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"Recommended. For anyone seeing England for the first
time, and for those who've already visited, such an excursion is highly
recommended. It's waterways are of obvious importance to the locals, but to
anyone visiting a more breathtaking experience cannot be imagined."
-EMRO Review David Suchet, world famous as Agatha Christie's famous sleuth Hercule Poirot in the hit series Mystery, is also a great Shakespearean actor and the perfect host on this journey across England's most beautiful waterways through the heart of the country. Here we experience a living history that dates back centuries with memorable stops from Worcester to Oxford and through Shakespeare Country. Produced by VideoActive, Ltd. 08DR SCA 75 min. Associated Programs: England 2: The River Thames and London and England 4: London - Up Close and Personal |
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"Highly Recommended. It is no exaggeration to call the
River Thames one of the world's most beautiful waterways. It is also one of
the most captivating ways to see the scenery, historical landmarks, ancient
sites, and modern structures that line the riverbanks of the Thames. David
Suchet is a most suitable narrator for this leisurely trip by boat,
introducing information and commentary that enhances the viewer's journey.
The program serves as a mellifluous backdrop to a scenic trip past some of
England's most beautiful and historic sites." -EMRO Review David Suchet (star of Poirot) welcomes viewers on an incredible journey down the river Thames; he says, "Its course is like traveling through the pages of English history." Beginning at the debated source, above Lechlade, the winding course of the upper Thames takes us through many riverside towns and villages full of character and individual charm. Manors, abbeys, and battle sites line the ancient banks as the river passes through Oxford and onto Reading. The glorious English countryside that unfolds as the river meanders on from Henley to Richmond encompasses some of the world's most famous cultural and historic landmarks, including Windsor Castle, Hampton Court and Eton College. England's capital beckons as the majestic river passes Kew, Chelsea, and on to the heart of London itself, where few structures have more outstanding histories than the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge. Before reaching the journey's end at the Thames Barrier, we see some of the river's most recent landmarks, including the Tate Modern, London Eye, and the Millennium Dome. Produced by VideoActive, Ltd. 08DR SCA 75 min. Associated Programs: England 1: Journey Through the Heart of England and London and England 4: London - Up Close and Personal |
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"Highly Recommended. For anyone who has an interest in
Sherlock Holmes, this program is like a multimedia London walk one can take
while in that great city." -NAMTC & NMM Review "Recommended. Patrick Macnee was a good choice for this program. His stylish and elegant manner enhanced the production and his reading of the various passages from the stories brought the characters and locales to life. The sound and color quality is very good and modern film technology is skillfully combined with vintage still photographs and old film clips." -EMRO Review The game's afoot and no one could be a better choice to explore historic Victorian London than the legendary actor Patrick Macnee (The Avengers). Over one hundred years after the publication of the first of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Detective Stories, Sherlock Holmes lives on as an ever-present adventurous sleuth. From the pages of literature to the many memorable on-screen portrayals of Holmes, Macnee guides us to all the places Holmes was written to have visited throughout London; also he unravels some intriguing mysteries concerning the great detective's life and times. Produced by AT, Intl. 08DR PIJSCA 45 min. Associated Programs: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: The Man Who Was Sherlock Holmes and The Sherlock Holmes Collection. Associated Book: The New Revelation Also Featuring Patrick Macnee: Into Africa |
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"Highly Recommended. A comprehensive, understandable look
at Oxford's development from medieval to modern times. Visits to the
Bodleian Library and Oxford University Press are interspersed with accounts
of the city's association with a who's-who of literary and cultural
notables, including Christopher Wren, William Morris, C.S. Lewis and
J.R.R. Tolkien. Appropriately chosen literary quotes and professional
video footage present Oxford in a fine, well-researched manner. A strong
addition to any library collection; also anyone planning a visit to Oxford
