Amazon.com

Although we romanticize lions as mighty kings of the jungle, their reign is in fact a tenuous one. It is challenged daily in southern Africa by vicious packs of hyenas that compete for prey. Between the two species exists an ancient feud, and it unfolds in Eternal Enemies with all the drama of the warring Capulets and Montagues. Watch as lions bring down a zebra, only to be attacked themselves by a pack of hyenas that chases them into the trees. Glowering, the big cats watch as the thieves devour their dinner. Days later the lions exact revenge, killing the hyena leader but leaving her uneaten as a warning to the rest of the clan. Other scenes in this video are equally impressive, including life inside a hyena den--which captures the sounds of lions growling outside--and a tense encounter between a snake-bitten lioness and a pack of hyenas. With its gripping story line, Eternal Enemies is a standout among animal documentaries. --Demian McLean ... Read more

Reviews (22)

eternal enemies lions and hyenas
this nature film is probably the best nature film ive ever seen.it shows to perfection the shear hatred lions and hyenas have for each other. no where else in africa is the hatred between lions and hyenas so intense than in botswana and dereck and beverly joubert have shot it down to a tee, especialy the lions,probably more so in two of the lions, one mattsumi a lioness who was bit by a snake and then had her new born cubs eaten by the hyenas and untwydumala the dominent male he tends to attack and kill hyenas at every possible chance.the end scene is truly amazing, where the hyena matriarc is tormenting the older male lion mandayvoo, when mattsumi attacks the matriarc the commotion is heard by untwydumala, who rushes out of the bush, the hyenas then scatter. mattsumi then chases the matriarc of the hyenas and trips it just to slow it down enough for untwydumala to catch up and make the kill.if your into lions this is the one.truly awsome.

Intriguing story
As a veteran of many lion documentaries, I was always curious at the relationship between these two animals. At several of the lion's kills in other films I'd seen, a pack of hyenas lurked menacingly nearby. My curiosity has been satisfied. This is an excellent piece of work that establishes the fact that man is not the only animal that wars. Lions and hyenas seemed to have a general intolerance and hatred torward the other that does not stem from any particular moment or cause. Through trials and tribulations, one aspect of these to amazing animal's personalities stays the same, a deeply-seeded disdain for the other species. The documentary follows a pride of lions dominated by two male brothers, and the rival pack of hyenas dominated by a female. At kills hyenas use their numbers to overwhelm the female lions while the males are not there. The lions, one male in particular, retaliate whenever possible. Though this film may be graphic for some, this is needed due to the nature of the story. Any lover of nature documentaries will find this video a welcome addition to his/her collection

"If Animals Could Hate..."
then be prepared for some of the most spectacular and disturbing footage ever caught on film. From the outset it is made brutally clear that animals, in this case lions and hyaenas, DO in fact slaughter each other, not necessarily for food as most people believe, but for something much darker - HATRED.

This point is made by showing a large male lion, Ntwydmala, breaking the back of an unlucky hyaena matriarch, then shortly afterwards, breaking the neck of another. It isn't always pleasant to watch, but it'll keep you glued to your seat in disbelief.

This film is easily one of the best nature films I've ever seen, bar none!

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!
Being a long time nature program viewer, I can easily say this might be the most fascinating video ever presented on TV. The interaction & violence between lions and hyenas is unforgettable.
Like watching man wage war and retribution. Beautifully photographed and narrated. But not for young children. Also stronly recommend the book which is a companion to the video.

One of the best
This documentary of the lives of lions and hyenas is one of the best made documentaries I've seen. You will become acquainted with the inhabitants of this film and witness the drama of a secret world where the law of the jungle is harsh, yet profoundly beautiful. You will see never before seen footage of hyena behavior. You will cheer and be swept up in this film. It is a story that is real and beautifully shot. I have watched this film many times since buying it. If you like wildlife you will love this one. It is at times disturbing but shot honestly and with care. Very enjoyable. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

the bond between all creatures
This is a fascinating, and often quite moving documentary showing the emotional kinship between man and his fellow mammals. The film footage is remarkable, starting with the basic emotions that pertain to survival, "fear, aggression, and the urge to procreate", and then moves on to the more subtle feelings of joy, compassion, grief, loyalty, and even depression.
The caring of one another in animal societies is extraordinary, and shows the bonds of friendship between species of primates, meerkats, wolves, and many more.

