Amazon.com

In Farmyard Friends, Spin, an animated globe voiced by Dudley Moore, dons his farmer's hat and beckons kids to join him on a farmyard safari. Spin defines domestication and proceeds to point out the differences between farmyard animals such as sheep, turkeys, and pigs and their wild ancestors. The latter portion of the video examines endangered species, what real-life superheroes are doing to preserve these animals and their habitats, and how kids can help by learning, teaching, protecting, and volunteering.

Sprinkled throughout this 46-minute video are entertaining "commercials" such as the special offer "All Moo," which advocates buying a cow for its 20 quarts of milk a day--all you need is 60 pounds of food a day and a bathtub of water. Don't worry--it can only be ordered from "Cows 'r Us" with parental approval, and Spin is quick to point out that "you'll never get it, so don't even bother!" Other attention-grabbing interludes include comic segments such as "Farm Cop," which focuses on how mother animals recognize their offspring, and lots of pop-inspired songs about farm animals, the comparative benefits of being wild or tame, helping those in need, and preserving the land. National Geographic has once again produced a spectacularly photographed video that offers children a wealth of information in a thoroughly entertaining format. --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Truly Amazing
Amazing Grace with Bill Moyers is almost as inspiring as the song itself. The interviews with people from all backgrounds, races, genders and ages are a testament to this song and its overwhelming and widespread effect on all who hear it. It will make you laugh, make you cry and help you see the hope of grace.

OUTSTANDING
I purchased this video right after it came out, and placed it in my church library. It is an excellent history of probably the most famous hymn ever written. There audio clips from MANY singers who have sung it well, and some who butchered it (lovingly). If you are a music buff, a Bill Moyers fan, or a child of the 60s who loved Judy Collins' version, you'll love this video!

The Bill Moyers Collection - Amazing Grace
This is one of the best videos that I have ever seen. I originally saw the progam on a public television chanel and enjoyed it so much that I searced until I found the video. The song, Amazing Grace, is featured thoughout the video by first telling how it was written and then by showing it being sung by many diverse individuals and groups. The Harlem Boys choir sings it in rehearsal and on a concert trip. Jesse Norman, a wonderful black opera singer sings and talks about it with so much warmth that I feel I am talking with her personally. Amazing Grace is sung in the mountains of the Carolinas and the most humble churches and still carries the wonderful and haunting message of the song to the world.

UPLIFTING & ILLUMINATING
This is a beautiful film of the history of the hymn "Amazing Grace". Bill Moyers excels at this sort of documentary. I particularly enjoyed the testimonials from the people whose lives were enhanced when they heard or sang it. The story of the man who wrote the lyrics will astound you. Best of all is the various renditions of the hymn. I give this documentary to people I love when they feel they "..are lost, but now are found". ... Read more

Reviews (44)

No More Kings-An fun and educational video
Jason Goode
Period 4
11/4/02

It was one of the most significant events in American History when the Americans revolutionized against the British. The Schoolhouse Rock version of this event, entitled "No More Kings", is very entertaining and educational for children between the ages of seven and ten. It was appropriate and fun for the following reasons. Firstly, the creators simplified the events, therefore making it easier for children to comprehend. Secondly, it is illustrated with humorous cartoons, so that it is fun to watch and listen to. In addition, it is simply is educational, and will give kids a jump start on American History. Lastly, since the song is shown on television, the events in history, such as the Boston Tea Party were drawn out. Visuals always help young children remember things. As parents or teachers can tell, "No More Kings" is a great way to get kids or students to learn our country's history while having fun.

Schoolhouse Rock - The Shot Heard Round the World
It was one of the most significant events in American History when the Americans revolutionized against the British. The schoolhouse Rock version of this event, entitled "No More Kings", is very entertaining and educational for children between the ages of seven through ten, It was appropriate and fun for the following reasons. Firstly, creators simplified the events, therefore making it easier for children to comprehend. Secondly, it is illustrated with humorous cartoons, so that it is fun to watch and listen to. In addition, it is simply educational and will give kids a jump start on American History. Lastly, since the song is shown on television, the events in history, such as the Boston Tea Party, are drawn out. Visuals always help young children remember things. As parents and teachers can tell, "No More Kings" is a great way to get children and students to learn our country's history while having fun.

