Magnificant Obsessions

Watch Magnificant Obsessions

  • 2014
  • 1 Season

Magnificent Obsessions is a documentary series from XiveTV that explores the fascinating world of collector's obsessions. Each episode delves into the minds of individuals who are consumed by a particular passion, be it collecting cars, art, memorabilia, or anything else.

The series is divided into six episodes, each one featuring a different collector and their obsession. Through interviews with the collectors themselves, their friends and family, and experts in their fields, Magnificent Obsessions examines the motivations behind the collectors' acquisitions, the history and significance of their collections, and the impact their obsessions have had on their lives.

The first episode features a car collector named Roger, whose love of vintage automobiles has led him to amass an impressive collection of restored classics. The episode follows Roger as he adds a new car to his collection and prepares to attend a prestigious car show, where he hopes to win a coveted prize. Along the way, viewers learn about the history of the cars in Roger's collection and the technical skills required to restore them to their original glory.

In episode two, we meet Tom, a man whose love of trains has led him to create a miniature world in his basement, complete with intricate model train sets and detailed replicas of towns and landscapes. The episode explores Tom's passion for trains and the community of fellow train enthusiasts who share his love of the hobby. Viewers get a glimpse at the intricate work that goes into creating a model train layout and the satisfaction that Tom derives from bringing his vision to life.

In episode three, we meet a collector named Jane, whose obsession with vintage memorabilia has led her to amass an incredible collection of antique toys, dolls, and other artifacts from a bygone era. The episode explores the history of Jane's collection, as well as the emotional connections she has to many of the items in her collection.

In episode four, we meet Simon, a man whose passion for watches has led him to amass an impressive collection of high-end timepieces. The episode examines the intricacies of watchmaking and the history and significance of some of the most sought-after watches in the world. Viewers also get a glimpse at the exclusive world of luxury watch collecting and the fierce competition among collectors to acquire the rarest and most valuable pieces.

In episode five, we meet an art collector named Maria, whose love of modern art has led her to build a collection of works by some of the world's most renowned contemporary artists. The episode features interviews with Maria's favorite artists and explores the significance of their work within the broader context of the art world. Viewers also get a glimpse into the world of art auctions and the high-stakes competition among collectors to acquire the most sought-after pieces.

Finally, in episode six, we meet a collector named David, whose passion for aviation has led him to amass an impressive collection of vintage planes and aviation artifacts. The episode explores the history of aviation and the role of planes in shaping the course of human history. Viewers also get a glimpse at the complex process of restoring vintage planes and the many challenges involved in keeping these historic aircraft in flying condition.

Overall, Magnificent Obsessions is a compelling and insightful look at the world of obsessive collecting. Through the stories of these passionate individuals and their collections, viewers gain a deeper understanding of what drives us to pursue our obsessions and the incredible impact they can have on our lives.

