No comments about Visions of Italy/The Great Cities.

5 comments about Mom and Dad Save the World.

1. I love this movie. I remember first watching it at my cousin's house, and it seemed faded in my memory because I was laughing so hard. This movie is one of those films where you just need to shut everything else out.
   
   A couple get beamed up to planet Spengo, where Emperor Tod (Lovitz, in an earlier and more hilarious role) wishes to wed Marge (Garr) and wishes to have Dick (Jones), her husband, killed.
   
   The movie has so many funny moments, and even has comedic support by Eric Idle. I recommend this film to anyone who wants a really deserving laugh.



2. Well no, it's not a classic by any means. This is one of those "it's so bad it's good" kind of movies. I'm not a fan of Jon Lovitz at ALL. I think those new Subway commercials are some of the WORST commercials ever to air on television. But this movie starring Jon Lovitz as the "king of the world" is okay.
   
   When you think about a title like "Mom and Dad Save the World" your first thought is probably something extremely cheesy. Well, in this case, the images of cheese and constant silliness is EXACTLY correct. That's exactly what the storyline is.
   
   Mom and dad are kidnapped by people on another planet, and at first, all they want to do is find a way to get out of there and return home to Earth. However, new "people" come into their lives, so more obstacles get in their way making it harder to return home. It's an extremely silly movie that's probably not very funny, but I think you will really like it because of SOME reason.
   
   My favorite thing are the mushrooms that live in the sewer of the castle. I also love the friendly fish-face women. Yes, that sentence makes me look like I'm on drugs, but I'm not. You might think you're on drugs after this movie is over... and I recommend watching it.



3. MOVIE WASN'T VERY GOOD. DON'T WATCH WITH CHILDREN. INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE AND 1 0R 2 SCENES HAVE SOME SEXUAL CONTENT. NOT WORTH THE MONEY. I USUALLY LOVE TERI GARR AND JON LOVITZ, VERY DISAPPOINTING.



4. A good movie, but one you have to be ready for when you watch it. A must see for those who like stupid silly, like "The Man Who Knew Too Little"



5. I enjoy this far-fetched science-fiction film. This film looks like it had made last minute and the writer is obviously very creative in the last minute. But the story has the love, war and win-win at the end. The car flying in to the space is very unique with a smallest planet out of our solar system where is other aliens living. It's fun to watch and kill time when you travel.

5 comments about Timeless... A National Parks Odyssey (IMAX).

1. This DVD is indeed special. If you like Patrick O'Hearn and enjoy nature, you are about to experience a journey that will be shear joy from beginning to end. David Fortney has done some of this work in the past under a series of videos called "Earthscape" which are difficult to find but the comparison in quality with "Timeless" is day and night. If your are concern about global warming, this will show you what it can effect. This is a must for the whole family and pure inner healing.
   
   Toto - Miami, Fl



2. It stands as a persistent source of strength to all of us who seek the companionship of nature around us. Without hesitation I can say I have found it uplifting and a marvellous source to reminisce visits to National Parks presented.



3. I agree with other reviewers that the images and music are gorgeous. The landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful. Yet I want other buyers to realize what I didn't: many of the scenes are filmed with time-lapse photography. In other words, the clouds and shadows move across the landscape in accelerated motion. Some viewers will like this pace and won't mind that the naturally inspiring landscape has been altered. But for me, this created a sense of hurry and hectic rushing through time instead of the simplicity and calm of a real-time cinescape. Some of the chapters are presented at normal speed. These are the ones I find most enjoyable, and I only wish the talents who created this had let the natural beauty and their skills stand alone. Many will enjoy this film as it is. I had expected a simpler version of nature.



4. Truly relaxing nature scenes with great cinematography. Most programs trying this do not come close. Highly recommended. A great follow up to
   the genre started by Natural States and True North, but done with up to date filming techniques.



5. There is a better version of this same IMAX presentation entitled North America's National Parks. It is the SAME movie only it is in widescreen format and may have other enhancements. I'll give this version a 5-star too - but it's really the other movie you want. Again, same picture, but released in 2008 with better options. As for the movie itself, it's very good. Visually stunning. The time-lapsed scenes are amazing. It really is a visual treat and will show off the picture quality of your home theater system. The commentary is very good and formative, but I wish we could have heard more sounds of nature. Basically, it's some guy talking over a soundtrack of soothing music - piano, guiter, etc.. It's all very nice and mellow, but I wish I could have heard some of the sounds to go along with the amazing images. For example, a huge waterfall cascades down, and it would be nice to hear water crashing to the ground. Instead, all you hear is music. What about the "music" of nature? But it is an IMAX film from 2002, so consider that audiences would probably have been upset if there was no commentary... just nature sounds. Add this to your collection and PLEASE support The Nature Conservatory and The National Arbor Day Foundation.