Homeschooling mother of five
Well, i am here to say this is a fabulous tool! I watched all of these as a child and have shared them with my children. For those of you with the less than 5 star reviews let me say...This is not meant to be an exhaustive history lesson! It is a great way to introduce children to the history of our country. Something that, in my experience, schools made very boring. My children love history. If you find it not as accurate then be the one to take the next step and research it with your kids. I would agree it is geared toward younger kids but not that older kids would find it "stupid" at all! These reviews were pretty harsh. Also, the pilgrims DID plant food. Yes, the indians taught them everything and saved them but i wouldn't call that an inaccuracy. The movie just didn't get that deep into it. Come on now it is only a half hour! I highly recommend this to children of all ages. It opens the door to questions and conversations about our country that may not be raised otherwise. The music is very catchy and stays with you. It is plain and simple fun while being educational at the same time. Don't let the negative reviews sway you. This is a great video series and I highly recommend it!!

Schoolhouse Rock! teachers U.S. history and government
All right, boys and girls, here is a little ditty that has got to jog your memory:

I'm just a bill,
Yes, I'm only a bill,
And I'm sitting here on Capitol Hill.
Well, it's a long, long journey
To the capital city,
It's a long, long wait
While I'm sitting in committee,
But I know I'll be a law someday...
At least I hope and pray that I will,
But today I'm still just a bill.

"Schoolhouse Rock! America Rock" collects the mini-cartoons ABC aired on the television in the mid-1970s and taught a generation of children about government and history (as well as grammar, science, and math in other rock counterparts). The ten America rocks are done in pretty much chronological order, with "No More Kings," "Fireworks" and "The Shot Heard 'Round the World" covering the founding of America, the Declaration of Independence, and the start of the American Revolution. I would be willing to bet that most of the kids in this country who can recite the Preamble to the Constitution learned it from "The Preamble" (or the "Star Trek" episode "The Omega Glory"). "Elbow Room" covers America going West while "The Great American Melting Pot" celebrates American diversity. Great American inventors get their due in "Mother Necessity" and "Sufferin' till Suffrage" covers women getting the right to vote. But the most popular one here has got to be "I'm Just a Bill," which explains how a bill comes a law in terms so simple that even a first term Congressman could understand it. "Three-Ring Government" explains the separation of powers between the three branches, and then there is also a bonus video of the Lemonheads doing "My Hero Zero."

Granted, American History might not lend itself to 3-minute lessons as well as basic principles of grammar or mathematics, but these are still so much fun. Too bad there were not more of these (how would Schoolhouse Rock! have explained the Civil War or the Great Depression?), because they are just a lot of fun and then do a great job of driving a few essential points home in each lesson. "America Rock" is just the hook. It is up to history teachers and parents to provide the line. Even for more advanced students teachers can get some mileage out of these by showing them to students and either getting them to critique these (what inventors should be added?) or to be creative and write the script for their own (e.g., "Andy Jackson says no thanks to the National Bank!").

This is awesome dude
School House Rock is mad awesome cool! I love all the song, like i'm just a bill. i memorized the preamble cause of the preamble song thing. peace ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Frogs and Toads were never so interesting....
I really enjoyed Eyewitness Amphibian. I felt the film of animals was simply wonderful. Did you know how salamanders got their reputation for being 'born in fire?' Find out in this video. While I'm not as partial to frogs and toads as I am to other living creatures, I really felt that the information contained in this video was interesting and accessible.

People who like Eyewitness: Amphibian, should also check out: Eyewitness: Plant, and Eyewitness: Volcano. Both of these were really interesting. I recommend this series for Adults as well as children who are interested in science.

Jeers for Eyewitness - Amphibian
This disappointing video is not suitable for children, for it includes several scenes of terrifying witches chanting over cauldrons, as well as shots of the vampire in Nosferatu. How such scenes are supposed to educate anyone about amphibians is beyond me. In general, the eyewitness series seems to be more flash than substance, with a style that both reflects and contributes to the public's declining attention span and desire for video-game excitement.

