5 comments about Windham Hill - Water's Path.

1. KEEP IN MIND: THIS SELECTION APPEARS IN "SPECIAL INTERESTS"!

   Now, with that under our belts, the technology involved in the
   making of the first four Windham Hill music videos, (and that is
   what they truly are), was direct-to-digital audio and video "nailed" to a laserdisk and presented to the public. New Age music and unique complimentary video presentations will have you
   relaxed in less than ten minutes. The music is soothing and the pictures have far more eye appeal than a travelogue. No story; no
   plot; just eye-ear choreography guaranteed to satisfy.




2. Well,I am a fan of the Autumn Portrait DVD, and I must say that this here Water's Edge is no Autumn Portrait. Lots of industial oriented landscapes. Huge oil tanker looking boat scene was a bit much, not to mention long scenes of a bridges with cars passing by. Given all the scenes were on "the waters edge", but just not enough nature for me.Music was great as always and what nature scenes it does have are wonderfull.......



3. I enjoy environmental CDs, usually rain or ocean waves. Although I've had CDs with music in addition to the natural sounds, I've usually found them a little repetitious. They're not something one can put on repeat and play continuously in the background. I got Water's Path because I thought it might provide a visual input missing from the environmental CDs. The music did in fact produce a sense of monotony, almost irritation, but the scenes were lovely. I play the film on a 52 inch screen, so it's almost like looking out of a window. When I find the music too much to deal with, I put the sound on mute.



4. I have the entire series of Windham Hill DVDs, and I believe this is my favorite as far as beauty and serenity for promoting relaxation. Those who use white noise and sound conditioning to help with rest might find this useful to watch while trying to induce sleep. As with all of the videos in this series, the scenery is exquisite and the music flawless with very peaceful and smooth transitions between the pieces. However, I live in a part of Texas that has frequent drought; and the water theme is definitely something I cling to in times of desperation so this may have something to do with my choice of Water's Path as favorite.
   
   J.H. Sweet, author of The Fairy Chronicles



5. I rented this video in the early-nineties and appreciated it very much for its relaxation value for me. I wanted to purchase it on DVD if it was available and searched for it on Amazon. The reviews weren't too favorable about it being put on DVD but decided to get it anyway. I'm VERY happy with it and glad I went for it! Again, I needed something to help all of my senses relax after a stressful day at work and this does the trick perfectly.

No comments about Travel with Kids - New York.

5 comments about Yosemite: Ascending Rhythm.

1. Wow- for any traditional climber this video explains better than words ever could, why we do it. The footage and the music are simply stunning. This is not your typical muscle flexing, testosterone example of dynos and drop knees. Instead the video really shows the beauty of climbing. My only complaint was that it was almost too long; only becuase the video made me want to go climbing and I got tired of watching others do it! Enjoy!



2. I am a novice rock climber who has never been to Yosemite. Although I have read many books and seen scores of pictures, this DVD does the best job of showing exactly how beautiful the valley can be. And if you are a rock climber, the artistry of the climbers will astound you.

   In addition to the beautiful photography, background music is played with no voice over. It's much like the music you would hear while getting a soothing massage. While not running to my taste, it's not bad and overall enhances the beauty of the DVD.

   But this tape is all about the artistry of rock climbing. My limited experience up to 5.10b feels like my muscles will explode. But these climbers look effortless on much tougher routes. Of particular beauty are the climbs near water and also distance photography which zooms in close to the climber taken from a great distance and at great height. Somewhat out of character is the short climb by two females followed by a brief romp in a waterfall. Anything to sell product I guess. I know, I enjoyed it.

   Be forewarned that not all climbs are big walls with almost as much time spent in bouldering problems. That might be disappointing for some people who are mesmerized by the clean faces of the big walls.

   For me, this DVD is a great experience. Even my wife with a fear of heights was amazed by some of the shots. I strongly recommend this DVD if you enjoy natural beauty, rock climbing, or just like soft background music with great natural beauty.




3. The producers have brought the soft porn tradition to rock climbing. Not that I think the sport has to be about extreme adrenaline with searing speed metal tracks in the background, but this is the opposite: New Age music, soft-lense photography, and pseudo philosophical quotes from the climbers woven throughout. Some people might prefer this, but I found it tedious.