The section on maternal love is wonderful, with one exceptional segment by wildlife photographer Martyn Colbeck who follows a herd of elephants, and captures the tremendous patience and devotion exhibited towards a recently born calf as he struggles to walk. There are many instances of incredible sacrifice, including the story of a dog who saves a young boy.
It shows how rescue dogs can show signs of depression, and rats who laugh when they are tickled. I love the chimp who is looking at Gourmet Magazine, and points to pictures of pastries and signs "sweet".
As Dr. Roger Fouts of the Chimpanzee Human Communication Institute says, the difference between us and other animals is "one of degree, and not of kind".

Produced, written and directed by Carol Fleisher, and calmly and carefully narrated by Sigourney Weaver, viewing this documentary is time well spent; it is informative as well as entertaining, but parents of young children should realize that though there is plenty of fun and frolic, it is far from being a cute animal film, and there are scenes of violence and tragedy. Total running time is 95 minutes.

LANDMARK
This film is a landmark in blending science and advocacy. It seeks to assert that animals lead complex and sophisticated emotional lives, not unlike our own. But it manages to walk the fine line between subjectivity and objectivity. It avoids going too far to the subjective side; it doesn't end up trying to emotionally blackmail the viewer into buying this concept, with mere stagey or cute displays of animal interaction. It relies heavily on scientific observation in both natural and controlled environments. But by the sheer genious of editing and writing, one cannot help but be drawn into the lives of these noble creatures just as one would a good drama. The movie wisely lets the animals behavior "do the talking", and doesn't try to rush us to judgement. It left me rethinking everything I had assumed about animals, emotions, and the nature of our (and by 'our' I mean all of God's creatures) existence.

FULL of much research and wonderful images
This movie shows how closely related we humans are to mammals with scientific research and observation. It gives wonderful descriptions and examples of the differences between reptilian brains and mammillian brains. It is truly incomprehensible that some think that animals (mammals other than human) are not capable of such emotions as love, compassion, anger, loyalty, remorse, etc. At the end of the movie I was questioning if humans are de-evolving to reptile brains due to our parenting of our own offspring (or lack of parenting). Wonderful movie. I highly recommend it for all ages.

Good for people like me
This video includes some remarkable and moving scenes of animals displaying what appear to be emotions such as sorrow, loyalty, and gratitude. I say "appear to be" not because I don't think that animals have these emotions, but to emphasize that Why Dogs Smile... is not a scientific treatment of the issue of animal emotional behavior or intelligence. Every single person who appears in this video, from the wildlife documentarians to the scientists, is completely committed to the idea that animals experience and act on the full range of feelings that we might consider "human emotions." No dissenting voices are present to argue that we are merely projecting our own feelings onto the behaviors of the animals, or that the brains of non-human animals lack the ability to produce emotion, or so on.

I believe that animals have emotions and found reinforcement for my pre-existing belief in this video. I was entertained and moved, but would rather this video challenged my beliefs as well as those of people who might disagree. A presentation of the scientific (and political) debate over this issue would have improved this video.

Amazing insight into animal emotions
This video is truly amazing! To be able to actually see animal exhibiting "human" emotions. Anyone who has said that animal do not feel or have no emotions need to see this video. Those of you, like me, who know for a fact animals have emotions and display them, this is an insightful and heartful video! This is a must see/must own video! ... Read more

