This is a fascinating documentary series, covering a retracement of the Silk Road from east to west, as recorded by NHK over the course of several years, beginning in 1979. This set contains the first dozen episodes, part I of the series (Boxed Set 1 and Boxed Set 2, which is not to be confused with Silk Road II, the final 18 episodes). It begins in Chang-An and ends in the Pamirs. Part II, alas, doesn't seem to have made it to DVD; that covers the journey from Central Asia to Rome. Titles of the episodes in this set are: The Glories of Ancient Chang-An A Thousand Kilometers Beyond the Yellow River The Art Gallery in the Desert The Dark Castle In Search of the Kingdom of Lou-Lan Across the Taklamakan Desert Khotan -- Oasis of Silk and Jade A Heat Wave Called Turfan Through the Tian Shan Mountains by Rail Journey into Music -- South Through the Tian Shan Mountains Where Horses Fly Like the Wind Two Roads to the Pamirs
- Aspect Ratio : 1.33:1
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- MPAA rating : NR (Not Rated)
- Product Dimensions : 7.75 x 5.5 x 1.75 inches; 12.8 ounces
- Media Format : Box set, DVD, NTSC, Color
- Run time : 10 hours and 30 minutes
- Release date : August 15, 2000
- Studio : Central Park Media
- Number of discs : 3