Everything you wanted to know about frogs and more!
I show this video to my Biology classes and use it as the basis for our unit on amphibians. My students learn all of the scientific information I want them to know just by watching this video. They also learn some of the little know facts about these fascinating creatures. The format is interesting and engaging and the students love it! ... Read more

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Like the Galapagos Islands, Madagascar has developed in isolation, giving the wildlife population and Mother Nature a chance to experiment with new species. However, unlike the Galapagos Islands, Madagascar has yet to pass laws protecting the environment. This National Geographic expedition shows several British naturalists studying the island's wildlife to determine how much preservation and protection the island needs. The north end of the island, Ankarana, is a limestone plateau nestling sunken forests and some of the rarest species in the world, from leaf-tailed geckos (they look like tree bark and disguise themselves remarkably well) to lemurs and baobab trees. The area holds a plethora of exotic creatures, and the naturalists can only see these new animals by trekking through a maze of underground caves to reach the sunken forests. Unfortunately, conservation is not a useful concept for the subsistence farmers (90 percent of Madagascar's population) trying to put food on the table. This documentary addresses the difficult problem of sustaining both wildlife and human life. A thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening watch. --Samantha Allen Storey ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Well Worth Seeing
This video highlights the serious problems of Madagascar. Focusing is on a remote plateau - Ankarana - the video follows a team of naturalists as they hike and canoe through this small - and shrinking - ecosystem. While it was very eye-opening to see the creatures and plants of this, I feel that the trip was rushed a bit. While I do feel that this area does need to be protected, I somehow feel that more reason should have been developed into why this area needed to be saved beyond just saying there are rare animals and plants. National Geographic could have also explain how we can help. All in all though I would definitely say that this video is well worth watching. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Anthropology, psychology, cultural history, and biology provide key filters in this breezy but substantial exploration of the focal impact of the face. Produced by the BBC as a four-hour series and broadcast in the U.S. on the Learning Channel, The Human Face benefits from host, narrator, and cowriter John Cleese's signature blend of erudition, enthusiasm, and wit. Along the way, Cleese presents information on the evolution of human facial features, the face's role in sexuality (including the biological significance of "bedroom eyes"), communication through facial expressions, and the face's essential role in defining identity. Ideals of physical beauty, the reasons why visual development and artistic expression focus on the face, and the nature of celebrity are examined, as are medical anomalies such as Mobius syndrome, a condition that eliminates the ability to smile. The presenter gets strategic help from guest Elizabeth Hurley, who gamely lampoons her own celebrated beauty in various sketches, and Cleese's fellow Monty Python alumnus Michael Palin, who pops up in Python-esque skits during the program's fourth segment on fame. Comments from scientific sources are augmented by thoughtful interviews with Pierce Brosnan and Candice Bergen, who convincingly address the downside of being drop-dead gorgeous. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Marvelous, a Cleese Classic!
If you're fan of the Python team or
If you're interested in BORING scientific stuff, this DVD is for you.
When I saw this series on the bbc, I was looking for it.
Funny, interesting, enjoyable, I can't believe that you learn .

Very Interresting
I'm a bit early in rating this because I've just watched the first half tonight but... I think it's very interresting and a very enjoyable piece of work. Elizabeth Hurley is great, and I thought the chemistry between her and John Cleese was very good. I especially liked the study on what defines a persons features as beautiful and the relative 1.6 to 1 measurement ratio system. I also liked the beginning when they teach or try to teach how to detect when someone is lying, they mentioned watching the forehead if someone rinkles up. Later notice the fellow who was just given acting advice and his reaction, he say's something to the effect of she really helped me alot and then he rinkles his forehead. Is he lying?

This is not a laugh fest, it's a serious documentary with some laughs. So far I've enjoyed it very much

Quirky Romp
The Human Face is a fascinating but scattershot approach to the topic. John Cleese's approach is sure to delight his fans and annoy his detractors. He manages in his own unique way (while ripping Elizabeth Hurley's face off and shooting fellow Monty Python alum Michael Palin not once, but twice! Pythons always were excessive!) to convey many interesting and pertinent facts concerning the human face and our reactions to it.

Several sections were absolutely fascinating. The discussion on the evolution of the face claims that humankind's move toward an upright posture created an emphasis toward the eyes and visual stimuli and away from the nose and the sense of smell. Our profound reactions to facial expressivity are demonstrated in MRI brain scans that reveal activity deep in the amygdala as a reaction to faces showing fear although no conscious reaction was felt. Several curiosities reminiscent of "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" are explored, including a man who, following an automobile accident, wholeheartedly believed that his parents had been replaced by other people who looked exactly like them--he was able to recognize their physical appearance but had lost the emotional attachment that allowed him to recognize their relationship. Most heartening was a young woman with an exceptionally large jaw who had not only come to accept her looks but further to find her unique appearance a source of pride.