Amazon.com

All the water-loving regulars, from sharks and penguins to starfishand seahorses, make an appearance in this installment of the excellent kidseries from National Geographic, Really Wild Animals. Information provided by an animated version of planet Earth (voiced by an enthusiastic Dudley Moore) is balanced with poppy musical odes to clean water and deep-sea creatures (sample lyric: "If you need a cheap hotel, crawl inside an empty shell"). In this 44-minuteunderwater tour, viewers visit the Great Barrier Reef, join caged diversamidst circling sharks, and listen to a trainer talk about the size of dolphin brains. It's a hard-to-resist addition for anyone who enjoys watching a diver dwarfed by a giant jellyfish or seeing an octopus, in all its squirmingglory, outwit a wolf eel. This is mainly for animal lovers from preschool through elementary school, although parents will undoubtedly learn something, too. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Awesome Video for my son!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My son AJ loves this video so much, he watches it very often!!!!! This video is really entertaining and educationl.I got AJ a Really Wild Animals Giftset and it came with this video.AJ loves animals and land animals including the Killer Whale (Orcinus Orca) and he wants to get more Really Wild Animals videos for Christmas.

WORE OUT THE OLD TAPE, NEED TO BUY A NEW ONE!
My family loves this tape so much, it was actually worn out. The picture kept getting worse, so I felt it was time to buy a new one. We've bought several of the "Really Wild Animals" videos and found them to be very educational (and Dudley Moore is always funny to listen to), but the "Deep Sea Dive" is definitely a hit in my house.

Wonderful video for young and older kids.
My 4 year old son received this video for Christmas and watches it almost everyday. He's very interested in animals, especially sea animals. I like the fact that it's very educational and that it keeps him interested and wanting to learn more. He's going to get more of this type of video for his birthday coming up.

Great informational value!
I have used this video when teaching an animals unit in Science. My students absolutely love Deep Sea Dive. It is now June, our animals unit was over in December, yet this is the video they request most! The video is jam-packed with interesting factoids, which my students love. I recommend it to anyone. It is the best of the Really Wild Animals series.

GREAT CLASSROOM GUIDE
GREA ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Good watch
This is a good movie if you want to learn the basics about Lions. If you need specific behaviors about them, buy something else. I watched this for an Animal Behavior class and I needed to do alot of extra research to find specifics. Overall a good movie!

Great, but not the best.
I think the reviewer that said this film was about bugs got his tapes mixed up, because there is nothing about insects in this film at all. The documentary follows a pride of lions, particularly a young male that was born late and became orphaned. His story is intriguing enough to base a film on, but we also witness an old lion desperately trying to cling to the life he once had, and the intricate process of raising a cub. The only reason I gave this documentary four stars is because it ends rather abruptly, leaving the viewer wondering what happened to the male cub and his fellow pride-mates. Another twelve minutes would have done this film some good, although I was thoroughly satisfied with my purchase...(from a rival company...sorry Amazon...I'll never do it again...you guys were cheaper anyway!!)

Lions of Darkness
This is absolutuely amazing video made by two tf the greatest wildlife filmakers in the world, Derek and Beverly Joubert. I strongly recommend it to anyone.It is informative and moving.

Come ON...National Geograpic!! this is a stinker
This video leads you to believe that it is about lions, when, in fact there is a bunch filler about frogs and bugs etc. If you have been to africa, you know that this is a sorry representation the lives of lions. It is about a pride of lions in decline. There is so little lion footage, they have resorted to filler stuff that is not related to lions. Further, the reproduction quality of the tape is poor. Kiley is wonderful, as usual, but they give him very little to work with. This might appeal to a fifth grader but is clearly not up to N.Geographics standards. AVOID!

Great Wildlife Film!
This is one of the best National Geographic videos to date. The footage, content and filmmaker's narration is outstanding. The story of a motherless lion cub growing up in a pride is one of the best real-life dramas I've seen. It takes a viewer into the world otherwise unseen and inexperienced by a human. A viewer has glimpses of the every day life in the pride of lions. Joubert's film portrays the hunts, the roles of males and females in the pride, the struggle for survival, interaction between pride members and other inhabitants of Savuti. Another great film from Derek and Beverly! ... Read more

