dive some of these sites. Of course, a great deal of time is spent talking about Atlantis. Paging Dr. McKay, Dr. Rodney McKay.
I was wondering when we were going to see the whole Bermuda Triangle connection. The place has been pretty inactive in recent years, but when I was a kid it was quite the hot topic. Christopher Columbus was the first person to document strange occurrences in the area. He reported in his log that his compass went crazy when the entered what is now the Bermuda Triangle. He also reported seeing a ball of fire crash into the ocean. Along with another episode there’s talk of a real-life Stargate. Paging Col. O’Neil, Col. Jack O’Neil.
Finally, there’s an episode or two that present theories that we are the product of genetic engineering or hybrids of ancient aliens. Everything from angels to mythological entities are credited with participating in these crazy human projects. Paging Agent Fox Mulder.
Video
Each episode is presented in its original broadcast 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Much of the footage is documentary-style location shoots that carry the obvious limitations. Black levels are solid.
Audio
The Dolby Digital 2.0 is dialog-dominated and offers excellent audio reproduction.
Special Features
Nothing.
Final Thoughts:
There’s more detail here, but it’s the same authors and speculators out there providing the information. The series is absolutely entertaining, and there are some incredibly fascinating places and stories to explore here even if you, like me, aren’t buying the whole ancient alien theory. It’s not that I don’t believe in aliens then and now. It’s just that a lot of this stuff is a pretty huge stretch. They even work in the whole Mayan calendar stuff here. In all it’s “a whole bunch of weirdness”.