The series closes with an examination of fame, and here it seems to go astray--so much so that Cleese resorts to acts of gratuitous violence against Palin. The focus shifted rather unsettlingly away from the face to the idea of fame. The linking premise, of course, is that in the modern day it is our faces which make us famous (or not), while in the past it was our actions, and before the days of photography and portraiture particular faces were unknown. This departure is not enough to spoil an otherwise excellent and wildly quirky series, though.

A great documentary with a nice touch of Python nonsense.
John Cleese takes a different style in teaching us about the power of the human face. The documentary does contain tons of interesting facts about the human face and its role through history. What makes it stand out as a documentary is the twisted humor John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Liz Hurley (to name a few) inject into it. Subjects of Beauty, Expressions, Identity, etc are explained not only verbally, but with great skits and sketchs. Everything from skits with Michael Palin trying to get his face on a coin to Cleese and Hurley posing for the 18th Century French paparazzi painters, help make this as entertaining as it is educational.

Great for the whole family.

Face Facts...
John Cleese is the writer and creator of this fabulous series. But, in addition to it being a fascinating topic, it is also presented in a wonderful manner. It mixes comedy and fact, testimonials and mockery and all in all is a great social commentary. And the delicate balance allows Cleese to have fun and explore serious issues within minutes of each other. With proper implementation, this series could literally change lives. Here is a look at the individual episodes:

"FACE TO FACE." The first episode in this fascinating series examines the power of the facial expression. There are several case studies including a young girl born unable to show any facial expressions, a young couples failing marriage and the possibility that it stems from their facial expressions, even a study of the facial musculature of Elizabeth Hurley.

"HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU." The second look at THE HUMAN FACE tackles the brain and its relation to the face through visual recognition. The case studies include a young child viewing photos of her Mother, a Father who has lost his ability to recognize anybody and a young man who was legitimately convinced that his parents where replaced by look-alikes. Also featured is a young woman who feels a need to change her normal face and a young woman who sees no need to change her extremely unique face.

"BEAUTY." In Part 3 Cleese examines Beauty. He begins by getting where many would sell their nose to get... extremely close to Elizabeth Hurley's face. This fun episode has several celebrity interviews including Candace Bergen, Joan Rivers and Pierce Brosnan. It also follows a young girl picked to be the next super model. Once again, the content puts 'just a pretty face' on its ear.

"FAME." The last session is also the least intriguing as most of the episode is focusing on one thing, Fame. And that only relates to the face indirectly. Much time is spent following 3 wanna-be actors who are to meet a great casting agent... And so the series ends without a final close-out of any sort.

The 2-DVD set has all four episodes on the 1st disc in a Widescreen format and the 2nd disc contains several unused interviews, information on the face, cast information and trailers for the BBC television special... ... Read more

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Water, water everywhere... and DK Vision's on the scene! Eyewitness: Pond & River takes us on a wide-ranging expedition to the rivers of the world, from their hidden sources to their majestic mouths, also stopping to linger in ponds and lakes along the way. Freshwater ecosystems are fascinating, and we get to see some of the better-known and rarer denizens, from the piranha to the river dolphin. DK Vision's incredible graphics make for a thrilling ride, indeed; the great waterfalls of Africa and the titanic dams of the world have never been captured so magnificently. Once again, the Eyewitness series has bridged the generation gap and created a program that appeals to all ages. Save a little on this year's travel budget and give the kids something to think about at the same time; with Eyewitness: Pond & River, everyone comes out ahead! --Rob Lightner ... Read more

