JOSEPH CAMPBELL: MYTHOS THE COMPLETE SERIES DVD - Illuminating

In this review the complete Mythos series on DVD is recommended for anyone curious about comparative mythology or fans of Joseph Campbell's later work; its single biggest reason to buy is the opportunity to hear Campbell deliver his ideas in largely unedited talks that tie together the "one great story" of humanity. The collection presents filmed lectures from the final years of Campbell's life, arranged as he intended and enhanced with images, so viewers get a clear sense of his thinking on myth, symbols and consciousness in a format that complements the more conversational Power of Myth series.

Key Features

• Complete filmed talks: The set presents Campbell's late lectures in the order he intended, giving a continuous narrative of his final synthesis on myth and human consciousness.
• Enhanced imagery: Minimal edits and enhanced images help clarify references and symbols Campbell discusses, making abstract ideas easier to follow.
• Three-part collection: The DVDs include Mythos I on the shaping of mythic tradition, Mythos II on Eastern traditions, and Mythos III continuing his public presentations, offering a broad scope of material.
• Educational value: The series foregrounds Campbell's comparative approach, useful as a companion to study of religion, literature, or psychology.
• Preserved lectures: Filmed in his final years, these recordings capture the mature form of Campbell's thought and rhetorical style for posterity.

Who It's For

This DVD collection is aimed at students, teachers, and lifelong learners who appreciate dense, intellectual explorations of myth and symbolism and who prefer lecture-format presentations. It also appeals to viewers who enjoyed Campbell's earlier television work and want a more formal, structured presentation of his closing ideas.

Listeners seeking a documentary with heavy production or dramatized reenactments should look elsewhere; this set is strongest for viewers who value direct exposition and commentary over cinematic storytelling. Those unfamiliar with Campbell may find some passages demanding without supplemental reading or previous exposure to comparative mythology.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Faithful presentation of Campbell's late lectures preserves the integrity of his concluding synthesis.
• Enhanced images support understanding of complex mythic symbols and cross-cultural references.
• Offers strong intellectual value and complements other Campbell works for comparative study.

Cons

• Lecture format is minimally edited and can feel dense for casual viewers seeking lighter documentary pacing.

Specifications

Title	JOSEPH CAMPBELL: MYTHOS THE COMPLETE SERIES DVD
Format	DVD collection of filmed lectures
Content	Mythos I, Mythos II, Mythos III filmed talks
Presentation	Minimally edited with enhanced images
Source	Filmed during final years of Campbell's life; as seen on PBS
Focus	Comparative mythology, symbols, Eastern and Western traditions

Our Verdict

This DVD set is a strong buy for readers and viewers who want direct access to Joseph Campbell's mature lectures; it delivers rich intellectual content and illustrative imagery that make his ideas accessible and well preserved. While its lecture format may be dense for casual audiences, it represents excellent value for study, teaching, or serious appreciation of mythic thought and stands as a worthwhile companion to Campbell's other filmed work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the set?
The collection includes filmed presentations titled Mythos I, Mythos II and Mythos III, presented in the order Campbell intended and enhanced with images.

Are these full lectures or edited excerpts?
The talks are presented in minimally edited form to preserve Campbell's delivery, with enhanced images added to illustrate key points.

Who will get the most from these DVDs?
Students, teachers and anyone interested in comparative mythology and symbolism will benefit most, while casual viewers seeking dramatized adaptations may prefer other formats.