Landmark BBC Two series Civilisation restored for HD viewing

The BBC has announced that Civilisation by Kenneth Clark will be shown in full on BBC HD in February.

The landmark series first aired on BBC Two in 1969 documenting the development of civilisation at the time and is often described as one of the most important art series of its time. It was originally filmed on 35mm film which ensured it was recorded in the highest quality. It is thought this has enabled it to be remastered for HD today.

Danielle Nagler, Head of HD and 3D at the BBC, says: “Kenneth Clark’s Civilisation defined a new gold standard for arts programming when it was first broadcast. Watching it now, the programme is clearly of its time but the production quality still shows through. I’m delighted that BBC HD has been able to remaster the original from an archive copy into HD, to give viewers the chance to see this broadcasting landmark for the first time in all its glory.”

The series won many awards and a book which followed the series become a best seller. The decision to show the full series again is designed to show new audiences of its arts archive. Civilisation will be shown weekly on BBC HD from Monday 21st February.