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Kelley Valle, a seven-months-pregnant obstetrician, leads viewers through a 33-minute yoga-based workout designed for prenatal purposes. The good news for the mom-to-be is that this means no power yoga. These are all simple poses, traditional stretches, even a belly-dancing movement--all designed to ease back pain and stretch muscles that will be used in delivery. But women who already know yoga and who are actively exercising will not find this routine particularly challenging. In addition, Valle wears a distracting sarong-style skirt that obscures her legs, making it sometimes difficult to see her precise positions and movements. Another important note: Valle demonstrates a pushing exercise in the controversial supine position, which some doctors warn against for women past their first trimester. Check with your own doctor to see what she advises for you. The workout is followed by a 12-minute deep relaxation exercise, five minutes of English vowel and Sanskrit chants, and a six-minute segment on pre-natal nutrition. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Very disappointing
When I first turned on the video I was impressed.There was yoga going on, the music is not too prominent or annoying, the voice of the (invisible) narrator is soothing, the background is nice, the woman does not hold the poses for too long so it is easy to follow and she does a short breathing or relaxation exercise in between the different poses to give me time to recover.Then, it became clear that the actual yoga part of the 60-minute video only lasts about 20 minutes and that included the breathing at the beginning and in between the poses as well as a 5-minute visualization of the baby.In all, there were only about 6 different poses to do.Then there is a long, (about 20 minute) "deep relaxation" section which I found useless because I have a 2 year old and I do not have the ability to lie on the floor and relax each of my body parts separately.If you *like* to do guided relaxation, I see no problem with it, however.There is also a section about nutrition at the end, and I don't know why it is there because it is extremely basic information you can get from any book or your healthcare provider and I wish the time had been devoted to doing more exercises.I was also particularly irriated that the one "birthing" pose shown was the supine (or back-lying) position with feet up as if in stirrups which is the WORST way to give birth, even though the narrator says that there are many ways to give birth, but for "educational purposes" the supine position will be shown. (???)I wish more time had been spent on the different ways to squat, as these are more natural birthing positions and require more exercise and practice beforehand.Instead of this video, I'm going to follow the extensive yoga exercises described in the book _Active Birth_ by Janet Balaskas and I will try to get along without a video to follow because this video isn't at all what I wanted.

empower yourself to have a wonderful birth with this video
I have been teaching Prenatal yoga for several years. I have seen first hand how the repetitive use this type of yoga can improve birth outcomes and the overall wellbeing of pregnant women.The video is very safe, gentle and relaxing, concentrating on breath work to release tension and stress.The main purpose seems to be to prepare the woman's body for easier and healthier childbirth.There seems to be a deeper purpose for which the other reviewers have seemed to overlook, and that is the hightened connection and bonding with the baby.Repetitive use of the visualizations and vocalizations are proven to enhance the mother-baby relationship in many ways. Most women don't understand how important the use of sound is in childbirth.This is the only prenatal yoga video I have seen that emphasizes practicing vocalization for pain management.Also a woman can take the skills learned toempower herself during the birth of her child.I highly recommend this video and it makes a great gift!

Left a bit to be desired
Although I am new to yoga I have done some and I was expecting more from this video. The background were sotthing and the music was relaxing but the yoga poses were too few. I don't feel like I have fully stretchecd. I also didn't like the EXTENDED visualization. You lie on your side for close to 15 minutes "relaxing to music" Over all I am very disapointed in the video. I guess if you are doing nothing at all it may be a good start. I did alot of research before buying this video and unfortunatly there dosn't seem to be too much out there in the way of yoga for pregnancy.

Gentle, relaxing beginner's video
I'd never done yoga before and would highly recommend this for other beginners. The poses are easy and safe, the stretches are gentle, and the narrator does a good job of explaining the poses. The backdrop and music were also relaxing and quiet, which I appreciated.

The video is structured well - starts with the poses, then has everything else that can be skipped (if you want to) at the end, including a nice relaxation and visualization segment and very brief vocalization, chanting and nutrition segments (the vocalization, chanting and nutrition bits are only worth watching once. The relaxation/visualization segment you only need to do with the video once or twice to do on your own - so, just watching the first part of the video is sufficient after the first couple of times.)

A comprehensive prenatal yoga program -- user-friendly!
As a midwife who has attended births for 20 years, I routinely encourage my clients to participate in stretching and toning (low impact aerobics) classes as part of their daily routine, and also as preparation for labor and delivery.Dr. Kelley Valle's video "Birthwell Yoga" is sensitive, comprehensive, and inspirational (so surprising and encouraging that an OB/GYN promotes prenatal yoga and midwifery, and actually performs the positions and asanas herself!) It is also a supremely "user-friendly" video. I distributed my copy to several of my clients who are using the video every day in preparation for the birth of their babies.I have also discovered that it is a great relaxation adjunct for any healthy woman, whether of childbearing age or not.I have begun to use the video three times each week, and have discovered that I feel more relaxed, more toned and ready to deal with my busy work days with a new perspective of peaceful consciousness.The background music is soothing; the presentation of the positions and asanas is easy to follow and to execute; the nutritional information is brief yet complete.I recommend this video wholeheartedly to all pregnant women who cannot attend prenatal yoga classes; I also encourage any woman who wants to learn the stress reduction techniques associated with yoga to buy this video...it will be the most worthwhile investment you can make. ... Read more