would benefit from watching this program." -EMR Online There really is no other place quite like Oxford, England. Most agree it was poet Mathew Arnold who best described it, "And that sweet city with her dreaming spires, she needs not June for beauty's heightening." In this program we discover why Oxford is renowned the world over and learn of its important place in history. Most noteworthy is the revered Oxford University, the oldest English speaking university in the world; also the Ashmolean Museum is Britain's Oldest Public Museum. Fans of Harry Potter and Inspector Morse will delight in seeing a number of the hauntingly beautiful sights that were filmed at Oxford. Be it from the University grounds or from the famed Carfax Tower, we see Oxford truly is a "City of Dreaming Spires." Located on the Thames and Cherwell Rivers, it is a bustling cosmopolitan city with roots that date back to the 9th century and a home to royalty and scholars for over 800 years. 08DR JSCA 52 min. |
| The program visits Switzerland's Alps, using paths that were known up until now only to a small number of scholars, and examines the mountains from a present-day perspective. The resulting picture is an original outlook, straddling history and the most innovative endeavors for economic development. Combining historical with studies of present-day activities in the Alps, we discover new ventures and undertakings are reviving abandoned mountain areas. Also, the sheer beauty of the places visited, as well as the people and their stories, makes this a remarkable journey in areas of Switzerland, Italy, France and Austria. Produced by TSI, Inc. 08DR JSCA 42 min. |
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"Recommended. It is truly incredible what history and
stories lie beneath the streets of the over two-thousand-year-old city of
Paris." -Ed. Media Review This program reveals the historical, architectural, and cultural riches of the surreal world of sewers, waterways, quarries, and catacombs, heretofore seen by few, that lies beneath Paris. This fascinating documentary reveals the historical, architectural, and cultural riches of this surreal underground world, referred to as "the city's consciousness." Produced by Francoise Marie w/TriStar Film & TV GmbH. 08DR JSCA 30 min. Also available in French. Associated Program: Paris Associated Book: French Language Companion |
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"Recommended. A wonderful and rare look at villages that
date back to medieval days." -Video Librarian Just outside of Monte Carlo lies a series of 'perched villages,' medieval towns that grew up in the mountains and have retained their historical flavor over the years. Produced by Lew and Tim Thompson. 07DR JSCA 30 min. |
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"Recommended. The progress of a "new" Germany is
uplifting as many Jews have once again settled in their former homeland due
to many special immigrant privileges, including guaranteed housing, resident
permits, food/work permits, free schooling for children, and German-language
lessons. However, extreme nationalistic politics still exist, and the NDP
and neo-nazi culture are alive and well; so Germany may still have a long
way to go." -EMRO Review Germany's campaign against the anti-Semitic NPD party has been gaining momentum after a series of vicious race attacks. Both the Government and the right wing mob are reacting to the steady influx of immigrants into the country. Immigration from the former Soviet bloc has led to the revival of Berlin's Jewish population and, ironically, to Germany having the fastest growing Jewish community in Europe. Jews are being drawn back to Germany by the opportunities it offers for a new life and a chance to reconnect with their heritage. But the generous policies on immigration have fuelled racism and extremism among some young Germans who feel left behind by reunification and unemployment. Can Germany finally break free from the shackles of its past? Produced by ABC Australia. 07DR JSCA 20 min. |
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"Recommended. A very interesting study of perspectives,
both political and personal, related to the British colony of
Gibraltar." -EMRO Review The colony of Gibraltar has been in British hands since the early 18th century; it was an important staging post for the Empire, and played a vital role in both world wars; Now that its strategic importance has declined, and with Britain and Spain partners in the European Union, the British government is prepared to return the rock to Spain; however, as the politics of this decision rages on, the people of the rock have vowed to resist, and are gearing up to preserve a British Gibraltar. Produced by ABC Australia and CBC Canada. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
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"Recommended. Authentic reenactments reveal a
contemporary Hungary reaching back to its original roots to guide its way
into the future." -National Review Images of ancient art and architecture, and inspired words, take us back to the days of Stephen I; then, through modern footage of Hungary, we see a country eager to face the future as a free Republic. Produced by Horvath Enterprises. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
