Innovations that Made the Modern Era

Hosted by "Top Gear’s" James May of the BBC’s internationally celebrated phenomenon and BBC America hit, the entertaining and engaging six-part series, "James May’s 20th Century," makes its North American DVD debut from Athena on July 17, 2012.

With his trademark curiosity, insight, and wit, James May travels from continent to continent, as well as back in time, to learn how new technologies have revolutionized every aspect of modern life, from medical advancements to space travel. A co-production of Open University and the BBC, the series first aired on BBC Two in 2007. The DVD 3-vol. boxed set includes "James May’s Big Ideas," a 180-minute bonus program, 12-page viewer’s guide with a timeline of inventions and articles on the decades of the 20th century, and more.

"Top Gear’s" James May revisits the 20th century to discover how inventors and their innovations changed the way we live today. With his trademark curiosity, insight, and wit, he shows how new technologies have revolutionized every aspect of our lives—how we made the world smaller, conquered space, improved our bodies, modernized warfare, built our cities, and created the teenager. In this engaging and entertaining six-part series, May travels from continent to continent, as well as back in time, to learn how we enhanced the world around us and improved ourselves.

Television presenter, journalist, and author James May is best known for his role on the BBC’s international phenomenon "Top Gear." May has presented documentaries on a variety of subjects, including "James May’s Toy Stories" and "James May on the Moon."