This is the eighth episode in Ric Burns' multi-part "New York: A Documentary Series." This one focuses on the story of the World Trade Center, from its inception to its destruction. As such, it is easily the most intriguing and emotionally sobering episode in the series.

The film is sharply divided into two halves, and the first half begins shortly after World War II, where attempts to revitalize lower Manhattan are initially spearheaded by David and Nelson Rockerfeller. The plan: to create a center where all international trade would be conducted under one roof. Through exposition by historians, architectural experts and people involved in the World Trade Center's construction, we learn that the task was a monumental undertaking, fueled mainly by audacity and ego. Considering the enormous cost, its effect on New York's skittish economy at the time, as well as the political ramifications of nearly every decision, it's amazing the thing got built at all (and even with 20/20 hindsight, after viewing the film, some may wonder if it even NEEDED to be built). The second half, which is far more interesting, focuses on the World Trade Center after its construction. While it eventually became one of the most instantly identifiable landmarks of the New York skyline, we learn that it was initially deemed to be a fiasco, fueled by over-inflated egos and pipe-dreams, and viewed by native New Yorkers as a cold, impersonal eyesore. A key turning point is when a young frenchman, Philippe Petit, illegally tightropes between the two towers in 1974 (certainly the most entertaining segment of the film), garnering some much-needed publicity for the project. This stunt (ironically performed by a foreigner), inadvertently helped to cement the concept that the Trade Center towers embodied many of the American ideals we hold sacred...we can do everything bigger and better than everyone else. The last hour focuses on the still-inconceivable destruction of the towers, combining intense, hard-to-watch news footage with interviews of various prominent figures (such as former mayors Mario Cuomo and Ed Koch). Though the film run three hours, it's consistently fascinating. Through interviews with historians, architects and public figures, we are given a detailed, pain-staking summary of the obstacles and pitfalls which laid before this monumental project. Because we know the ultimate fate which befall the twin towers (as well as the number of those who died), an overall sadness permeates throughout the film. When we finally get to September 11th, the filmmakers wisely avoid any of the hows and whys, simply focusing on the horrific events of the day. The footage is just as shocking as it was two years ago, particularly the shots of people falling (or leaping) to their deaths. This is one of those DVDs you don't purchase to watch over and over. As for me... I will save it to show my children when they are old enough to ask about it - this episode, more than any thing else I've seen, captures the total shock of 9/11 without sensationalizing it, and the previous two hours of the building's history makes the tragedy all-the-more appalling.

Though made for TV, the series was shot in widescreen, something PBS does with many of their shows. This transfer preserves the original 1.85:1 format, and looks great. Panoramic and fly-over shots of New York, both before and after the tragedy, remain spectacular and majestic. The film utilizes a lot of archive footage, and any scratches or grain are simply the result of age. As for the sound...much of the film consists of interviews, so the 2.0 stereo track suits it well enough, and also nicely renders Brian Keane's haunting music score.

Included is an interview with director Ric Burns, which is pretty interesting and informative. The other major extra features outtakes from various interviewees. Also included are some PBS links.

This is another great disc in the PBS Gold Series. It effectively captures the mood of a city during some eras of great change, as well as a moment anyone alive during that time will never forget. It's a haunting reminder of how fragile life really is, and a testament to the resiliency of some visionary and heroic people.