The Complete Story Of Film - Two Epic Documentaries in One

In this review the Complete Story Of Film is recommended for serious movie fans and film students who want a wide-ranging, inclusive history of cinema. The single biggest reason to buy is the depth of perspective: this two-film package collects Mark Cousins' panoramic 15-hour journey through the birth and global spread of moving images together with his follow-up on modern cinema, offering a sustained, thoughtful narrative that rewards repeat viewing and careful study. It reads less like a surface overview and more like a historian's guided tour.

Key Features

• Comprehensive scope: Covers film history from the invention of motion pictures in the late 19th century through the 20th century and into the globalized digital era, giving viewers a continuous narrative of cinema's development.
• Two documentaries in one: Combines The Story of Film: An Odyssey with The Story of Film: A New Generation, so buyers get both the original epic and Cousins' later update in a single package.
• Extended runtime: The 15-hour Odyssey provides in-depth context and examples, allowing for detailed exploration of movements, national cinemas, and influential filmmakers.
• Authoritative narration: Guided by filmmaker and historian Mark Cousins, the films offer a consistent voice and viewpoint that frames film history with accessible analysis.
• Suitable for study: The collection's breadth and structure make it useful as a reference for film students, educators, and serious viewers seeking a structured film history.

Who It's For

Film students, cinema historians, and committed movie lovers will get the most from this set: the runtime and depth reward viewers who want more than a highlights reel. Those teaching film history will find it a convenient, single-source narrative that traces major movements, technologies, and global trends.

Casual viewers looking for a short introduction to cinema or those seeking only clips and highlights may prefer a shorter primer, since the documentaries demand time and attention rather than offering quick summaries.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extensive, well-researched narrative that situates films in historical and cultural context.
• Combines two feature-length documentaries for broad coverage from early cinema to the present.
• Mark Cousins' guiding commentary gives coherence and insight across many national cinemas.

Cons

• Length and depth can feel demanding for casual viewers seeking a brief overview.

Specifications

Title	The Complete Story Of Film
Director	Mark Cousins
Contents	The Story of Film: An Odyssey; The Story of Film: A New Generation
Runtime (noted)	Includes a 15-hour Odyssey feature
Genre	Documentary, Film History
Format hint	Blu-ray / Movies & TV category placement
Recommended audience	Film students and serious movie fans

Our Verdict

The Complete Story Of Film is a substantial, well-argued collection that rewards investment of time with a panoramic understanding of cinema's development and contemporary directions. Ideal for students and committed viewers, it offers clear value for money by pairing the original Odyssey with Cousins' modern follow-up, though its length means casual viewers should be prepared for a serious, not shorthand, history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this collection include both films?
Yes. It combines The Story of Film: An Odyssey with The Story of Film: A New Generation in one package.

Is the set suitable for classroom use?
Yes. Its broad scope and structured narrative make it useful as a teaching resource for film history and related courses.

Will casual viewers enjoy it?
They may appreciate parts of it, but the full documentaries require time; casual viewers looking for a quick primer might find it long.