New on DVD: Have 'Legacy,' will travel

LEGACY: THE ORIGINS OF CIVILIZATIONSeries Michael Wood ("The Story of India") travels the world for this 1991 series seen on PBS, "searching in the past for clues to the present," as he explores six key regions that advanced human society (Iraq, India, China, Egypt, Central America, Europe). It's a colorfully engaging tour through exotic lands to grasp the different beliefs/discoveries that set the stage for modern conflicts.

Extras Episode guide booklet, plus bonus "When Giants Walked the Earth" outline such great thinkers as Socrates, Plato, Buddha and Confucius.

List price $60, out from Athena.

Also outTESTAMENT Archaeologist John Romer visits biblical sites in this 1988 series examining the physical history and cultural impact behind the holy book's stories, with pamphlet of background, production notes; $60, Athena.

SIX CENTURIES OF VERSE Poetry from Chaucer to Walt Whitman and more gets historical context in this 1984 series of 16 half-hours hosted by John Gielgud, with readers such as Anthony Hopkins and Peggy Ashcroft, plus viewers' guide booklet; $70, Athena.

MONARCHY: COMPLETE COLLECTION Both volumes of David Starkey's history of British royalty, plus guide booklet; $80, out Aug. 3 from Athena.

TV DVDs on the waySept. 28 "Rich Man, Poor Man"

Nov. 2 "Men of a Certain Age"

Nov. 9 "Bill Moyers on Faith and Reason"