jj47629

This documentary portrays the development of RMS Titanic from the initial concept and design, its construction, the sea trials and finally to the preparations for its maiden voyage. But unlike other documentaries, this program makes a feature of the real people who designed and built the ill-fated liner.

Through the use of CGI, we see Harland and Wolff's shipyard as it was in 1909: the great slipways where the keels will be laid and the gantries under which the liners will rise. These sights are populated with actors who portray the actual people who made the great ships possible - from J Bruce Ismay and Lord Pirrie to the rank-and-file labourers who constructed the ships. We see their pride in building the legendary ships, and we see the playful rivalry between the work crews assigned to Titanic and Olympic, Titanic's sister ship.

We are treated to the scene as the great hull of Titanic glides down the slipway at her launch; a scene that must have awed those witnesses almost a hundred years ago. We watch as Titanic runs under full steam as she goes through her sea trials - a preview of her voyage across the Atlantic.

Finally, we see the specially-selected Guarantee Group - selected workers who were awarded with a free passage - say goodbye to their families and loved-ones as they prepare to leave on Titanic's maiden voyage. We feel sadness and pity for these people - fathers, sons and brothers - who made Titanic possible. We know their tragic fate that will shared with so many others.