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Latin dances have always been popular in ballrooms, and now with thepopularity of Latin pop-music artists, they're favorites in nightclub dancing.Nancy Hays and Greg Gale introduce you to three Latin dances--rumba, cha cha,and salsa. Hays is an accomplished dancer who exudes the excitement of thedance. Her partner Gale, who does the step-by-step instruction, is more amatter-of-fact, no-frills instructor, teaching the footwork simply,systematically, and from different angles, though without much warmth orpersonality during instruction. With each dance, Gale teaches a few basic stepsclearly, then puts them together and leads a practice session with music (wherehe loosens up and conveys the enjoyment of the dance). You'll learn enough inthis 60-minute tape to enjoy yourself on the dance floor performing the basicsteps of all three dances, though you won't get the technique andcharacteristic, flamboyant style. --Joan Price ... Read more

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Let's face it, geometry might have been a blast for Euclid, but mostpeople don't find it a barrel of laughs. But those stalwart and offbeat tutors, the Standard Deviants, do their best to make a review lesson in geometry both fun and memorable. Working with their standard premise that a bad joke is memorable and an atrocious joke doubly so, these energetic young performers provide an introduction to Euclidean geometry, offer basic examples of inductive and deductive reasoning, and go bravely into the realms of theorems, statements, angles, lines, and geometric proofs. If the approach is purposely unorthodox, the lesson material, which has been prepared with academic advisers boasting solid credentials, is utterly reliable. This video is not a substitute for a course in geometry, but is intended as review material, and the flashy graphics, coupled with skits, cartoons, and jokes, all tend to make what is, of course, rather dry material more palatable. Those who remember their high school geometry teachers droning away in a monotone may be shocked by the peppy delivery of the Standard Deviants, but there's good reason to believe that a student who might be struggling in geometry hell will find this an approachable method of tutoring. --Robert J. McNamara ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Good Compliment to Geometry Study
This goes over basic geometry principles in an entertaining way. It also explains it on a low level that is easy to understand. It could be used in a classroom or for home tutoring purposes. I bought it to review for a basic skills certification test for public school teachers. It helped me to remember a lot of the things that I had forgotten from high school geometry. It would be a good compliment for high school students also if they are having difficulty with this sometimes tedious subject. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not Enough Instruction
I was hoping this video would give instruction on additional erotic dance moves, but it did not.There's a review of the core moves from the first video and some tips on disrobing, but not enough information on advanced moves.The performances by two featured dancers was good, but it would have been nice to have had the different moves pointed out for beginners in order to help them in putting together a routine. I recommend this tape, but I'd suggest that beginners or ladies who want to see some advanced moves watch "Sinsational Strippers" to see how the pros pull together a strip, pole and lap routine.

Love the second tape even more then the first!
This is a great addition to the first video.I am so glad they made a follow up tape.It is a lot of fun and I learned some new things.I suggest you get this video and the first one!They make great gifts for a friends.I have sent both to friends turning 4o and they loved it!These videos help us all get our groove back or like me, get it in the first place! ... Read more

Description

Get both videos! Has trigonometry tied your brain in knots? Does the mere mention of triangles make you tremble? Don't worry, get the Standard Deviants and learn how to solve confusing trig concepts with confidence. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good, Fun Video -- only covers the basics
All the Standart Deviant videos are fun to watch. They have a Saturday-Night-Live format with different people and skits.
The material covered was good, and it is a great intro to those who haven't any trig background.
The video series downfall is the material not covered or covered in enough depth: trig identities, vectors, polar and rectangular conversions, imaginary number plane with radical and exponential equations. I found the material not covered to be the toughest concepts in trig. It helps to be ahead of the instructor, but the videos were no help in these tough areas.
Some of the other Standard Deviant titles are better done, but this video is still a great intro to the easier 2/3 of the material you will encounter.