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Seasons
Rocket Man
49. Rocket Man
August 26, 2014
The men and women in search of extreme speed will strap a rocket to just about anything, including a custom made ATV. Something is about to get broken, but will it be world records or bones?
Cat Shows
48. Cat Shows
August 26, 2014
They may not be as popular, but Cats can be bred and shown just like dogs can. Meet some of the most fancy felines in the business, and the owners who raised them.
Mountain Unicycles
47. Mountain Unicycles
August 26, 2014
As if mountain biking weren't extreme enough, these adrenaline junkies take things to the next level. By outfitting their unicycles with mountain tires, they traverse some pretty intimidating terrain.
Elvis
46. Elvis
August 25, 2014
Elvis Presley recorded over 900 songs, sold over a billion records, and influenced the careers of some of the greatest entertainers in history. Although his life was short, he truly earned his title as the king of rock and roll.
Zelda the Bulldog
45. Zelda the Bulldog
August 25, 2014
Sometimes, a small idea explodes into a national sensation. "Zelda's Wisdom" is a line of greeting cards that showcases Zelda the Bulldog. This is the story of how some tough times turned into a booming business.
Witches
44. Witches
August 25, 2014
Salem has a notorious history of executing witches, but those days of discrimination are long gone. Meet the men and women who practice what they consider "real witchcraft".
Circus
43. Circus
August 25, 2014
The sights, the sounds, the smells! For over 200 years, the circus has provided millions with good old fashioned family fun. Meet the performers who make this wonderful show their profession.
Falconry
42. Falconry
August 25, 2014
Man has been hunting with birds of prey throughout the ages. Falconers brave the winter chill, trekking through briars and dense woods to hunt with their avian companions. Few get to experience such a partnership with an incredible animal.
Drifting
41. Drifting
August 24, 2014
Drifting is a new kind of sport that features cars going sideways through a course. See the incredible amount of time and money these racers put into their cars, and what it really takes to be a drifter.
Lawnmower Racing
40. Lawnmower Racing
August 24, 2014
Who says lawnmowers are just for mowing lawns? With a few modifications, your standard lawnmower can turn into a rough riding, mud slinging speed machine. Find out what makes this growing motor-sport so darn fun!
Homing Pigeons
39. Homing Pigeons
August 24, 2014
Most people think that these birds are just rats with wings, running amok in urban areas. Very few realize that the common pigeon has been bred over thousands of years to fly hundreds of miles home.
Big Cats
38. Big Cats
August 21, 2014
We're not talking about overweight house cats, these are dangerous and exotic wild animals. You can take care of one of these beasts for years, but one wrong move and you might still end up on the menu.
Punkin Chunkin
37. Punkin Chunkin
August 21, 2014
It's not pumpkin chucking, it's punkin chunkin! Whether it's air cannons, trebuchets, catapults, or centrifugal machines, the goal is simple: throw the "punkin" the furthest!
Blimps
36. Blimps
August 21, 2014
It's time to get bigger than life and lighter than air as we take a bird's eye view of Blimps. They come in all shapes and sizes, and growing technology may change the face of aviation history.
Sand Sculpting
35. Sand Sculpting
August 21, 2014
With little more than sand and water, these sculptors transform a Florida shoreline into an outdoor art gallery. For 3 days, these artists endure heat and wind to bring their amazing visions to life.
Kinetic Art
34. Kinetic Art
August 21, 2014
Just as much engineering as they are works of art, these wacky vehicles must traverse pavement, water, mud, and sand to reach the finish line.
Medieval War Reenactment
33. Medieval War Reenactment
August 20, 2014
The Society for Creative Anachronism devotes itself to recreating life in the middle ages. See archery, cooking, and the crowd favorite: full armored heavy combat.
Mixed Martial Arts
32. Mixed Martial Arts
August 20, 2014
This is a hobby where pain is the name of the game. These athletes eat, sleep, and breathe this sport, and they won't stop until they are champions of the world.
Stunt Cycles
31. Stunt Cycles
August 20, 2014
The Ives family is not your normal family. Their days are spend in the backyard, working together on a death-defying passion. Whether it's off a ramp or locked in a metal globe, the Ives have an unusual set of family values.
Drag Queens
30. Drag Queens
August 20, 2014
When someone says "Drag Queen", an image immediately comes to mind. Let these performers smash some stereotypes and show you what's behind the curtain.
Tattoos
29. Tattoos
August 20, 2014
Tattoos have been a beautiful art form for thousands of years. What drives people to undergo the pain and suffering of the needle, and what keeps them coming back for more?
Revolutionary War Reenactment
28. Revolutionary War Reenactment
August 20, 2014
The revolutionary war marked America's independence from England once and for all, but some people want to live it over and over again!
Barnstorming
27. Barnstorming
August 20, 2014
Performing breathtaking stunts in pristine vintage airplanes, the Flying Circus fights to keep the golden age of Barnstorming alive.
Dog Shows
25. Dog Shows
August 20, 2014
They're man's best friend, but whose best friend is best? Go behind the scenes and see what it takes to win "best in show".
Historic Aircraft
24. Historic Aircraft
August 19, 2014
The Collings foundation feels that people can appreciate history better if they can live it, feel it, smell it, touch it, and participate in it. There's plenty to see, but the most spectacular is the fleet of still-flying historic aircraft.
Surfing
23. Surfing
August 18, 2014
