No comments about The Best of Portugal.

No comments about Discoveries America-Arizona.

4 comments about Europe to the Max With Rudy Maxa - Fairy Tale Europe: Germany and Austria.

1. I am in the Army and was stationed in Germany with my family for six years. I bought this DVD for my wife. She absolutely loved it! All her memories rushed back to her in an emotional blow that brought her to tears. I said " Lissbeth, are you alright?" She just smiled and said that this was the best travel DVD that she had ever seen.This means alot coming from Rick Steves #1 fan!



2. I can't figure out how Rudy has gotten the mileage he's gotten. I think I've watched all of his videos (heck, at some point, you've seen everything else), and I have found him to be consistently, extraordinarily, shallow in his research, and in his understanding of his subject countries and locales. Please understand, I say that in the context of knowing many of his destinations, in some cases quite well (I lived and studied in Germany and Austria, and have returned a number of times since).
   
   If you want a light, fluffy, skim of the region, Rudy is your man -- he never covers anything that you wouldn't know about if you dedicated nine minutes to absent-mindledly flipping through a competent guidebook... and in the same depth. Think of Rudy as a tour bus, passing through at twenty miles an hour, giving you a glimpse, but never quite stopping to let you smell the roses, or the horse manure. Lite, cheerful, sanitized, smooth, and lo-cal.
   
   For a basic introduction to a country or region, Rick Steves is a better resource (although Germany isn't his strongest suit), whether or not you are seeking bargain travel -- look especially to Rick for help with building and prioritizing a trip around available time, and for help finding special and intimate little spots the big books may overlook. If you want more than Rick offers, you'll have to start working your way through more serious volumes. Rudy ain't it.
   
   On a positive note, the pictures aren't ugly. If your library has nothing else, and if you've seen everything else on Netflix, you probably won't regret the money invested. On the other hand, if you've already been to the destination, you may well be asking, "Why, Rudy, why? It would have been so easy to do a much better job."
   
   Two stars. The subject matter, regardless of its treatment, doesn't allow me to go lower.



3. It is a beautiful and informative DVD. I have traveled in Central Europe several times, and this DVD brings back many wonderful memories.
   
   Rudy Maxa is an excellent traveller and makes interesting comments and observations.



4. Although Rudy Maxa is a knowledgeable tour guide, Rick Steves' videos are more in depth, giving a bit more information.

No comments about Vista Point DELHI India.

2 comments about Tracks Ahead: Great Train Journeys.

1. The theactrical reveiw is dead on, beautiful footage by people who know what they are doing and looks like they love trains. Good for educating young people in what was and in many places the maiin way in many people get from place to place. A look at the some Worlds great railways that are still operating as passenger service. Enjoy. (this is not past history, it is present (2000's) time. New film 2006.



2. The "Tracks Ahead" video series, broadcast by PBS (thru Milwaukee PBS) has 6 or 7 volumes that may still be available as tapes or DVDs. They are WELL worth seeking out for rail fans and historians.
   This series features photographers and historians from the latter part of the 20th century. One of these, Jim Fredrickson, a former NP employee, was interviewed for one of the Tracks Ahead collections. In addition, he has written at least 3 excellent photo and essay collections regarding rail history in the Northwest. Amazon is a good place to start for a link to his work:
   
   Also, google "tracks ahead" for many links to the past.

3 comments about Exploring Vietnam.

1. I am writing this review to tell you that this DVD, which is barely over 30 minutes long, is someone's vacation put on DVD. The camera work is terrible and I was extremely disappointed in this DVD. The explanation of history and how the people live today is lacking in any real substance. The only saving grace of this DVD is that there are many video sequences of the scenery in Vietnam. Not recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about Vietnam



2. I agree with the previous reviewer that this is an amateur production - appears to be a husband and wife and their camcorder. There is a long segment on Thailand tacked on the beginning for some reason and the narration is flat. The dvd cuts abruptly from location to location.

   The only reason we still have this DVD is that my 3-year old, who was adopted from Vietnam, requests it periodically. The scenery is nice and gives some idea of what it's like to be there but this DVD definitely should not serve as your introduction to this beautiful country.




3. Save your money and time. There is no content at all in this collection of disjointed scenes and uninspired narration. One gets the feeling this was a class project that was created at the last minute to meet a deadline.

No comments about The Real Cornwall.