Amazon.com

There's a plug for environmental causes (song lyric: "If there's a place worth saving, this must be the place"), a Darwinian crack aimed at parents, and faux news broadcasts to keep things moving. But most of all there are animals, animals, animals in this 37-minute National Geographic video. If a trip to the South American rain forest isn't part of the vacation plans, this video tour aimed at kids from preschool through grade school will more than suffice. Comparing the forest layers to an apartment building, animated planet guide Spin (Dudley Moore) steps onto an elevator to explore the forest floor on up to the canopy level--meeting tapirs, jaguars, bats, and spider monkeys along the way. Meanwhile kids become familiar with concepts such as echolocation, camouflage, and the equator. Now that's infotainment! --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Very entertaining and educational.
I have a three-year-old who loves this video we borrowed from the local library. He already knows the layers of a rain forest and can name a few animals in each layer. I have a degree in elementary education and truly realize how important positive exposure to new things are to children. He also gets angry at the part where they show the cutting down of trees and tells the man to pick them back up! Hello! Do you need more of a hint? Videos like this are truly benificial to children.

Awesome! Humor Included!
This video is really cool, and fuuny too. Kids can learn a lot from it, all the while being entertained. It's the best quality, the kind you expect from National Geographic. The answer to every question you ever had about tropical rainforests is right here, I can garauntee it. Dudley Moore, the histarical comedian, plays the loveable and always-good-for-a-laugh globe character Spin. A great way for kids 5-13 to learn and have fun!

Humorous Education
The Tropical rainforest has over 1/2 of the earth's animals and plants!Hey I am NOT kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Take a swing around the forest with Dudley Morre as Spin,your favorite globe-on-the-go!40 Min.Hoatzins included. What!!!!!?????Find out in the Totally Tropical Rain Forest! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Without the usual wildlife footage (since cameras obviously weren't around millions of years ago), the folks at National Geographic get very creative in the dinosaur segment of this 44-minute video. Using a combination of traditional and stop-motion animation, a paleontologist interview, silent-film stock, and clips from corny dinosaur movies, narrator Spin (planet Earth as voiced by Dudley Moore) tells the prehistoric slice-of-life story of a Hadrosaurus-egg-stealing Struthiomimus member who, in turn, meets an untimely end at the claws of raptors. As the second segment's title suggests, "Creature Features" is framed as a faux horror movie with Moore adopting a creepy tone as he tells of blood-sucking (and regurgitating) mother bats and squirming maggots who metamorphose into flies. By using this format, the episode has it both ways. It uses a spooky façade to entertain the kids, while debunking the very horror movie myths it capitalizes upon. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (3)

My 3 yr. old son loves this one!
We rented this video and my son watched it about 10 times. After we returned it to the store, he kept asking for it so I am here at Amazon.com to buy it for him. He loves "Spin" the narrating globe.

Highly Entertaining
I watched this video with my two sons, ages 6 and 13, and we all loved it! The music, the photography, the animation, the narration and the fun (and sometimes gross) facts make this video well worth it. What an entertaining way to get kids interested and involved in learning more about the world around them!

Really wild animals
My two sons (ages 5 and 3) LOVE this video. Not only does it cover some of their favorite topics- Dinosaurs, bugs, spiders and snakes - but it also includes very interesting, factual and detailed information. And, it makes it fun! Parents will find this interesting as well. It would be a good idea to watch it WITH younger children as some kids may be disturbed by the more graphic/scary dinosaur scenes. Dudley Moore is great as the narrator, and we are planning to get more of National Geographic's Really Wild Animals videos! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In this Really Wild Animals video, Spin, an animated globe voiced by Dudley Moore, leads viewers on an exploration of the varied continent of North America. Music videos such as the opening "I've Gotta Be Wild" are prevalent throughout and combine wonderful nature photography with themes like an animal's need to hunt and humans' effect on animals and their habitats. Spring's arrival inspires Spin to glance at the "meanest hombre of all," the ground squirrel. Chuckle as you will, then watch this clever critter outsmart a rattlesnake! Next is the first of several reoccurring "Meet the Beavers" segments and then a look at how woodpeckers and starlings survive the 105-degree temperatures of the Sonoran Desert. In a summer visit to the Okefenokee Swamp, Spin interviews a biologist who studies alligators by climbing right into the swamp! In stark contrast is the breathtaking footage of white wolf pups frolicking in the frozen tundra of Ellesmere Island. The onset of autumn finds polar bears making their annual visit to the East Coast town of Churchill. The townspeople's preparations are detailed, there's a music video featuring bears foraging in the dump, and we watch one photographer's daring attempts to get close-up shots of these amazing bears. As winter settles in, Spin focuses on a group of people helping an abandoned black bear cub find an adoptive mother. This fact-filled video features a combination of beautiful nature photography and appealing music videos that is sure to captivate your child. --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (13)

