5 comments about Distant Shores Volumes 1-4.

1. The Shards have filmed a very unique journey across the Mediterranean Sea. We are given insigthts and perspective few will ever enjoy. From the monkeys on Gibraltar to the markets of Turkey we are introduced to fascinating people and their lands and shorelines. This DVD set is an entertaining and informative blend of small craft sailing skills, curiousity of new cultures and ingenuous filmmaking. I have limited expereience chartering three times for one week each in various parts of the Med and concur that these DVD's truly capture the opportunity to interact with the real Europeans and share in their lives and cultures off and on the water. It brought back great memories for me and will help others build dreams for their future.
   
   Paul and Sheryl Shard are the stars of this multi-volume odyssey. They built the boat, they sail the boat, they share it all with us. They are real people without rehearsal or production crew. They leave us with the feeling that "I can go there" or "I can do that".



2. This is not a dull history documentary film!
   While having the winter blues, you will need the Distant Shores DVDs to warm your heart. The Shards, a young couple, who built their own sailboat, set out to sail the oceans. In their refreshing film making style they take you along to uncommon and interesting places of the Mediterranean Sea. Spiced with camel riding through the desert, fighting off persistent bugs, sweating in a volcanic cave, or driving a three-wheeled mini car to visit a winery.
   Good inside information, good cruising tips, plus real life entertainment.
   A good bang for the buck!



3. This is a great series. The Shards take the viewer from Gibralter to Turkey the way a true cruiser does it. They give us the details sailors need to know. From proper anchoring techniques to shopping the local markets for the freshest foods. Not only post card vistas, but also windy days and rough passages. We meet both locals and other cruisers and experiance the interaction that takes place when people of different nations share a common bond. "Distant Shores" puts us in the boat with Paul and Sheryl Shard. Whether shipwreck diving in the Straits of Gibralter or searching for the out of the way wineries or hauling out the apply fresh bottom paint they talk to the viewer, never down to them. I have yet to come across a better series of sailing videos for the Mediterranean. I've watched them over and over and still learn something new everytime. I highly recommend this series.



4. My husband and I are getting ready to sail to the Med this spring in our 43-foot sailboat. We've watched these DVDs several times in preparation for our journey, and they not only whet our appetite for what's ahead but give us confidence. We can do this! We're going to see these places! The DVDs are a great way to get ready to travel, whether you're sailing or not.
   
   Paul and Sheryl do their research--they know the places to go, and provide interesting background on the places they visit. Can't wait for the next instllment in their continuing adventure.



5. The Shards do a great job showing what types of experiences you can have while cruising, more from the standpoint of being a world explorer and tourist than a sailor. They show what it is like to stand a watch and how they made some of their weather decisions, but there is not a lot of 'hands on boat technical stuff' in the series, so if thats what you are looking for there may be better sources. These videos seem to have been produced for a TV audience that essentially has little knowledge of the fact that someone could travel the world in a small sailboat and see lots of wonderful stuff and interact with other cultures. Sort of like a Sunday afternoon PBS show. Still, I have enjoyed watching the series several times and would definitely recommend it.

5 comments about The Santa Barbara Video Tours DVD.

1. This title really shows the diversity of the Santa Barbara area. With many videos and the best of SB - there are quite a few interesting sections to bounce around and explore on this DVD . . .



2. I live in Montecito near Santa Barbara. This DVD was a great gift to friends and family traveling to our area. So much to see and do - Santa Barbara is the BEST!!



3. I'm originally from SB - Nice to see the hometown this way. Easy to navigate menus - nice work!



4. I have lived in Santa Barbara for over 20 years and most people who have visited agree that it is one of the most unique and beautiful places on earth. This DVD is the perfect gift for those who unfortunately cannot be Santa Barbara residents.
   
   Sven Klein - Santa Barbara, CA



5. This is such a horrible rip off, All you see on this video is like 30 seconds of each attraction, with horrible background music, there's not a play all button, it's very annoying to go back to the menu for only a 30 second clip, not to mention it's all advertising, nothing very entertaining about it, SANTA BARBARA is such a beautiful place, the idea of this DVD was good, but delivered poorly, I wanted my family to see the place I live in, I'll have to do a video myself. I want my money back!