Pretty good
Trig is never going to be easy, but it's not as difficult as Calculus, except perhaps if your Trig education was woefully neglected. I would think this would be a good investment for any student who wanted an overview of a Trig class before taking it. Though the student would have to watch the tape, rewind the parts that were difficult or required repetition, and do the proper memorization. For an older person who wants to figure out just what Trig was, or what exactly "the relationships between different parts of a triangle" means, this can be quite helpful. The drive to be entertaining can be a bit annoying as it's kind of like "Mad Magazine meets Sesame Street teaches Math," but this is a standard hazard of the Standard Deviants. The producers have a lot of material to get through, and get through it they do, though I felt something was missing in their discussion of Oblique Triangles. And I'm very glad I don't have to memorize the radian/degree equivalencies and trig functions of the "special angles."

want some real advice...get the whole math pack
I used to have nightmares about being chased by giant triangles.
Not any more! the tapes make the unclear...clear thats bottom line. no they arent perfect and nope not enough problems... but overall if your struggling this is the way to go..period

makes learning much easier
We can learn faster and with less pain when using video educational products. All i can say is that any one taking high school and college trig should get theses tapes. ... Read more

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This beautiful documentary explores one of the most unusual geographic regions on earth, where water and land life intermingle six months of the year. When rains raise the Amazon river basin into the treetops, fish feed off fruit trees and families hurry to hoist their floorboards above water level. Guided by an expert Amazon biologist, National Geographic's cameras capture in lush color some of the forest's most intimate events: a delicate watson bird protects its chick from an approaching boa, a male "water monkey" releases a cloud of babies from the nest in his mouth, tiny sea turtles dip into the water for the first time. The film also explores the heartbreaking depletion of the area's natural resources, by both natives struggling to survive and outsiders eager to clear land for mass crop production. The endangered Amazon offers a poignant reminder of the fragile interdependency of all creatures. --Claire Campbell ... Read more

Reviews (3)

GOOD INTRO TO THE AMAZON
This video is a good intro into the life of the Amazon. I enjoyed how it balances the strangeness appeal of different creatures in the jungle with the scientific rigour to explain the terrain and the different environments animals and plants face throughout the year (rainy flooded season, dry season, etc.)

I strongly recommend this video for someone planning to visit the Amazon for the first time, just to have an idea of what to expect and to better be able to understand the explanations guides may give during a trip.

Breathtaking
Wonderful images. I could watch this with the volume on mute and just enjoy the scenes. The commentary is great too, though. Very informative without being the least bit boring. A great addition to my collection.

The Flooded Forest
This video is one of the best of National Geographic's video series. It provides a lot of information about the Amazon basin wildlife and though I have seen it many times I still enjoy watching it. It contains information on a wide assortment of creatures as well as the continuous cycle of flooding and draining the Amazon forest goes through. It talks about all sorts of strange creatures that are very exotic and beautiful. I like the way the information is presented as well as the fact that it is very scientifically accurate (I am a scientist). I also like the fact that it closes by talking about how the forest is being changed through cutting the trees and building dams on the river. It provides lots of information in a short period of time and gives a good rounded view at a land that is strange and different. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 1985 National Geographic special takes the viewer through a year in the lives of tigers in India's Kanha and Ranthamboor national parks. The video explores the delicately balanced ecosystem of each park, interweaving glimpses of monkeys, deer, cranes, and crocodiles (the tiger's chief competitor for prey). The photography is often impressive and the musical score by Terry Oldfield adds to the exotic atmosphere. However, Land of the Tiger lacks the cohesive narrative structure of later National Geographic documentaries. Narrator Richard Kiley notes that the tiger's survival as a species depends on wildlife preserves such as these, but the video fails to capture just why we should feel that the tiger's survival is important. --Larisa Lomacky Moore ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Tiger, tiger, burning bright . . ..
If you love tigers, you'll love this film. It is all about the beautiful, rarely seen tiger. The film is full of basic tiger facts, but anyone who has done any tiger research will not learn anything new. Though I didn't learn anything new about tigers, I still enjoyed watching these powerful, graceful animals.

Regally Beautiful
This video does a great job of showing us the tiger and his environment in 2 of India's parks. You must see this film if you like tigers.

