Documentary AreaSimply the best Documentaries

Schwalmstadt Maximum Security Prison in Germany. Locked up behind the walls of this 12th-century castle are 188 of Germany's worst offenders. The prison is a fortress surrounded by a moat, and houses dangerous criminals, many of whom attend intense therapy sessions.

Told from both sides of the law, this documentary series follows the FBI's battle to bring down infamous mob boss John Gotti, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous figures in the history of organized crime. Through the testimonies of journalists, real-life personalities who helped take down him, and even former mobsters, the showrunners tell the tale of Gotti’s rise to prominence and his subsequent downfall. The film features archival footage, audio tapes and exclusive interviews.
In the first chapter, when Paul Castellano, the head of the Gambino crime family, is murdered on a busy street, there's only one suspect: his former protégé John Gotti.

Dive into the gripping world of organized crime with the enthralling documentary series focusing on John Gotti, a name synonymous with the Gambino crime family. In this second installment, viewers are transported into the shadowy corners of mob life, exploring the brutal enforcement of mafia rules and the dire consequences of betrayal. Highlighting a chilling assignment carried out in Florida, the documentary captures the ruthlessness embedded within the mafia's code, where personal lives intertwine dangerously with business, leading to violent outcomes.
The episode also provides a fascinating look into the pivotal legal battles that defined Gotti's reign as a mafia boss. Witness the intense courtroom drama involving Diane Giacalone, the tenacious assistant U.S. Attorney, who took on Gotti and his associates in a high-stakes trial. Despite her efforts, the complexities of prosecuting organized crime come to the forefront, showcasing the challenges faced by law enforcement in penetrating the secretive and loyal underworld. This documentary is a must-watch for those intrigued by true crime and the intricate dance of cunning and law that shapes the world of organized crime.

The last installment of the series features a revealing first-person account that delves into the complexities of Gotti's mentorship and the stark realities of gang life. From a determined youth facing rejection from his father to his bold declaration to work for Gotti, witness the tumultuous ascent of Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano within the criminal underworld.
The narrative captures a pivotal confrontation, where Gotti chillingly outlines the dark path ahead, juxtaposed against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Justice Department in Washington D.C., a symbol of the relentless pursuit that future gangsters will inevitably face. This episode doesn’t just recount events; it places you at the heart of an ongoing battle against organized crime, providing an intimate look at Gotti’s life, from his rise to power to his ultimate indictment and the intense legal battles that followed. Dive into a gripping exploration of loyalty, power, and the consequences of a life in the mafia.

From executive producers Tony Scott and Ridley Scott comes a special about the battle that changed the course of the Civil War and the future of the Nation. ‘The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.’ Abraham Lincoln's iconic Gettysburg Address frames this epic, feature-length History special.
‘Gettysburg’ looks at this battle from a visceral new perspective, not the generals who commanded from behind the frontlines, but that of the everyday soldiers who fought there, in a confrontation that changed the fate of the nation. Stripping away the romanticized veneer of past treatments, this special conveys new information and honors the sacrifice of those, both North and South, who fought and died there.
Compelling CGI and powerful action footage place viewers in the midst of the fighting, delivering both an emotional cinematic experience and an information packed look at the turning points, technology, and little known facts of perhaps America's greatest battle. Raw, immersive and emotional, this groundbreaking event puts viewers inside the three-day battle where over 50,000 men paid the ultimate price.

The series Warrior Graveyard uncovers some extraordinary warrior skeletons from history. Archaeologists and forensic scientists use remains to tell the story of famous warriors of the past and unleash the full force of modern forensics upon them: battle scars, bone deformations and recoverable scraps of DNA will all be tested and explored. CGI and drama will then bring them dramatically to life, revealing a revolutionary new picture of how these warriors lived - and died.
An archaeological and forensic examination of six crusaders' bones brings to life the 1179 Battle of Jacob's Ford, revealing the wounds that killed the warriors in the Holy Land. With every sword slash comes an insight into an historic day. Excavations along the Israel/ Jordan border are unearthing skeletons and rewriting the history of the First Crusade. The site at Jacob's Ford is the only known Crusader battle site with complete skeletons. To secure the road between Akkon and Damascus, King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem had a mighty castle built at the Jacob's Ford of the Jordan River in October 1178. The fortress was a thorn in the side of Sultan Saladin, so he had it stormed a year later, before it was completed.
Excavations have been taking place on the site of the legendary crusader castle since the early 1990s. Archaeologists and forensic experts have examined the remains of six fallen crusaders and uncovered fascinating details about the Battle of Chastellet. The programme has secured access to the excavation and remains of some of the 80 Crusader Knights and 750 foot soldiers stationed at the fort when it was attacked and its Crusaders massacred by Saladin's army in 1179, in the battle that changed the course of history in the Middle East.