2 comments about Around the World in 80 Treasures.

1. Amazing 5 month tour of 34 nations. Having worked or traveled in most these countries, I was much impressed by Cruickshank's ability to capture the essence of these diverse cultures as manifested in their art and architecture. His comments were intelligent. One might quibble over some of the details, but all in all it's a stunning achievement. I really appreciated his covering lesser known spots like Mali and Ethiopia. Of course, I have my own photos, but they cannot compare with the beauty captured by these professional cameramen. What a marvelous addition to my own memoirs!



2. Congratulations to Mr. D. Cruickshank and to all the BBC team who made possible this beautiful documentary. It is in itself a treasure !!
   I recommend this DVD series not only for family-home entertainment but also for libraries, schools and science museums in order to promote this so fine work. The quality of image and sound is excellent.
   Key words from my part to this product: culture, knowledge, travels, photography, dream come true, peace, wonders of the world, amazing planet, beauty, diversity, mankind, animals, plants, architectural structres, ancestors, modernism. I can only compare this TV series with just one other TV series, and only one: COSMOS !!.

4 comments about Rick Steves' Italy's Cities, 2000-2007.

1. ...though, I haven't actually travelled anywhere. I mean, the man is friendly, spontaneous and so open-minded. From what I have gathered, from the episodes that I have seen of Rick Steves' adventures in Italy, he is as much in love with the food, culture, art and people as he is in sharing his experience with us, the humble viewers at home. Even if you have never been to Venice, Florence, Naples and the numerous other cities that he treks through, in his travels, Steves succeeds in bringing a real level of accessiblity and unabashed joy toward planning trips, venturing on to the backroads and talking with locals.
   
   The photography in these episodes is glorious, and you can almost feel the warmth of sun, at midafternoon, when he makes his way through a cobblestoned town or a more modernized city. Rick Steves really celebrates the community of humankind with his journeys, and what's more, makes us want to celebrate it with him. If you are going to invest in anything, lay down your green for these DVDs. You won't be sorry!



2. I absolutely LOVE being able to see the streets and people of Italy before I go so I know what to expect. And the visual quality in the recent shows (on my up-converting DVD player) actually looks like HD on my TV.
   The shows about Florence, Rome, and Venice are great. And seeing Siena and San Gimignano helps to know how uneven the ground will be.



3. I purchased Rick Steves' Italy's Cities to give to my niece for Mother's Day. I wanted to see for myself so I put on the DVD. To my disappointment it is defective. It kept repeating the same parts over and over; the sound would cut out and the picture remain. I unfortunately can't locate the receipt for it so I'm stuck with it. However, it makes me aware that when ordering anything, I must hold onto my receipts in case the item (s) are defective.



4. Has there ever been another travel guide more amiable, more informative, more eclectic and just plain likeable than Rick Steves? This somewhat nerdish but pleasant looking fellow will immediately win the viewer over with his charm, humor and smoothing, layback manner. However what will keep you watching program after program is his consummate knowledge of the sites and people he visits.
   
   While each journey is only 30 minutes in length Rick has a unique talent of synthesizing the many facets that make up a people and place. He leaves no stone unturned in his analysis; historical background, spiritual heritage, cultural underpinnings and political legacy are all equally touched upon to give the audience a fuller understanding of the rural and urban landscape.
   
   However not not an individual to dwell too much on the past, he provides a delightful tour of the markets, music, restaurants and nightlife. The kind of information would really want to know if you're out for a good time.
   
   The production values are also wonderful offering fanstastic visuals that are worth watching even if there where no commentary. Traveling with Rick Steves' is the next best thing to being there.
   
   This particular DVD contains seven episodes, thirty minutes in length. Imagine three and one half hours in Rome, Venice, Florence and more, better get started!

5 comments about Passport to Europe: Seven Fabulous Cities.

1. My husband and I just love watching her show - she tells you a little bit about everything and is fun to watch.



2. Of course i love the show, but I don't like how the DVD's are packaged. There are several episodes missing and I purchased all of the Passport to Europe DVD's. Why couldn't they just have a season 1 and 2 or at least do one on just Italy, etc. I would've purchased all the episodes.



3. I enjoyed this travel DVD, and certainly would recommend it to anyone wishing to travel to Europe, to see things and go to places off the tourist route. Her Americanism is not annoying, and you do get a laugh at some of her comments. She mingles with the locals in all regions, takes you to enjoyable places to eat and drink, and talks about the accommodation and gives prices. She choses the middle to upper types of accommodation in each region, as she travelled in the low season.
   I can understand why she was awarded the Emmy for 'Outstanding Lifestyle Directing".



