Watch The Brooklyn Bridge - 40th Anniversary Edition

The Brooklyn Bridge – 40th Anniversary Edition is a must-see documentary film for anyone interested in American engineering, architecture, and history. This iconic structure, which spans the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan, has long been recognized as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Directed by Ken Burns, the film provides a comprehensive, revealing look at the origins, construction, and impact of the Brooklyn Bridge. Much of the film focuses on the life and work of Emily Warren Roebling, the extraordinary woman who played a critical role in the completion of the bridge after her husband and chief engineer, Washington Roebling, fell ill.

The film opens with panoramic views of today's Brooklyn Bridge, with Burns guiding the audience on a journey back in time to when the bridge was first conceived in the mid-19th century. We are transported to an era when New York City was emerging as a global hub of commerce and trade, and its leaders were eager to connect Brooklyn and Manhattan in order to expand economic growth.

Burns also introduces us to the famous individuals who were involved in bringing this ambitious project to fruition. In addition to the Roeblings, we hear from John Augustus Roebling, the German-born pioneer of wire rope who was tragically killed while conducting early bridge surveys; William C. Kingsley, the first president of the Brooklyn Bridge Company; and P.T. Barnum, who famously crossed the bridge with a herd of elephants in 1884 to prove its strength and stability.

One of the strengths of the film is the extensive research that went into uncovering the many challenging aspects of the Brooklyn Bridge's construction. Burns expertly weaves archival footage and photographs with expert commentary from historians and engineers to provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the bridge was built.

We learn about the innovative designs and construction methods developed by the Roeblings, which included the use of underwater caissons to anchor the massive stone towers and the use of steel-wire suspension cables. Burns also explores the many hazards and setbacks the workers faced, including fires, mudslides, and even a freak caisson disease outbreak that killed several workers.

As the project nears its completion, the film shifts its focus to Emily Roebling's role in taking over the chief engineering duties from her ailing husband. Through her grit, determination, and deep knowledge of bridge construction, Emily became the bridge's de facto chief engineer, overseeing the final stages of construction and even leading the highly publicized opening day festivities in May 1883.

The film does a splendid job of incorporating personal details about the Roeblings’ lives—including their deep commitment to education, art, and social justice—and underscores the ways in which their love and respect for each other helped to inspire their work. The importance of Emily’s monumental contribution to the Brooklyn Bridge’s construction highlights the remarkable achievements of women in America in the late 19th century.

Finally, the 40th Anniversary Edition of The Brooklyn Bridge features additional interviews and behind-the-scenes commentary from Burns and his team, which provide even more insights into the making of the film and the significance of the Brooklyn Bridge to American history and culture.

Overall, The Brooklyn Bridge – 40th Anniversary Edition is a beautifully crafted, engaging, and informative film that is sure to delight audiences of all ages and interests. It is an excellent tribute to the many hardworking men and women who brought this monumental engineering feat to life and stands as a testament to the enduring power of human ingenuity, innovation, and perseverance.