Hawaiian natives introduced the world to surfing over 200 years ago. Even though the boards of today are much more advanced than in the past, surfing is still far from easy. See a group of passionate women who live and breath for this sport.
Ghost Hunting
22. Ghost Hunting
August 13, 2014
Strange noises, eerie events, phantom apparitions. Who would actually seek out the things that go bump in the night? An insatiable hunger for hard evidence has this office worker moonlighting as a paranormal investigator.
Skydiving
21. Skydiving
August 13, 2014
These two sisters have been through some tough times, but they've found a magnificent obsession that really turned their lives upside down... jumping out of an airplane!
Pyrotechnics
20. Pyrotechnics
July 31, 2014
When it comes to fireworks, these guys know their stuff. You will be amazed at how much time and effort goes into a 10 minute firework display.
Gliders
18. Gliders
July 31, 2014
Once the tow plane hits the release button, pilots are able to experience the "most free form of flying". Without any aid from engines or motors, these gliders can soar surprisingly great distances.
Civil War Reenactment
17. Civil War Reenactment
July 31, 2014
All over the country, hundreds of Civil War enthusiasts pay homage to their forefathers in these spectacular displays. Musket and cannon blasts ring through the air, captains shout orders, and soldier charge forward to fulfill their obsession!
Roller Derby
16. Roller Derby
July 31, 2014
This underground sport has been around for decades and has slowly evolved into what is present day roller derby. See these tough ladies train, compete, and rough each other up in a sport that is highly under appreciated.
Roller Coasters
15. Roller Coasters
July 31, 2014
Paul Drabek rode his first roller coaster when he was 5 years old, and he hasn't stopped riding since. If he's not in a seat flying through the air, he's designing digital roller coasters to ride in the comfort in his home.
Demolition Derby
14. Demolition Derby
July 31, 2014
For some, the thrill of driving is in the race. For derby drivers, the game is simple; last car standing wins. See these brave men and women take the wheel and smash, crash, and bash each other until only one car is still running.
Classic Cars
13. Classic Cars
July 31, 2014
Millionaire, adventurer, and bestselling author. Clive Cussler has it all and has done it all. To the world, he's the master of the American action adventure novel. There's just something about these beautiful old cars that truly drives him.
Slot Machines - Oddballs
12. Slot Machines - Oddballs
July 31, 2014
The best thing about being a slot machine collector is that you have the key to the back door; you can never lose! Balls, spheres, orbs, round objects, see one of the most unique collections in the world: Oddballs.
Superman - Batman
11. Superman - Batman
July 31, 2014
It's a battle of epic proportions as two of of America's greatest superhero collectors go head to head! It's the man of steel against the caped crusader, who's collection will emerge victorious?
Folk Art - Napoleon III
10. Folk Art - Napoleon III
July 31, 2014
After 30 years of collecting American Folk Art, Ralph Esmerian is looking for a place to put it all! The Vice Chairman of Forbes Inc., Christopher Forbes, has amassed a collection of Napoleon III artifacts so vast, it's spilling into his workplace.
Arms and Armor
9. Arms and Armor
July 31, 2014
Meet Greg Martin, a man who has spent over half a century amassing one of the world's most important collections of arms, armor, and historic memorabilia, featuring thousands of firearms and remarkable artifacts.
Tools - Posters
8. Tools - Posters
July 31, 2014
We take modern day tools for granted, but once upon a time, things like the drill were powered by hand. You walk past street posters every day, but typically never look at the beautiful artwork that went into them.
Zeppelins - Dollhouses
7. Zeppelins - Dollhouses
July 31, 2014
Airships were an incredible feat of technology that unfortunately never took off, but that doesn't mean there isn't someone out there still fascinated by them. On a smaller scale, literally, we see the incredible miniature world of Dollhouses.
Houdini - Statue of Liberty
6. Houdini - Statue of Liberty
July 31, 2014
Two iconic American legends, one forever immobile, the other a master of mobility and escape. See some of Houdini's actual performance props as well as pieces of Lady Liberty herself.
Model Trains - Cameras
5. Model Trains - Cameras
July 31, 2014
This father/daughter team are some incredible collectors. With thousands of pieces in their home, they make a strong case that the collecting gene can be passed down through generations.
Campaign Items - Snow White
4. Campaign Items - Snow White
July 31, 2014
Every presidential campaign has left its mark on history, but someone has a piece of every single one. In the second half of the show, see a collection of one of the most cherished stories of all time, Snow White.
Coney Island - Black Americana
3. Coney Island - Black Americana
July 31, 2014
Some collections are so unique that you can only find them here! Check out this wonderful collection of Coney Island antiques, including original signs and ride pieces. In the second half, discover the unique and evolving world or black Americana.
Baseball - Boardgames
2. Baseball - Boardgames
July 31, 2014
Whether it's out on in the field or in the comfort of your own home, everyone loves games. Check out these two incredible collections of baseball memorabilia and antique board games.
Animation Art - Pottery
1. Animation Art - Pottery
July 31, 2014
Before the age of CGI, TV cartoons were hand drawn. Each frame was a beautiful work of art. If you like art, this collection of ancient and modern pottery will astound you. See the masterful use of color by artists old and new.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    July 31, 2014