4. Host Samantha Brown travels to
   
   - Brussels, Belgium
   - Prague, Czech Republic
   - Amsterdam, Netherlands
   - Lisbon, Portugal
   - Barcelona, Madrid and Seville, Spain.
   
   Each show format is a little bit of history of each location, places to visit and travel tips. Samantha Brown also spends some time showing each of the hotels she is staying in, chats with locals, eats some food and looks at Cathedrals, historical buildings and museums. The hotels she stays at and the way she travels is definitely on a high budget and she can spend a lot more then most people. The architecture in these cities shown in the DVD is amazing.
   
   If you like travel shows and/or are interested in learning more about Europe and some interesting places to visit, this is a good DVD. Samantha is a fun host and is likeable. I think the travel host has a lot to do with liking the series or not.



5. EXCELLENT TOUR of Seven Cities in EUROPE. (Travel Channel Personality); Samantha Brown is the Perfect Host for your European Tour. Very Informative, colorful perspectives, valuable travel tips, interesting facts, explores culture, history, and popular landmarks of each city. Samantha Browns' Interaction with locals and professional tour guides is a joy to behold. Samantha is funny, witty, and full of energy. You will love this DVD.
   The Passport to Europe Series is a MUST SEE for anyone considering travel to these destinations. - Tom

No comments about Scenic National Parks: Yosemite [Blu-ray].

5 comments about Michael Palin - New Europe.

1. The BBC and Michael Palin's travel programs never disappoint me. I teach HS Geography and use many of the videos in class. Money well spent.



2. I found this new series by Michael Palin to be remarkable.
   As has been mentioned, he investigates and travels through parts of Europe not necessarily familiar to all people as they have not always been accesible for one reason or another (generally speaking, communism).
   The fact of the matter is that many of these countries paid a remarkably high price to be the "free" Europe they are today.
   Many of these countries are very small and offered both Nazi Germany and then Stalinist Russia a great deal of resistance and suffered accordingly. Michael Palin does not shy away from these facts and this approach makes this quite different from his other travelogues.
   This particular series is imbued with a definite sense of melancholy and bittersweet feelings.
   Rather than the lack of energy some reviewers seem to sense, I feel that Michael Palin has shown a remarkable degree of maturity and intelligence in his approach to this series.
   This is a very good series and, I feel, a really good documentation of where these countries are today. The whole thing is approached with wit, wisdom, grace and respect.
   I've been to Estonia, Finland and Hungary and you cannot leave these countries without an enormous amount of respect for these people for what they have accomplished in so little time as well as the resistance they offered their oppressors.
   I am pretty certain I will be watching this series more than once and I do highly recommend it.



3. Funny, informative, entertaining. Whenever Michael Palin takes us along to explore the world it's always an excellent adventure. Highly recommended.



4. Michael Palin's New Europe is just brilliant. You will find yourself
   into a brand new World even if you know some of the countries already.
   My only comment is that I would have liked to see more of the cities i.e.
   the interresting places like the Fisher Castle in Budapest.
   Otherwise the DVD's are really good, and I liked the trainrides as well.



5. My husband and I are hooked on Palin's travelogs. I highly recommend them. He is interesting, humorous, and just plain enjoyable.

3 comments about Made In Spain.

1. This is probably the most entertaining and interesting food show I have ever seen. Washington DC restauranteur Jose travels to a different region in Spain in every episode exploring the fresh ingredients and then is transported back to his home kitchen to show how to prepare incredible dishes. The best combination of travel show and food show , Made In Spain is beautifully filmed in some fabulous locations and Jose's interactions with the locals are incredibly entertaining. He is so excited about the various foods and recipes that it is impossible to watch this without dreaming of a trip to Spain.



2. This series is excellent! Jose Andres has a passion for the traditional foods of Spain and for sharing everything from cooking techniques to the various traditional foods of Spain. He covers every region with excitement, it like taking a virtual vacation and learning to cook a few dishes along the way. Jose Andres educates you about the different regions and introduces you to the locals while learning about the beautiful dishes they cultivate. Wonderful series for anyone interested in cooking or in travel to Spain.



3. It was about time to have such a wonderful program on Spain and its great gastronomic diversity.
   
   Chef José Andrés is a great host and the perfect ambassador for everything Spanish. He is very enthusiastic and entertaining without being annoying or condescending. The recipes shown are very simple and tasty. The background music is also very good.
   
   I am a big fan of the program and I am looking forward for the second season.

No comments about Scenic National Parks: Yellowstone [Blu-ray].