The Tiger is the real King of the Jungle!
One of the best videos ever! This video really shows you the tiger in the best way possible. It's land, it's prey, and the way it struggles to stay on top of the food chain in the majestic jungles of India. It is breath-taking seeing the tiger this close and seeing footage that is normally rare to find, like mating. All my life I have loved the tiger, and this amazing video just makes me love him even more. The music and the scenery is just fabulous, especially watching the tiger walking in the ruins of Ranthambore like it's his kingdom. This movie has really inspired me to even go to India and visit these great parks and to see my favorite animal of all time. The Tiger is truley the most majestic of all cats!

Wild Asia, Indeed!
If you're into wildlife videos run - don't walk - to your video store for this one. There are many excellent videos on the Serengeti from National Geographic alone, and there is no one end-all classic in that area. Not so for Kipling country. This video is the definitive chronicle of the tiger and those who must live in it's shadow. Two sequences - one of a tiger taking down a sambar deer in water as the whole forest seems to take up a collective warning cry and the other of a tiger walking along the roof edge of an ancient temple - are alone worth the price. Absolutely magical. This is one for posterity to be watched over and over again.

fearful symmetry
In too many nature films, inane narrators pour forth a continuous stream of equally inane commentary, but the narrator here maintains a refreshing and respectful silence for much of the film. As a result, the tiger's splendor and power are left to speak for themselves. A wonderful documentary all around. And, oh yea, there are lots of scenes of tigers preying on sombres, if you're into that kind of thing. ... Read more

Description

For 21 years, Charles Darwin kept his theory of evolution secret from all but a few friends. He confided to one: "It is like confessing to a murder." His torment resonates in society today--in the challenge his incredibly powerful idea poses to our understanding of our world and ourselves. We interweave the drama in key moments of Darwin’s life with documentary sequences of current research, linking past to present and introducing major concepts of evolutionary theory. We also explore why Darwin’s "dangerous idea" matters perhaps even more today than it did in his own time, and how it conveys the power of science to explain the past and predict the future of life on earth. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This Amazing Planet video finds Captain Rip Rayon and his crewlanding on Earth near an erupting volcano, and boy is it hot!As theseintergalactic explorers tour volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands, PacificOcean, Caribbean, and Iceland, they encounter orifices that blast ash andnoxious gasses and others that ooze lava. Orb, a computerized crew member,explains the differences between these two types of volcanoes and alsodescribes the Earth's three layers. She dispels the common misconception that lava comes from Earth's core, explaining that it actually comes fromjust beneath the surface in the mantle. Orb also discusses themovement of plates beneath the Earth's surface, magma chambers, and thedifferent types of lava, and describes the study of volcanoes andour attempts to predict eruptions.

Fantastic footage of real eruptions is broken up with comic interludes such as a rap-style report to Admiral Lump and a "Bubble Zipple" commercial thatOrb uses to liken the bubbles in soda pop to the pressure building within a volcano.Orb asserts that 500 million people live near volcanoes,explaining that they reap the benefits of rich, fertile soil and oftenbuild power plants to convert volcanic heat into usable energy.This is an informative and entertaining video that's very appealing to kids. --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (3)

My kids love it, and they learn
... It is both educational and stupidly funny - that's why my kids (4 and 6) have watched it dozen's of times. My older son now has a great interest in volcanoes, and has checked out several books on the subject. And yes, the cheezy comedy keeps them entertained, without being vulger. Compared to what else kids are exposed to today, I'll take a couple of "snot" jokes...
MK

Educational and fun
I read the other reviewer's opinion and I admit to a blush and a chuckle. While I cannot argue with what was written in that review, my 4yo son dearly loves this video, and as a result enthusiastically tells friends and strangers all about subduction and lava volcanoes and about the layers of the earth from core to crust. Being sci-fi fans my husband and I also chuckle at the goofy in-jokes.

Shame on National Geographic
I watched this video with my sons (aged 4 and 6). There is some great footage of volcanos, as one would expect, and I did learn some things about different kinds of volcanos that I didn't know. However, the dumb cast and story of them landing in an alien spaceship on volcanos leaves a lot to be desired. Typical of the rubbish remarks in this video are: "No, you pinhead.";"'No, it's not.' ' Snot?'"; "The volcano barfs its guts out." And it goes on and on. We have a collection of informative videos, which my boys enjoy every bit as much as this one, that don't use this sort of language. Do kids really need this kind of crudeness to get them interested in volcanos? I think not. In the future I shall borrow National Geographic titles from the library to preview them before buying. ... Read more