I am currently re-reading Timeline, by Michael Crichton...and I got wind of this book because I'd heard of the movie, saw bits and pieces but never the whole thing. Then I saw Albion had made swords for the movie years later, so I got the book because I'm a Crichton fan and let me tell you, I think its great. So, I just ordered the movie on ebaY- if it is anything like the book, I'll recommend it for viewing...maybe even at our next gathering?
Watched Black Death again...still of the same mind, very gritty, but I still love it.