No comments about On The Backroads of Provence DVD [Region 2].

2 comments about Great Railroad Adventures: Epic Train Journeys.

1. WOW !!! This is a beautiful and breathtaking video . Scenery was out of this world and I am extremely glad I bought it



2. This is very good, particularly the Australian railroad trip portion. The Canadian and South African portions were not quite up to the standard of quality provided for the Australian part.

1 comments about The Enchanted Pacific to the Max Set.

1. These travel video CDs I think are very good. While you gat watch some of these same videos on Public Television or on the Voom Network (which Dish recently dropped), I found having them readily available for additional viewing was well worth the price. Some of the vidoes will get aged after a while, however the main tourit attractions will not change. This set is just one of several offered by Rudy Maxa and most are avaiable on Amazon, although from several different dealers. The CDs generally have some additional viewing such as behind the scenes, etc.I personally stick to the "new" CDs in order to avoid possible scratched disc.

1 comments about Sukiyaki and Chips - The Japanese Sounds of Music.

1. 
   "Sukiyaki and Chips - The Japanese Sounds of Music" is a look at both modern and traditional Japanese music. The scope of the project is actually wider than music per se as it looks at the entire Japanese sonic landscape. For example, a music education class is shown and a former Zen priest explains his concept of music as encompassing natural sounds. At another point, Dr. Tsunoda feebly tries to explain how the Japanese mind is wired differently when it comes to music. Under the umbrella of sound, an exploration is even made into the audio dynamics of archery. While contemporary and classical styles are played off of each other, cross-pollination is also shown. Theater is employed by both styles. In terms of contemporary music, most time is spent on pop music. Keep in mind that contemporary here is defined as that which was popular in 1984. Therefore much of the music sounds like the Japanese equivalent of Wham's 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' or Culture Club's 'Karma Chameleon.' Fortunately, it's not all bubble-gum pop. The most redeeming group is Yellow Magic Orchestra. This is a Japanese version of Kraftwerk meeting Herbie Hancock's "Future Shock." Even today, newbies can acquire most of the group's discography through Amazon. What would a documentary on Japanese music be without karaoke? With hindsight, this shows an early stage of the entertainment, long before it became popular in the West. It has to been seen to be believed, but at one point, we even experience taxi cab karaoke! "Sukiyaki and Chips" is a historical look at Japan's quirky and vibrant culture.

No comments about Destination: Quebec Province.

5 comments about Amazing Thailand.

1. I would like to thank Mr. Polluck for his review of my film, Amazing Thailand. I appreciate the fact that he gave the film three stars.
   
   He pointed out in his review that I mispronounced several Thai names and misidentified a location in Pattaya. In response, there are many ways to pronounce Thai words and I have never heard a Westerner pronounce ANY Thai word the exact same way the Thai's do. I have learned in my ten visits to Thailand that simply making an effort to correctly pronounce the word will put a smile on the face of any Thai.
   
   As for the Walking Street issue, I acknowledge and apologize for this small error. If you look close enough, you will find mistakes in any film, book or article.
   
   Anyway, thanks for reviewing the film and happy traveling!
   
   Mike Shiley,
   Director and Producer
   Amazing Thailand



2. I am Thai and I believe that this documentary (or travel diary) was made from the heart of someone who took extensive efforts to learn and assimilate another culture. At least it was the feeling that I got. Someone made an issue of Thai words being mis-pronounced. The pronounciation was not perfect, but I knew exactly what he was referring to. Getting the correct tone is difficult. However, I do not see it as bad pronounciation, but rather as a testimony to the extent that someone has taken to even pronounce it as good as it was pronounced given that the narrator was not a native Thai speaker. Good job and I wished that people would see the effort as opposed to trying to find imperfections in something so distant from the intent of the film. All world travelers will enjoy the personal approach. If you expected Hollywood, then this may not be for you. This is a film made from the heart for true-hearted travelers.



3. Summer 2006 planning a trip to Thailand we purchased several guidebooks and DVD's. While this DVD was more expensive than some others we purchased it was by far the best. Very informative with nice video segments. I agree with another reviewer that the thai words and titiles were spoken with a terrible accent however it was still an outstanding video. Well worth the price. Our Thailand vacation was an incredible trip. In addition to purchasing guidebooks I suggest reading Wikitravel Thailand on-line for extra travel information.



4. Amazing Thailand is a pretty good resource. We have planned a trip to Tailand and it was useful in deciding where to spend our time.



5. Why pay first rate for a fourth rate production? The video is largely overexposed, and the Thailand that you get to see is basically one trip taken by one person. So, if HE didn't happen to film it on THIS trip, it won't be there. And, of course, no aerial or underwater shots...they take money and talent. A better title would be "How I Spent Your Money Taking A Trip in Some Small Part of Thailand."

No comments about The Greatest Tractor Show on Earth Ever.

3 comments about Explore San Francisco.

1. This cleverly crafted DVD made me fall in love with San Francisco! From the soaring skyscrapers of the Financial District to the classic splendor that is Golden Gate Park, each shot really captured the true essence of SF. The superb quality and color of this film was very artfully done. In fact, I've never seen San Francisco portrayed so magnificently before. With incredible aerial shots and a very unique, fantastic style of filming, this film definitely plugs into the racing pulse of such a high-energy, captivating city.
   
   I definitely recommend this DVD to anyone who is thinking about visiting San Francisco, dreaming about San Francisco, or even to SF natives who crave vibrant, dazzling imagery to jumpstart their memories of this beloved city.



2. Reading the first review i decided to buy this DVD but, frankly, it doesn't show the heart of this beautiful city: not even one shot about Ocean beach, Castro, Twin peaks, the mexican area and San Francisco by night is completely missing.
   I also find very boring the same view of the car, the yacht and helicopter.



3. Finally, an entertaining travel guide!!! Not only did this DVD thoroughly help me plan my family reunion/trip to San Francisco, but I ended up buying another copy for my parents as a souvenir AFTER the reunion as well, so they could have a special DVD memento of the city they grew up in. And of course, they absolutely loved it. The camera-work of this film is brilliant! I was so impressed by the amazing shots, incredible color, and such a great original score. This DVD really makes San Francisco come alive right before your eyes. Also, there is a special bonus slide-show near the end that shows unbelievably powerful photos of the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. It is really something to marvel at how this city has not only stood the test of time through such catastrophe, but has become an even more amazing and inspiring U.S. city.

No comments about Amazing Planet Earth.

2 comments about A Musical Journey: Florence - A Musical Tour of the City's Past and Present.

1. This is at least 2 different discs. I would imagine the feelings invoked are different for those who have never been to Florence. This will provide some of the ambience. It is not a teaching disc, but more of an experience. You do not have to study it, just sit back and enjoy. For those who have visited Florence it is an nice stroll through the lovely city. Maybe it would even spur one to go back.



2. Considering its low price, it is a great value to remind you of your trip to Florence. Everyone can have an opinion if it should include this place or the other, and it depends what sites you had time to visit, but it is a great way to sit in front of the TV, thinking: "I was there" and listening to great music.
   
   The connection between the music and the sites is kind of general, but good enough for the purpose.