   On a more practical note, the filming is all over the place. They don't work any routes all the way through, but flit like a butterfly across various scenes. That's good for getting a panorama of the location, but it would have been nice to bring more focus.

   Several of my friends have viewed this, and two-thirds of them liked it.




4. Beautiful climbing and scenery with very high production values. If the music is not to your liking change over to the alternate soundtrack which has intelligent commentary from Ron and director. For the technicaly inclined, the MPEG stream on this DVD averages 7+ mbps which is much higher than most -- so lots of detail!



5. If you like boring music and cool video transitions this is the movie for you. I think the editor of this movie was having more fun playing with the transition effects buttons on his new PowerMac than actually trying to get people excited about climbing. Of you want to see the physical strength, agility, mental toughness, pain, excitant, and exposure all inherent in the sport of rock climbing, this is not the movie that will get your endorphins flowing. If on the other hand you like still video shots of lakes, ponds, streams, and flowers this is a must see.

No comments about Terra Mystica MYSTIC VENICE Italy.

3 comments about Rick Steves Best of Travels in Europe - Italy.

1. If you love Italy and love to travel but are constrained by money or the obligations of work and family, this video is for you. Rick Steves is the kind of guy your mother probably wanted you to marry - practical, articulate and fun to be around. He approaches travel with such a positive attitude that he makes you ashamed you are sitting at home! Some of the footage here is new to me and some is "recycled" from his shows. However, the picture and sound quality on the DVD make it a good buy for this arm chair traveller. He covers the classic tourist places and some that are truly off the beaten path. He peppers the DVD with his philosophy on being a tourist, an American, on packing light and on dealing with the occasional problem. Since he travels most of the time, his insights are worth hearing. I love cheap travel and I like knowing "secret" places to sleep, eat and sight see - (Although after being shown on a TV program across the USA, how secret will it be?) Anyway, when I'm feeling a little lonely for Italy, I pop in the DVD and in a few minutes I'm back in one of the most exciting countries in Europe - with a perfect guide at my side.



2. This DVD is jam-packed with beauty. I liked the fact that it contains three huge chapters, each presented on its own. The whole DVD is over 3 hours long but no time is wasted on irrelevant stuff. The photography is excellent. You can tell the author really respects the places visited. This DVD is great as reference material for old world Italian architecture. Panning views of buildings and streets are often shown.



3. I love this DVD because Rick Steves is honest, and will tell things as is. No bull. Many of us may dream that Venice is the perfect romantic place. He warns us about the many tourist and the big crowds, the water is dirty, and you can get mugged. I think to have the best vacation possible, we need to be warned of such things so you'll know to be careful. Bring the right things such a money belt. He wasn't being negitive at all, just how he sees things. I'm taking my first trip to Italy, even my first trip overseas ever, and I'm very grateful for his honesty. Because I'm so aware of things now, I plan to have a safe trip and a trip of a lifetime.

2 comments about Irish Writers.

1. Certainly this hour-long documentary covers the basic facts of several Irish authors' lives, and there are beautiful images of Ireland, especially Dublin, throughout, but it lacks the essential joy and spirit of some of the very writers it profiles. It feels more like the kind of documentary your school teachers forced you to endure. There are no interviews with scholars, relatives, or even people of local color.
   
   My hunch is the transfer is from VHS that was recorded from a film copy -- the audio is raspy and the images are a bit muddy and full of artifacts.
   
   It's a decent documentary, but not particularly memorable.



2. "Come away, O human child!
   To the waters and the wild
   With a faery hand in hand,
   For the world's more full of weeping
   Than you can understand."
   ~William Butler Yeats
   
   When you read a poem, often you have to imagine the area of the world that inspired the poetic beauty and mood. Now with this inspirational and engaging journey, you can see the landscape that brought dreams to life. This is a visual tour of a land that inspired W.B. Yeats, Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Swift.
   
   This is a story of a love affair with literature and a romantic land of languishing lakes and rolling hills. The visual aspects alone are worth the price, but the beauty of the countryside sets a stage for the background of each Irish writer.
   
