Top PBS HD Documentaries of 2010

1. Nova: Building the Pharaoh's Ship. Based on archaeological finds and inscriptions from ancient burial sites, a team of archaeologists and Egyptian shipbuilders construct an authentic replica of an ancient Pharaoh's ship. The artisans craft the unusual ship using only hand tools and authentic materials. Can a ship made without glue or artificial sealants be seaworthy? This episode combines history, woodworking, and a good deal of excitement.
2. Nature: Hummingbirds: Magic In the Air.
3. Nature: Clash: Encounters of Bears and Wolves. With recently reintroduced wolves now plentiful, grizzly bears must compete for prey where they once dominated unchallenged. Bear and wolf lives are shown independently and where they intersect, in interesting and surprising ways. Yellowstone park is present as a scenic backdrop throughout this intriguing (if slightly gory) episode.
4. Nova: Mount St. Helens: Awake from the Dead. Interesting findings about the volcano itself and the unexpectedly fast recovery of the surrounding wildlife are presented in this episode. Massive growth of new peaks inside the crater is shown using time-lapse photography. Plants and animals are show thriving in the ash-filled slopes after the eruption. And the nearby lake is shown fully recovered and thriving after being completely devastated by silt flows.
5. Nova: Riddles of the Sphinx. The Sphinx is examinged for clues to its origin, purpose, and construction. Fascinating details about its origin from the rocks at the base of the pyramids are presented. The alignment of the pyramids, the Sphinx, and a nearby temple provide strong evidence about which Egyptian ruler built the Sphinx.