1 comments about Corsica, Sicily & Sardinia.

1. If there is a rating lower than one star it belongs here. Rather than Corsica, Sicily and Sardinia of which there is little in the way of illumination therer is nonstop grimacing, mugging for the camera and other antics of the Lonely Planet "tour guide" whichtotally missed the mark of being entertaining, enlightening and or illuminating. 3rd prize: Having to watch this tape twice 2nd prize: Having to watch this tape once 1st prize Never havingto watch this tape

5 comments about Greenland & Iceland.

1. Most travel videos are a disappointment. This one, however, takes the prize for the worst I've seen. Frankly, it is not a travel video at all. Rather, it is a narcissistic tale that explains little about Iceland but says a lot about how self-absorbed and provincial one traveler can be. The photos I've seen of Iceland suggest an amazing island of glaciers, geysers, waterfalls and wildlife. This video is limited to shots of the Blue Lagoon (yes, Matt Lauer was there last year for the Today show), a mud bath, drying fish and a bar in Reykjavik, all through the eyes of an annoying (my opinion) camera-hog. Don't waste your money or your time. Visit a couple of websites with great photos of Iceland instead.



2. However, this video is worth watching. Do like I did, though: borrow it from your local library. It's not quite good enough to purchase.



3. Fortunately, I only borrowed this video from the library. I was psersonally a bit disappointed with the video as well. There were a couple good parts, but most of the parts, the video seemed like it was focusing on the traveller and his comic-acts, other than what Iceland & Greenland is really about. They did not show enough of Iceland, which is surprising because Iceland has a lot to see, especially the nature of volcanoes and rugged landscapes. I personally think that they should have put a bit more time into filming more tourist attractions & the wonders of nature of both Iceland and Greenland, other than focusing on the traveller himself. Overall, it was OK, but I wouldn't BUY it.



4. I was amazed when I came across the Lonely Planet video series. The typical travel video shows tourists attractions and pretty scenery, perfect for grandma.

   I have traveled to 24 countries and far prefer finding my way around, hosteling, and mixxing with the locals. If you are like me, you'll really like or love every LP video. If you have a sense of adventure and a sense of humor, you'll enjoy Ian Wright as a guide. I found this video to be a descent sampling of the countries and their people.

   If you haven't traveled or need a guide and an air conditioned tour bus, this series may not be for you. If you are a traveler or would like to be one, get the LP video and or book before you go.




5. Buying this video after visiting awesome Iceland, I found that
   this video represents a good view of Iceland trough the eye
   of the traveller. Don't expect minute-long country views,
   (although there are many great shots) but a more
   adventurous way of travelling this great country on planet earth.
   With the humour of Ian Wright it makes worth bying this video
   before or after the journey.
   When travelled once to Iceland the part of Greenland can only
   work inspiring for some frozen travellers who want more...
   Lay back and enjoy the journey!

4 comments about South India.

1. Wow, oh wow. This is perhaps one of the best episodes of Lonely Planet.

   Justine explores South India, and gives the viewers a chance to really see what it's like. She starts her journey in Madras (in South East India) and eats lunch in restaurant where 3,000 people eat each day. Justine goes to the cinema to experience one of the local films, and later she watches a Hindu parade. Moving west, Justine ends up in an elephant sanctuary in Goa whenre she helps bathe the elephants.

   Justine then takes a boat thru some waterways -- for something like pennies a day, and ends up in an Ashram where she get a hug from a mothr figure/guru. And she finally ends up on an island off of the western coast of India. The beaches look amazing.

   This episode has been voted as the viewer's #1 favorite on the Travel Channel.

   Also note that the VHS tapes of Lonely Planet episodes contain a couple more minutes of footage than the episodes that air on television.




2. An excellent way to get a glimpse of South India. A very honest, non-biased presentation.



3. I purchased this video to watch with my extended family at Christmas. My parents, sister and I are from South India, but the inlaws, niece and nephews are all American. I thought this tape might be a nice way to share some images of our country and to spark questions and discussion among the kids. I was thoroughly disappointed and really wished I'd never bought it.

   The program has a squeamish, racist and condescending attitude toward India and Indian people. At every location, the peppy hostess speaks almost exclusively to other white tourists, often about what a hopeless mess India is (but still cool to visit when you're "finding yourself" on a budget). When Indians are depicted, it's as tragi-comic relief or chaotic backdrop. The camera stays longer on a shot of cockroaches in a train's sleeper car than it does on the program's single, poorly focussed shot of the great temple at Madurai, a masterpiece of world architecture. To add insult to injury, the photography is substandard and the coverage of "sights" rushed and arbitrary.

   South India is a really special place, and this tape does no justice to it whatsoever. India is not America and India is not for everybody. But if you are committed to going there or to learning more about it, please avoid Lonely Planet's ridiculous and insensitive travelogues and take the time required to get a deeper, more balanced and historically contextualized sense of one of what is one of the most ancient, interesting, rich and complex countries in the world.




4. This videotape is responsible for taking an hour of my life that I will never get back. The viewer is forced to watch a series of drunk white tourists "do India," and never gets a chance to enjoy the rich culture and beauty that is South India. I am honestly shocked that the Lonely Planet, whose travel guides have helped me tremendously in my travels through Africa and Central America, would put their stamp on such a terrible product. There must be a better resource to help the traveler navigate the natural, cultural and spiritual wonders of the region. This video is trash! Don't waste your money.

No comments about America's Scenic Rail Journeys: Coast Starlight.

1 comments about America's Scenic Rail Journeys (4pc).

1. America's Scenic Rail Journeys takes you on a breathtaking journey through some of the most beautiful west coast regions. A great video for planning a trip, or for making you feel like you went on one from the comfort of your house.

No comments about American Rockies.

No comments about Great American Frontiers, Box Set.

1 comments about Portugal: Southern Coast & Lisbon.

1. Rick Steves makes Lisbon and Portugal look like interesting places to visit. He shows the beaches and some of the architecture. You get a feel for the history and local culture after viewing this video. Portugal looks like Spain and the rest of Europe, only it seems more exotic.

No comments about Israel and The Sinai Desert.

5 comments about On The Backroads of Tuscany.

1. Tuscany is dence and full of renown and much seen places and works of art, but this goes beyond, to discover where and how the greatest masterpieces where created. You understand the essence of the tuscan artistic way of life, and how art is in everything: in the wine, in the olive oil, in the food and in a simbol of Bianca Cappello or a sail on a cathedral. Only understanding an environment like this you can understand the deepness in the great masters. The authors acomplished this task fully!



2. This is a lovely video, however it is only 30 minutes and does not concentrate long enoug on any one place. Had I known it was so short I would not have ordered it for the price.



3. After a friend showed me his copy of On the Backroads of Tuscany -- I began planning my next trip. O'mara Ryan captured the sights and sounds of my favorite part of Italy. From the horse races in Siena to the wonder green extra virgin olive oil, they have started my trip dreams again. Whoever the cinematographer was, he or she knew what they were doing. What a fresh and delightfully artistic look at one of the most beautiful parts of the world. The images, with their thoughtful and poetic narrative, combined to have me searching on-line for a cheap ticket to Italy before the year ends. Thank You.



4. Weaves it's way through the intimate details of everyday Tuscan life. Beautiful images and poetic words brings a smile to my face and thoughts in my head of my next trip to the area. A great film and a great buy!



5. It is way over priced for the 26 minutes of documentary rather than actual back roads, you get a montage of crafts etc. along the way. The sound track was all static and sound quality poor. I am sending it back.