No comments about The Bahamas: An Overview.

5 comments about Beyond Cancun Series: Akumal - Paradise in Mexico on the Mayan Riviera.

1. I have been to the Yucatan coast numerous times and have taken many friends during that time, I have to say that Akumal is one of our favorite spots! It is truly a gem on a coast dominated by heavy tourism and big Americanized resorts. I only wish I would have had this DVD ten years ago, as many of their "trip tips" for travelers in Mexico I learned the hard way. VERY HELPFUL! The footage is great, it is such a beautiful area and the dvd depicts it wonderfully. With this dvd you know exactly what you are getting and exactly what to do when you plan a trip to Akumal, like a personal tour guide! Loved it!



2. Having vacationed in Akumal for the past eleven years I was so impressed by the way the makers of this DVD hit the nail on the head! Though it has grown in tourism over the years, Akumal is still a place you can have a laid back and even primitive vacation if you know the right tips! These guys have definitely spent some time down there!



3. I'm so glad I watched this video before I went to the "Mayan Rivera" area for vacation and R&R. It not only turned me on to some great places to drink and eat, but also helped me to find some really cool places to stay without wasting time and money learning where not to stay. I was especially glad to learn in advance about the customs and expectations when it comes to transportation and the the pitfalls one might suffer when unaware. Great Video and Vacation planning tool. Definitely Thumbs UP !!!



4. Great DVD for learning the ropes and getting the inside scoop on what to do and where to go. Ended up saving LOTS of time and money on our trip. The footage was so real (and gorgeous!!!). Akumal actually looked just like the DVD showed...not like the run-of-the-mill garbage you can get from travel brochures. TWO THUMBS WAY UP!!!



5. We love Jennifer Saunders and bought this video because we thought she had something to do with a place we love, i.e., the Yucatan. Well, she ain't here. Search for Jennifer Saunders and you will find that (according to Amazon) she is also part of "Girls Gone Wild" video and something about a nude female wrestler. It might be interesting and entertaining is she were, but that's not the case. Get it together, Amazon, and gimme my money back!

No comments about Nature Wonders STROKKUR GEYSIR Iceland.

No comments about Oregon Waterfalls.

No comments about A Doug Jones Travelog San Francisco City at the End of the Rainbow.

5 comments about Lighthouses of the Oregon Coast.

1. My husband and I went to Oregon last summer and I remember seeing this video in the sea lion caves gift shop. I regretted not getting it and am glad I found it at amazon.com. For anyone who likes lighthouses or the Oregon Coast, this DVD is a real treat. The quality and filming are exceptional. There are nine lighthouses featured. I enjoyed the narration because it included a lot of really interesting background information on each lighthouse such as the history of the lighthouses, how they were built, and the lenses. You can also run it on your computer if you have a DVD drive.



2. This splendid video will take you to the Oregon's wonderful coast and Lighthouses. It is spectacularly shot, dramatically written, and well produced. You will not be disappointed with the well read narration reminiscent of Charles Kuralt himself. The rich history is told dramatically told through historical photos, crisp images with dramatic lighting and even old ghost stories. The beautiful and relaxing soundtrack is written by the multi-talented filmmaker himself.

   This is not your typical dry news documentary with average daylight photography and academic narration ... but rather a wonderful dramatic story of Oregon's lighthouses, their history, their beauty, and splendor. A must have for any lighthouse lover to add to their lighthouse collection!




3. I bought this for my 8 year old son, who is fascinated with lighthouses. He has watched it many times. We have visited nearly every lighthouse in Oregon, Washington and California and this is an excellent addition to his collection. Thanks for a quality product (delivered in record time).



4. I wasn't completely satisifed with this DVD. I felt it could have oferred more Scenery of the Oregon Coastline.



5. In memory of my loving sister, Kathryn Marie Hall-Beckner. We truly miss you. See you again, all in God's timing. Love your sisters, Patty & Linda

1 comments about Most Haunted Season 1 - Episode 45: Annesley Hall.

1. Annesley Hall - another venture into the paranormal, enjoyed this one, but unlike Most Haunteds own dvd's there are no "extra's" or comments from the team.

No comments about The Irish Prayers.