From keeping skiers safe at the top of the Alps to unravelling the mystery of a huge maze of underground tunnels built by the Nazis, discover cutting-edge innovations in science and technology from Central Europe with three new MEGAWORLD specials. Hosted by Kevin Brauch (DA VINCI: UNLOCKING THE GENIUS, THIRSTY TRAVELLER), MEGAWORLD: “Austria,” MEGAWORLD: “Poland” and MEGAWORLD: “Czech Republic” explore the technological advancements coming out of Central Europe, from the serious (armoured vehicles and new Second World War bomb disposal technologies) to the curious (the world’s largest underground cathedral and the biggest beer spa – yes, beer spa! – in Europe). Premiering Mon., Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT, starting with “Austria,” find out how these remarkable achievements are putting these countries on the scientific map. Descriptions, dates and times follow below.
MEGAWORLD: “Austria”
Mon., Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT
There’s a lot more to Austria than Mozart and the Von Trapp singers. Travel to the top of the Austrian Alps to see how a ski resort protects itself from deadly avalanches; watch World Champion air racer Hannes Arch pull 12 Gs in his aircraft as he trains for the upcoming season; and witness armoured vehicles survive the most violent explosions. Other stories include the world’s most unique automobile assembly line, the largest and most powerful airport rescue vehicle and a factory that makes the longest train rails in the world.
MEGAWORLD: “Poland”
Mon., Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT
Poland’s long and tumultuous history, by necessity, has given rise to incredible technology. Follow a team of detectives in the Sowie Mountains as they try to crack the mystery of a huge underground maze of tunnels built by the Nazis. See bomb disposal experts find and detonate Second World War explosives that still litter the country. Other stories include Poland’s rush to complete four new stadiums in time for the Euro 2012 soccer tournament; a company that makes the world’s largest luxury catamarans; a trip to Poland’s own Hollywood-style stunt school; and an amazing journey down into a 900 year-old salt mine – home to the largest underground cathedral in the world.
MEGAWORLD: “Czech Republic”
Mon., Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT
Czech Republic has a long history of innovative engineering. See how they are meeting the challenges of building Europe’s longest automobile tunnel right underneath the historic city of Prague. Go behind the scenes for exclusive access to the world’s largest castle in downtown Prague. Watch European Truck Racing champion try to regain his title. Other stories include a Czech company that makes the best plastic explosives; the largest earth-moving excavator in Europe; and the biggest beer spa in the world.
MEGAWORLD is produced by EPI in association with Discovery Channel (Canada).
