Vermeer, Beyond Time

This filled a gap in my collection on Vermeer. I am happy to have this DVD, it serves as an instant reminder of the history and life of Vermeer. It was in very good condition.

I am extremely interested in anything having to do with Vermeer. I have tried to watch this documentary four times--and every time, I get about ten minutes along before I just give up. One would not think that Steve Martin could be plodding, but plodding he is. I get the impression that there is really only about 30 minutes of good information--and it has been drawn out to well over an hour.Much of this information about Vermeer's life is speculation, as the documentary points out, and the historical information is quite one-sided (the Dutch come off as pious and perfect, when they were far from it). The visual aspects of the piece are lovely--and if one is just nodding off on the couch, perhaps the slow pacing would be fine--but this is the least engaging documentary I've watched on Vermeer. In ten-minute increments, it is tolerable--but only just.I finally gave up and turned off the narration--I put on some YouTube atmospheric music instead, and just watched the film while I read the captions (in some ways, it is helpful that they are out of sync). Since I can read more quickly than the original narration was paced, this left me plenty of time to enjoy the paintings. And, of course, I could pause if I wanted. I found that this dramatically increased my enjoyment of the documentary so that I could finish most of it in one sitting. So, I do recommend turning off the narration and simply viewing it along with music of your choice. It can't be any worse than the director's and producer's choices in pacing, the script, and the score--most likely, it will be much better.

This movie is so informative and relaxing to watch

I really enjoyed watching this documentary. It's perfect for a sick day when you need something relatively low-key but not boring. I learned a lot about Vermeer, but I don't know why artists always have to be portrayed as being revolutionary rebels. Sure, plenty of artists in the 19th century and later were certainly deviant people, but I don't get that impression from Vermeer's biography or artwork. I think he was a deep, pious and passionate genius who met a really tragic end.There are sexual and violent themes in the documentary, but nothing that I would call gratuitous or unnecessary. I would recommend this for ages 14+ but be prepared to discuss the realities of sexual promiscuity in all periods of human civilization.

Since little is actually know of Vermeer's life, the focus of this documentary is the paintings and the times of the artist. Technically very crisp cinematography with many close-ups of the works makes it enjoyable to watch. Steve Martin does a nice job as narrator. The pacing is good, so it moves along smoothly through it's hour and a half. Highly recommended to fans of Vermeer.

I saw the show on PBS and ordered a copy so I can watch when I want. It presents information available on one of the major Dutch artists of their Golden Age. There isn't a lot that's known about Vermeer but with a combination of available sources, detective work, and acknowledging where the historical record is lacking, it gives a wonderful overview of Vermeer's life, times, homes, family and colleagues. With subtle recreations to round out the narrative and give a real sense of the time and place, this is a DVD I'll cherish. Great narration by Steve Martin.

Very good over view of the master from Delft . Definitely , a buyer and a keeper . Narration by Steve Martin was excellent . Martin has a nice voice , good diction , and a respect for the subject. This increased my fascination of Johann Vermeer - his art , his times , his life .

I enjoyed this Vermeer beyond time! Steve Martin did a wonderful job and I enjoyed the way they told what pic's were made when and family life. There is much that even today is guessed at for family, background and the paintings themselves, but I think this was wonderfully done and very enjoyable. If you love Vermeer/Girl with pearl earring, this is a must see~!