"Victory at Sea" -- A Victory to See
Probably the most extraordinary documentary of World War II ever produced for television, the original 26 episodes of "Victory at Sea" have been collated into six VHS tapes. To own the original 26 volumes on individual tapes is a collector's treasure indeed. Virtually impossible to find in that format and, if you can find it, good luck on the price!

Starting with "Prelude to War," each episode of the series focuses on a distinct naval engagement or campaign in the Second World War. Captured enemy film from various Axis sources enhances the vast collection of U.S. Navy and other Allied and private sources used to compile each episode. The narration by Leonard Graves is superb and the writing for the narration is equally prominent. Narration is always just right and never excessive allowing the viewer to relish the award-winning musical score with its familiar and sometimes haunting refrains. Three long-playing recordings of the original soundtrack and variations thereof from the series were released in the heyday of "high fidelity" recordings. Soundtrack CDs are currently available for those who enjoy the music as much as the video images.

All footage is in black and white and there are some technical "deficiencies" for the purists among the viewing audience. However, considering the series made its television debut in 1952, the historical accuracy, content and balanced perspective are truly remarkable. In the episode centered around the climactic naval and island battle for Okinawa, Leonard Graves describes the kamikaze threat to the U.S. fleet off the island as a "duel between gunners who fight to live and pilots who fight to die." There is no judgment of kamikaze fanaticism a mere seven years after the end of the war. Episode after episode, it is a factual account of what occurred on the vast oceans and seas of the world without political inclination of any sort.

"Victory at Sea" is a true classic documentary of American television with the bonus of one of the most enduring soundtracks of any film presentation of any kind. It is a mandatory addition to the video library of anyone interested in World War II -- especially all aspects of the war at sea. Selections from the series should be used to educate the youth of the nation in the secondary schools to convey the scale and sacrifice of so many six decades ago.

Concentrated ``Victory at Sea'' reveals some flaws
The extravagant praise reaped by ``Victory at Sea'' in the early '50s turns out to have been overdone. But in 1952, it was not possible to watch all 26 episodes together. Now we can, and we see that the same film clips are used over and over -- obviously some of them misrepresenting themselves. Without source documentation, I cannot demonstrate it, but it appears some clips shown as from the early years were actually shot as late as 1945. Furthermore, the series glosses over Allied reverses. The ``Guadalcanal'' section is particularly bad in this respect. The explanation for the Marines' lack of equipment in the early days is simply dishonest. The Battle of Savo Island -- surely a pivotal event in the naval war -- is mentioned, quickly, in a list of other battles; but nothing is said of its significance. Great propaganda. Lousy history. Wonderful Richard Rogers score.

Older VHS vs new DVD
Buyer beware! The newer DVD set of this FABULOUS series is not up to the quality of this VHS edition. The DVDs are made by the History channel, and the sound quality is awful. This older VHS version, produced by New Line features (although on tape) has a much finer sound quality and even the video isn't that bad, compared to the lousey transfer of the DVDs.
These are still the finest chronicles of war footage AND narration that have been made of WWll, in my opinion. Try to get thru them without tearing up at the human sacrifice and bravery.

Hopelessly Old Fashioned
Once considered one of the greatest TV documentaries ever made, no one under the age of fifty is going to be able to sit through this overblown, hoaky collection of war footage. The narration is so overdramatic it's almost laughable, like the propaganda films made during the war to increase morale. Roger's score is great music, but it's just too prominant and often completely inappropriate (like the cheerfull flute music as Hitler marches into Paris).