| A rare opportunity to visit the Glenstal Abbey in the County Limerick of Ireland, home to a remarkable community of Benedictine Monks whose enterprising spirit goes well beyond bee keeping. In recent years they have released a best-selling book of Benedictine prayer and become world famous for their chart topping CD of Gregorian chants (The Monks of Glenstal Abbey). Here we experience this wonderful musical expression that channels religious emotion with sober restraint and discover how Gregorian Chant is an integral part of the Benedictine monastic experience. Produced by ABC Australia. 08DR IJSCA 15 min. |
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Associated Article: The Celtic Realm -National
Geographic, March, 2006 There are many reasons why the Irish, and those who wish they were, love the island country of Ireland, which dates back thousands of years when the first Celtic culture arrived. This comprehensive tour of Ireland allows you to explore its many popular sites, as well as little known nooks and crannies, and to enjoy the richness of history, myth and culture of the Gaelic people today. An index of destinations visited include: In the Midlands, a prehistoric tomb; Dublin, the city founded by the Vikings; the Hill of Tara, spiritual center for the Celtic High Kings; the Hill of Slane, to re-live the story of young St. Patrick; the Abbey of Monasterboice; Droheda's tombstones and Church of St. Peter; monks at Tallaght Priory; the Monastery in the valley of Glendalough; the capstone of Browns Hill Dolman; the Medieval town of Kilkenny; Waterford's Glass Exhibit; the Ring of Hook and the oldest lighthouse in Europel; the Loftus Hall ghost; the fishing village of Kilmore Quay; Johnstown Castle; the Rock of Cashel; Blarney Castle and the Blarney stone; Cork's natural harbor, and the last stop for the Titanic as well as millions of emigrants who left Ireland in the mid 1800s. Cobh and the U.S. Drombeg Stone Circle; Bantry House; Molls Gap; Dingle Quay; Gallus Oratory; Slea Head and the Blasket Islands; Ennis' antique shops; the music festival at Miltown/Malbay; Aillwee Cave; Galway and Claddagh rings; Crough Patrick; Sligo and Yeats Country; Armagh, the Observatory/Planetarium and St Patrick's Church; Giants causeway, where Finn McCool's story comes alive; the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge; Belfast architecture; the grave of St. Patrick; and the Irish potato famine. Produced by Trailwood Films. 08DR IJSCA 82 min. Associated Program: Ireland |
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"Highly Recommended. Killarney has long been considered a
place of enchantment. Tourism is an industry in Killarney, with a history of
over 250 years; however, this is not so much a travelogue, but, a history of
tourism to one of the loveliest areas in the world: a little bit of heaven
named Killarney." -EMRO Review From the diaries of Queen Victoria, the poetry of Lord Alfred Tennyson, and the prose of Lady Chatterton and W.M. Thackery, just a few of the notable names who have visited the legendary town of Killarney, we are guided through over 250 years of history. We discover that landscaped between mountains and lakes lays the physical reminders of a diverse and cultural past. From its humble beginnings to its Romantic Period, from the shadow of the famine days through the War periods, to the popular destination it is today, Killarney is a visitor's dream. Produced by Muckross House. 08DR IJSCA 45 min. Associated Program: Ireland |
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"Recommended. An ageless classic, expertly written and
narrated, that offers the history of Ireland through its architecture,
people, art and geography." -Booklist The history of Ireland unfolds through its stories of conquest and religious conversion. These external influences have had a profound effect, shaping its history to produce the Ireland we know today. Produced by Lenra Productions. 08DR/CL IJSCA 60 min. |
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A comprehensive tour of Italy, focusing on its many "faces"
- be they of the people, the architecture or the landscapes. We begin in
Milan with its famous ancient architecture and equally famous modern fashion
districts; we experience everyday Italian life at a marketplace in Turin;
explore the labyrinth passageways of the medieval village of Triora; watch
the modern production of olive oil; view the Italian Riviera; see modern
agriculture in the Po Valley and watch how pasta is produced. Next, a visit
to a famous restaurant in LaMorra; then Rome and all of its glorious past -
the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon. In the Apennine Mountains we visit
Abruzzo National Park; then back to St. Peter's to attend a Sunday mass. We
view Mount Vesuvius; then visit Siracusa and Mount Etna on the island of
Sicily. Next, we follow the Appian Way across Italy, seeing olive groves and
fishing villages; view famous sights of Florence, including Ponte Vecchio
and Michelangelo's "David"; then we travel to Pisa to see the famous leaning
tower, visit Juliet's Verona, view the monolithic Dolomites (Italy's Alps)
in northern Italy and end our tour on an ancient Roman road. Produced by