   We learn of exciting romances, the original meaning for Yahoo, why Oscar Wilde probably enjoyed dressing the way he did, love letters, and evidence of the passion writers in the past experienced.
   
   The best part of this journey for me was seeing the landscape that inspired Yeats and his poetry. I also loved all the painted doors that added such charm to the houses.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review

2 comments about Rail Away 1: Finland.

1. my husband is a railway fanatic and rates this DVD as excellent giving details of the finnish railway,countryside and maintenance and performance of the trains



2. Very fine to view, however if you want to get to some of the more exciting places like Lahti, you can't. Where are the sequels that get you to the rest of beautiful Finland? I can't find any information. Bring us the advertised following 3 episodes of Finland, not more of Sweden and Norway.

3 comments about Great American Scenic Railroads.

1. When I was buying this box set, I was imaging bridges, tunnels, forest, mountains, and a lot of american landscapes. Now my family and I are enjoying it. You can see trains in winter, summer, auttum and spring.

   The set includes:
   1.- Continental Divide & Donner Summit
   2.- The Surfline & California Western
   3.- The Blue Mountains& Mt. Rainier
   4.- Great Mississippi & Shenandoah
   5.- Durango & Silverton adn Cumbres & Toltec
   6.- Rio Grande & Union Pacific

   If your want to see 12 hours of railroading, this is for you.




2. Great American Scenic Railways. That title conjoured up an image for my wife and I that meant we were going to be getting our hands on something we, being a couple who have found we enjoy boat and rail sightseeing excursions, could put to good use as a vacation planning guide. How wrong we were. If, however, you're a rail-fan, Someone whose main focus is trains, train cars, yards, and rails, this set is probably a winner.



3. If you own lots of Pentrex videos/DVDs, you will be dissapointed to find that the Great American Scenic Railway shows are all recycled Pentrex programs repackaged and reformated. However, if you do not have those tapes, or want to upgrade to DVD, this is an excellent collection. The shows themselves are great, with acceptable sound and video. The only other problem with this set is the lack of bonus features. But overall, this is a great show for the railfan in everyone.

5 comments about The Thirsty Traveler: Season 1.

1. I enjoyed this DVD set. If you are interested in travel and drinking and food, then this is great entertainment. Each episode has information about how the drinks are made and how to make the recipes which are all from local people. You can repeat most, if not all, of the drinks and food yourself at home. Great DVDs. I will definitely purchase the next season when it comes out.



2. It's unfortunate that the host has the best job on the planet, since he is so hard to watch. You should feel like he is having fun and enjoying the people around him. Instead he is boring and seems to dislike many of the people, or they dislike him. It's hard to tell.



3. Informative is the word for this show and this DVD. I love it. This is one show I look forward to watching on cable, and there are not many. This is about the only show that will make me change from HGTV. Kevin is smooth, likable and easy to watch. He truly enjoys what he is doing and it shows, well who wouldn't. Traveling the world and tasting each countrys famous drinks. BUT, it is not only drinks, he touches on the culture and the food also. Just a great show and DVD, bring on the Second and Third Season. WE ARE WAITING.................



4. The Food Network's Kevin Brauch has every guy's dream job - travel to foreign countries just to try their beer. In the first installment of the series, Brauch wings it to Scotland to track down some whisky, travels to Ireland in search of stout, tries a bunch of beer in Belgium, and visits France to try their Champagne. Each visit includes a lesson on the local culture, the traditions associated with the native alcoholic beverage and, best of all, a wine or beer or whisky and food pairing with local cuisine. Highly recommended, the perfect video to enjoy over drinks on a quiet Friday night.



5. If you are a fan of the show, then you will be happy to have this in your DVD collection. If you have never seen the show, you will find it quite funny, entertaining and most importantly...INFORMATIVE. Great locations and a great host. (The Main Menu screen is nothing fancy but gets the job done.) I think out of the four seasons the show ran on cable, this is the only one that made it to copy. Too bad!!! I hope they reconsider and produce the others.

No comments about Destination: Quebec City.