No comments about New Orleans: Queen of the Mississippi.

No comments about Hawaii - Paradise Found.

2 comments about Ukraine: Ancient Crossroads, Modern Dreams.

1. Save your money. This video taught me nothing about the Ukraine, its countryside, its people, or its culture.



2. Ukraine (Ancient Crossroads, Modern Dreams) is a must-see video! Not only is it recommended by the Ohio State University Center for Slavic and East European Studies, but the university offers a free loan (call 614-292-8770, or write to Keisel.1@osu.edu). If funds or space are scarce, then, by all means do get it to view through Interlibrary Loan from your local library if it doesn't already own a copy.
   
   Produced in cooperation with Scientific Research Institute for History and Theory of Architecture and City Planning and Topoz Inform, it is a truly professional production. Kudos and congratulations to Video Visits (International Video Network) for this fine addition to its European Collection!
   
   Extremely informative, crisp colors, and depth of perception in the narration are only a few of the reasons why you'll want to see/own this video. An ongoing narration not only amplifies the video coverage, but very astutely informs the viewers that "...this would have been illegal under Soviet rule, or ...under Soviet rule..." When you watch this film, you'll get the blanks filled in nicely.
   
   Some of the cities visited include: Kyiv; Chernihiv (long known for its arts and crafts, a visit is made to an embroidery factory and to a bandura factory, where a custom-made bandura, the national instrument of Ukraine--is made); Dnipropetrovsk ("...but really, it was just one more way to control the people."); Khortysia Island (a movie segment shows the Zaporizhzhian Kozaks in yesteryear); Odessa; Crimea (Yalta and surrounding areas); Lviv (a bonus is seeing kids sledding down a hill on milk crates; and a pysanka artist is shown writing her unconventional pysanky, while explaining the technique. She even shows a pysanka, which was inspired by a poet who was imprisoned at age 22.) In one segment, the narrator explains that "Kozaks did more than fight and dance, they also financed the building of many churches...the Kozaks brought many fine churches and other developments to the region, but, perhaps, their most important achievement was holding off the bondage of serfdom..."
   
   I must differ with the one-star review that this video has received to-date. My outlook is that if you learn only one thing from an experience or situation, then you've not wasted your time, but have enriched yourself. My personal collection of Ukrainian videos and DVDs exceeds eighty--and this one is far from the bottom of the shelf--it sits proudly on the first shelf when not in use in the vhs player.
   
   Regarding the one-star review of A Customer, and, specifically the statement "This video taught me nothing about the Ukraine..." the reference of A Customer to "the Ukraine" should be edited to read "Ukraine." Throughout the video, reference is correctly made to "Ukraine"--surely, anybody watching this video would have picked up on the correct terminology after 55 minutes of viewing--and, I find it difficult to believe that 21 other people watched that same video, and didn't learn at least one other fact about Ukraine that they didn't know previously. I've had people watch my home movies of my trips to Ukraine, and even people who've been there many more times than I have, have assured me that they learned at least one new thing.
   
   An eloquent explanation appeared in Arnold Berke's article "Ukrainian Dawn," Historic Preservation, March/April, 1993, pp. 31-32:
   
   "Ukraine is a new country but an old nation--a fact often lost on foreigners, who remain largely ignorant of this land of fifty-two million people, Europe's second largest in area after Russia. Ukraine to them has always been "the" Ukraine--no more than a region of its powerful northern neighbor, Russia--and Ukrainian culture a mere variation on the Russian national theme. Russians used to call Ukraine "Little Russia," a sobriquet that Tchaikovsky`s Second Symphony earned for its use of Ukrainian folk themes. Even the Ukrainian language was downgraded as a dialect of Russian, although Ukrainian differs from Russian as much as does Polish."
   
   That some people still don't realize that Ukraine's name is only one word "Ukraine" rather than "the Ukraine," is not that surprising, considering that each time the erroneous version "the Ukraine" is heard or read, it only reinforces in a person's mind that that is probably the correct usage, which it isn't.
   