Trailwood Productions, Inc. 08DR/CL SCA 75 min. min. Associated Program: Italy 1, 2, 3 Associated Book: Italian Language Companion |
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Associated Article: 28 Places to See Before You
Die -Smithsonian Magazine "Recommended. Much like its subject matter, this is a masterful work - presenting an unforgettable, three-month study of this Renaissance city." -Booklist We begin a three-month tour of Florence by visiting the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, a lovely Renaissance square aptly titled "Dante's World"; then to the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the symbol of Florentine pride. Next, Brunelleschi's Foundling Hospital; the church Santa Croce, to visit the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and Machiavelli; also the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. Then, in the Santo Spirito sector, artisans congregate on the Ponte Vecchio. Dating back to 1335, this architectural landmark was the only bridge in Florence spared during World War II. Produced by Dominic Ubaldino. 08DR/CL SCA 90 min. Associated Programs: Santiago Calatrava's Sundial Bridge: Angle of Inspiration and Domenico Trezzini (Builder of St. Petersburg) and The Grand Louvre Associated Book: Italian Language Companion |
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Italy: Pizza Story |
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"Recommended. This is a surprisingly detailed as well as
sometimes humorous look at pizza. Viewers watch Professor Carlo Mangoni di
S. Stefano of the University of Naples talk about the history of the tomato
and the invention of pizza around 1750; then we see the famous Pizza Fest
that features 40 ovens and serves 4,000 - 5,000 customers per night; next
the Nazionale Italiano Pizzo Acrobatica has to be seen to be believed. It is
an amazing show of young men displaying their talents and agility with pizza
dough! The program then becomes more serious as it provides an in depth look
at the four main ingredients of pizza: we see every aspect of the tomato
from the farmlands where they are cultivated to the processing plants; then
Mozzarella cheese is analyzed; next is a discussion about the wheat, which
is produced for the dough; next is the olive for the olive oil. We learn
about the ovens used to cook pizza; plus the industrialization of the entire
process of creating and selling pizza is described. Altogether this film is
a combination of a serious and fun look at the world of pizza." -EMRO
Review "Recommended. This is a seriocomic look at the origin and production of pizza in its birthplace, Naples, Italy. It examines in detail each ingredient that goes into pizza, techniques for hand-tossing pizza, regulations for producing protected trade names, and the process for manufacturing factory-made pizza." -School Library Journal The word "pizza" belongs to every language, and pizza restaurants can be found throughout the world. Pizza-makers have a job with a future. Since so many countries claim to have invented pizza, this tongue-in-cheek portrait puts the issue to rest by visiting pizza's true birthplace, Naples, Italy. Here we thoroughly investigate its production, examine each ingredient, and discover why this Mediterranean dish has been globalized and is now subject to all the problems of modern mass food production; also we experience the city's annual "Pizzafest" celebration. Produced by TSI, Inc. Open-Captioned version also available. 08DR JSCA 52 min. |
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"Recommended. A rare and wonderful opportunity to see and
hear a renewed spirit of life in Latvia through the music and memories of
the classical musician Arkady Formin." -National Media Review The renowned conductor and violinist Arkady Fomin, whose father survived the Holocaust of World War II, was born and raised in Riga, Latvia, when this Baltic country was part of the former Soviet Union. He began studying violin with Voldemar Sturestep at the age of eight; then went on to earn his master's degree from the Latvian State Conservatory and eventually toured as a soloist with the Latvian State Philharmonic. Today, he is a member of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, as well as a Professor and Artist-in-Residence at the University of Texas at Dallas, the Artistic Director of the New Conservatory of Dallas, and the Artistic Director of Conservatory Music in the Mountains in Durango, Colorado. But as this inspiring documentary shows, to say, "you can never go home again," would not apply to this master musician. Here, he returns to his homeland with a number of his music students from Dallas to give a concert during the Christmas season with the Latvian Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. As we hear student concert performances, featuring the music of Mozart and Vivaldi, we too hear personal reminiscences about Riga by the maestro, along with beautiful winter scenes of the capital city. Produced by Quin Mathews. 08DR IJSCA 25 min. |