No comments about Mardi Gras Uncensored.

1 comments about Travel With Kids - London.

1. Make some popcorn and toss the pillows on the floor! Join the Roberts Family, including Nathan, 7, and Seamus, 5, on holiday to the beautiful city of London, England. Our trip begins with a train ride from the airport into the city, followed by a boat tour on the Thames River, the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. The light tone of the trip is quickly set with a glossary of British equivalents, i.e. French fries called chips, and chips called crisps. Hmm, not quite our English, is it?
   
   The self-guided tour on the battleship HMS Belfast delights with plenty of hands-on opportunities, followed by Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, then back to the hotel for afternoon tea. Other attractions include the British Museum, Piccadilly Circus at night, a ride on the famous red double-decker bus and Trafalgar Square. Further exploration takes us to see Big Ben, Hyde Park, and The London Eye, one of the world's largest Ferris wheels where the seats are enclosed in a sort of glass bubble. The slow revolution of the Eye allows for terrific aerial views of the city.
   
   Narration is provided throughout by a British speaker who relates the history on a variety of subjects, but with amusing graphics and special effects the factual lessons are painless. Mom Carrie and the boys often comment as well. In addition, pop-ups with the boys holding signs provide information on prices, food, and times of interesting events, making this DVD valuable for those planning a trip themselves.
   
   Though this family has the means to travel with two children, they are by no means elite snobs. They clearly have a budget, passing up a coveted tour of Westminster Abbey due to the cost. Instead, the parents romp in a nearby park with the two boys, both of whom are normal, fairly high-spirited guys. Certainly any bad moments have been edited, but spending fifty minutes watching their activities and listening to their commentary was very enjoyable. - just the right mix of sights, history and levity to keep the interest of any age level!

4 comments about Travel With Kids - Mexico: The Yucatan Mayan Riviera.

1. Travel with Kids Mexico: The Yucatan is a DVD guide for vacationing families, or anyone who wants to learn about the history, culture, and wildlife of Mexico. Following the cheerful Roberts family as they explore Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, Travel with Kids Mexico: The Yucatan reveals such wonders as Mayan pyramid complexes, Spanish colonial history in cities such as Merida and Valladolid, snorkeling in underground caves, swimming with dolphins and sharks, and much more. In addition to sights and famous places sure to delight armchair travelers, Travel with Kids Mexico: The Yucatan also covers basic tips on vacationing with kids, from what to pack to ideal pre-trip activities to a handy trip planner. Highly recommended for anyone interesting in seeing the Yucatan, whether in person or simply on DVD. 80 minutes, color.



2. I picked this up this dvd along with a tour book for our upcoming trip to Playa Del Carmen. I really expected to watch it once (for sightseeing ideas) and then put it on ebay. My daughter, who just turned 4, will not part with it. She has watched it over and over again and picks repeatedly over every other favorite t.v. show and movie we own (and she only gets about an hour of t.v. time a day).
   The dvd is loaded with silly laughs and fun learning for little kids along with real history and practical tips for the grownups. It's definitely helped us define our plans for our week in that part of Mexico. My daughter is as excited as us about our coming trip because she knows what to expect and can't wait to see it for herself!



3. My friend purchased the Carribean DVD and it was really WONDERFUL. So, when my husband and I decided to take the kids to Cancun, I purchased this DVD. Boy, were we disappointed. This DVD does not address the city of Cancun in any depth. It skims over it during the first few minutes of the DVD and then moves on to surrounding areas. It does give a lot of information about fun destinations surrounding Cancun. But, if you are planning to base your vacation in Cancun, this DVD is not for you. I was looking for kid-friendly hotels and places to eat in Cancun. This information is not on this DVD. It does tell you about swmming with dolphins and the sea turtle preserve on a nearby island, but I had already found that information on-line. I feel that there must be fun activities to do in Cancun with children. If so, they are not mentioned on this DVD. Additionally the DVD wastes time giving you fairly obvious information, such as bring crackers on long drives/flights. What parent doesn't know that?



4. Good basic info for multiple cities on the Yucatan. Lists at least one family oriented recommended hotel and one sight per city. Keeps it focused on a few fun things you might like to do with kids in tow. Does not cover it all so you need to supplement your planning with a guidebook. But for a video to get a kid interested in "what is Mexico" for your upcoming trip this is just the ticket.