   In March of 1993, I wrote, in part, to then Senator Sam Nunn:
   
   ...Adding to the confusion are times when several guests on a program say both "Ukraine" and "the Ukraine" on the same television program (MEET THE PRESS, and others). As examples:
   
   . January 3, 1993--MEET THE PRESS
   
   Both Senator Biden and Mr. Russert incorrectly referred to "the Ukraine," while Senator Richard Lugar and John Dancy, of NBC News, correctly said "Ukraine."
   
   . January 1, 1993--WASHINGTON WEEK IN REVIEW
   
   Independent Reporter Hedrick Smith correctly referred to "Ukraine," while on the same program Wall Street Journal reporter Michele (who has since left) incorrectly referred to "the Ukraine."
   
   . March 23, 1993--FIRST PRESIDENTIAL PRESS CONFERENCE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
   
   The President referred to Ukraine twice: the first time, he incorrectly said "the Ukraine," the second time, he correctly said "Ukraine."
   
   . March 28, 1993--FACE THE NATION
   
   Secretary of State Warren Christopher once incorrectly referred to "the Ukraine" (this in response to a question from Margaret Warner of Newsweek--she incorrectly said "the Ukraine," and the Secretary of State picked up on it), and, subsequently, four times he correctly referred to "Ukraine."
   
   Those bygone days are, for the most part, history. However, many videos, books and other sources still have the erroneous reference, and the unsuspecting reader might assume that since the terminology is in use, it's accurate. That's why it's important to highlight the incorrect usage each time. Hopefully, with each correction, the day will come when everybody uses one word to refer to Ukraine. I thank you, A Customer, for affording me the opportunity to bring that point to your attention and to that of other readers of this review.
   
   The video Ukraine (Ancient Crossroads, Modern Dreams) is well worth purchasing and the time spent in viewing it. One must seriously question the motives of A Customer and his fellow 21 people who agreed that the video taught them nothing and viewers should "save your money." Could it be that the video depicts Ukraine and Ukrainians in a very favorable light? Could it be that the video mentions Bolsheviks, World War I, Soviet colony, Stalin's famine (Holodomor)--and even shows archival footage of starving children? Is showing toddlers and kids dancing a Hopak on the stage of a Ukrainian theater production too Ukrainian?
   
   A truly informative/must have VHS called "Hopak, Ukrainian National Dance" may be ordered from the Ukrainian Heritage Foundation of North America, Inc., 2047 Wingate Road, Poland, Ohio 44514. The VHS is a splendid documentary of Vasile Avramenko's Ukrainian folk dances: Hopak-Kolom, Arkan and Hone-Viter. This video is instructional (it will be sent free of charge, upon written request, to colleges and universities having dance groups). The VHS displays the colorful Ukrainian folk costumes and captures the spirit of Ukrainian folk dances in minutia.
   
   Ukrainian Vasile Avramenko (1895-1981) was the pre-eminent Ukrainian folk dance instructor. The maestro, as he was called, began his career in 1920 in Ukraine as a choreographer and dance instructor, later immigrating to Canada and on to the United States. He organized dance schools, and in time, there were hundreds of Avramenko schools across North America. In 1931, over 500 Avramenko dancers preformed at the Old Metropolitan Opera House in New York City to high acclaim.
   
   An error on the product details page (which I'll be emailing Amazon.com about shortly) is that the language is listed as Russian, although the narrator speaks fluent, unaccented English throughout, and the foreign language that you hear on occasion is definitely Ukrainian. How is it that A Customer and the other 21 people who thought that the video wasn't worth buying haven't bothered to inform Amazon.com of this error--especially since the video has been out since 1993 and the review has been out since 1999? Is it because they haven't seen the video? Or, is it because they don't speak or understand Ukrainian, and, therefore, assume that it's in Russian?
   
   My only regret with this video production is that it is way too short. There are scenes in this video that you'll probably never see in other documentaries or typical travelogs (fishermen ice fishing on the Dnipro, or mentioning Igor Sikorsky, the inventor of the helicopter--who was born in Kyiv to a half-Ukrainian mother).
   
   Since Amazon.com only allows a top score of five stars, I'll gladly give Ukraine (Ancient Crossroads, Modern Dreams) that--although, it definitely deserves stars reaching far beyond!--Mandrivnyk, Arlington Heights, IL

1 comments about France: Paris Daytrips, Alsace & Champagne.