| Yekaterinburg is Russia's third largest town, and like many others, it is flooded with cheap narcotics from Afghanistan - currently the world's largest heroin producer. Igor Varov runs the controversial detox program that is part of a bigger campaign called "Town Without Drugs." Like many Russians, Varov has given up on the police and the medical profession in the hard battle against heroin. He puts his own life at risk, staging violent raids on drug dealers and even allying with the local mafia. Yet, as this program shows, he and those dedicated to the program will fight the drugs at any cost to give Russia's youth a chance at a better future. Produced by ABC Australia. 08DR JSCA 15 min. |
| A grand tour of Scotland to satisfy the "Braveheart" in everyone; comprehensive in scope, the program includes visits to: The Highland Games, Pitlochry, Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, The Borders, Earshall, Clamis and Blair Castles, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Culloden, Glasgow, The Trossachs, The Kingdom of Fife, Killiecrankie, Iona and Oban. Produced by Scotia Intl. TV, LTD. 08DR/CL IJSCA 45 min. |
| From Loch Ness, where legends of the "monster" still live on, we travel through Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen providing a look at the people and culture that is uniquely Scotland's. Produced by Quin Mathews Productions. 07DR IJSCA 20 min. |
| The ancient ritual of cockfighting has been almost completely eradicated in modern Europe, but for Andalucia, Spain, where it thrives. This is a culture that also allows bullfighting, pig shooting and turkey tossing. Even ecologists understand that it is difficult to get cockfights banned whilst bullfighting continues. "The cock is the poor man's bull." But the argument goes even deeper than cruelty to animals, into a moral dimension. Ecologists argue that by outlawing this gratuitous violence, society would become less violent. While breeders continue to dream that one day cockfights will attain the status of the bullfight. Produced by Azulvideo. 07DR SCA 35 min. |
| Gypsies. The word conjures up romantic images of nomadic people, free to roam the world; however, that image of these Roma people, as they are called collectively, is far from accurate; today, the vast majority of Gypsies live in permanent housing; they continue to face the problems of serious poverty and illiteracy, which makes this classic documentary as useful as ever in bringing to light the struggle of modern gypsies adapting to the cultures of the countries they inhabit. Here we visit Granada, Spain, where Gypsies are generally known as Gitanos; they continue to speak Caló, which is basically Andalusian Spanish; they come together in markets, work mostly at low-paying jobs, and though many have strong family values, they find it difficult to integrate into Spanish society. Here too we meet Loli Fernandez and her typical Gypsy (Gitano) family, who are learning to cope with their present situation. Overall, Director Luis Perez Tolon shows the plight of Gypsies is similar to many ethnic minorities: how to be accepted in society while preserving your cultural identity. Produced by USC/Center of Visual Anthropology. 08DR/CL JSCA 22 min. Also available in Spanish |
| The Verzasca River flows through the Verzasca Valley in Ticino, the Italian-speaking section of Switzerland, past the village of Lavertezzo and its beautiful double-arched bridge. The Verazasca is famous for its clear green water, which over millions of years has carved its way through the rock, leaving it smooth and polished; it is a scuba diver's dream-come-true. This documentary presents something very few get to witness, a poetic-naturalistic encounter with the underwater world of the Verzasca. Spectacular images of this underwater voyage will fascinate viewers as the secret charm of the river is revealed. The program unfolds amid the seasons and succeeds in bringing forth the power and magic of water, from the glacier of Lake Barone in winter to the river's soft-colored pebbles in summer. Produced by TSI, Inc. 2008 JSCA 22 min. |
| The 303, that is the number assigned to the last train which travels every night from the north of Switzerland down to the south of the country; there are people who travel this train all the time. It can be expensive; however, a rail pass saves a few headaches, and it saves on lodgings. Among these people are some who are continually on the move, going from one train to another. Each of these people is different, yet similar in their management of time; they need to stick closely to the timetable of the trains. There are people who began to travel this way because they suffered from insomnia; there are others who, having passed a lifetime abroad, feel more comfortable on a train. The ending of the night trains has further influenced the way of life for these train travelers; they've had to change the routes they follow. There are people who travel in first class and second class, people who travel for work, business or for tourism, and then there are these unique travelers; altogether they provide us with a view of Switzerland few ever see. Produced by TSI, Inc. 2008 JSCA 45 min. |