1. I really enjoy this video more everytime I watch it. It is packed with helpful tips on traveling in Europe, European history, some art history, and humor. The quality of the photography is very good. This will get you excited about traveling! Rick Steves is more "in the box" than some, but he goes for what the majority of travelers will want to see. Excellent for experienced and inexperienced travelers!

No comments about Westminister Abbey.

No comments about Fodor's Mexico.

3 comments about Over America.

1. I have seen this movie many times, and I have shown it to friends and visitors on numerous occasions. There is no movie about America out there, that is actually better than this one. A PAL version does exist as well for viewing in Europe. Buy this movie, you 'll be watching it many times, too. It's just so beautiful, like the real America, I might add. It makes a great gift, too.



2. It's a beautiful video over America,with wonderful sights! With this video I have a chance to visit that wonderful country that I love very much. But I noticed,for example,that when we see the Capitol or others monuments,we don't see the Vietnam Memorial! And where are the wonderful beaches of the Pacific Coast?(Malibu,Santa Monica...) We see almost nothing about Nevada,but I even liked this marvellous video of my dear America!!!



3. In 1995 I had just returned home from service in the United States Marines -four tough years in a regular infantry line unit. Except for NFL football games in the barracks with the constant roar of at least twenty guys at any given time, I hadn't seen TV in quite some time. The first thing that stopped me as I flipped through the channels upon my return to the peace and tranquility of civilian life was "Over America", then showing on PBS. I can't describe the power of that incredible coincidence. Thanks to everyone who worked on this superbly done and elegantly simple tribute to the United States. I should also mention with a smile that the stunning aerial perspective and something about that narration (another smile) helped suggest to me a return to service to fly jets.

1 comments about Norway: Nature's Triumph.

1. I found this at my local library and watched it tonight. It was filmed 1992 and is only available on VHS from Amazon sellers. I've ordered a new copy through Amazon for under $9 which includes shipping. Good deal--as long as the seller comes through.
   
   I'm pleased enough with this video that I will be giving it to my my 92 year old Norwiegan grandfather for Christmas.
   
   The video covers the large cities of Norway and shows breath taking landscapes. Artists such as Edward Munch and writer Ibsen are discussed as well as fjords, Northern lights, and those nasty trolls!
   
   My 5 year old daughter also enjoyed watching it.

5 comments about Route 66: Return to the Road with Martin Milner.

1. This covers the history of Rt. 66 from its beginnings to its demise. Shown at the Rt. 66 Museum in Clinton, OK. Very informative and brings tears to your eyes. A great part of history.



2. This video catches the heart of the people along the road. It's full of their hopes, dreams and determination. It's also very nostalgic. I especially liked the stripper museum. Now that gal has guts and is funny too! While this video made me sad to see the passing of a way of life, it also really captures the spirit of that way of life. It was fun to see Martin Milner recapture part of his younger carefree "Rt 66" image. His narration is excellent.



3. This two hour tour of Route 66 is a worthwhile addition to your collection. A bit more pricey than some on the market, it's definately worth the money.

   Plenty of interviews of present-day folks along the road that make you want to walk right out to your car and head there.

   It's almost time for me to buy another, I've just about worn my copy out!@




4. The people we encounter along our video journey should be declared a national historic treasure. You will see common folks from all walks of life who's address is still along the Mother Road. I really enjoyed the segment on the Wigwam Motel and the Stripper Museum. It is bittersweet to think that they are the last of the breed. I was also pleased to see that slim, trim Martin Milner's waistline has enlarged a little more that mine...



5. If you like roadside architecture, old signs, buildings, drive in movie theaters, & history--BUY THIS! Martin Milner is THE MAN & perfect choice to host this. It's like you're there riding in his 60's corvette, seeing all the sites of old route 66. BEAUTIFUL VIDEO.

1 comments about Newport Mansions.

1. This VHS is a member of the collection of Video Tours History Collection. For more information call 800-869-6789 Video Tours Productions.
   
   On this tour you will visit 8 Newport, RI mansions:
   
   Marble House
   The Breakers
   Chateau-Sur-Mer
   Green Animals
   Kingscote
   The Elms
   Rosecliff
   Hunter House
   
   Travel (Memorial 338/1)