Skip this dinosaur and go directly to World at War, the great BBC series from the 1970s.

I want to buy the DVD for this set too!
Ditto that from viewer in New Orleans. I have seen this series on TV years ago and I am hoping it will be on DVD soon. ... Read more

Description

Travel to the land "down under" with Spin, National Geographic's animated globe-on-the-go, and learn why the animals of Australia are so darn weird!From leaping kangaroos to paddling platypuses to cuddly koalas, you won't believe the amazing variety of animals that make this island world their home.Here's a wonderful look at these creatures, brought to you by the world's finest filmmakers.Exciting music videos will get the whole family hopping!So, c'mon mate, and explore WONDERS DOWN UNDER -just one of the many Really Wild Animals adventures in this award-winning series. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very entertaining! Great for all ages.
National Geographic has done a fabulous job of presenting information in a very fun, lively way. This video is full of amusing commentary by the narrator (the kids may not understand all the jokes, but as an adult I appreciate the cleverness). The songs are upbeat and enjoyable. The up-close film footage of the animals is excellent, as you would expect from National Geographic. No matter what your age, you will enjoy this video -- my two-year-old laughs while watching it and I find myself joining the kids on the couch to watch the fascinating animals of Australia.

great fun and full of information
This video includes excellent footage of Australia's amazing animal life: creatures you don't find anywhere else on earth. The songs are fabulous! I taught the Marsupial Rap to my first grade class and they loved it. Kangaroos, Frilled Lizards, Tazmanian Devils, and others will fascinate both adults and children. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Though Shakespeare is heralded as the world's most influential and admired writer, little is known about the man himself. That didn't stop A&E Biography from weaving together a substantial birth (in 1564) to death (in 1616) portrait from spotty documentation, historical accounts, and interpretations of the master's work itself. It won't give away all the video's surprises to reveal here that Shakespeare was born into privilege, started out as an actor, had an unhappy marriage to an older woman--in his will, he specifically left her only his "second best bed"--and survived the death of his only son, Hamlet. Many of his most complex works came about after the death of his son, including the play named after him. Before Shakespeare died (due to an illness borne of too much pickled herring), he penned perhaps the last thing he would ever write--his own epitaph. It reads, in part, "Blessed be the man that spares these stones and cursed be he that moves my bones." --Jennifer Vogel ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Maybe not.
After whetting our appetites with the observation that little is known about the man behind the plays, the A&E team provides a bland, surprisingly unengaging "5-act" biography of William Shakespeare. As the story proceeds, the producers rely more and more on quotations from the plays rather than on any "extrinsic" evidence. The result is a program that confirms what we already knew, or should have known, all along--the life of William Shakespeare is at best a mere footnote to the life of the plays themselves. Credit the producers for not indulging in this series' customary approach and sensationalizing the records (by claiming Shakepeare was really Queen Elizabeth, etc.). On the other hand, teachers and students of Shakespeare, as well as fans of the Bard, may find it difficult to justify an investment of money in a video this slight when, say, Olivier's "Henry V" or Branagh's "Much Ado About Nothing" are available at a comparable price.

Heads Up for High School Teachers
As a high school teacher, I found the visuals appealing and representative of the period in which Shakespeare lived. However, I ultimately decided against showing the video in class as it states without substantiation that Shakespeare was involved in a homosexual affair with his patron, the earl of Southampton. I suppose someone has taken the style of writing Shakespeare used in his encomiums to his patron as expressions of sexual ardor rather than the sycophantic flattery which was typical in an age when artistic types were looking for deep pockets to support their career. The Bard may have been "kissing up," as we would say nowadays, but it's doubtful it was in the sense the commentator used. I personally didn't feel it was worth opening that can of worms in our introductory lessons, but depending on one's purpose, others might choose otherwise.

Excellent for the time allotted
At the outset let me correct a typo in your own review -- Shakespeare's only son was named Hamnet (after a friend of the family) and not Hamlet, the title character of one of his more famous plays.

I am currently reading the three-volume set of sixty essays entitled "William Shakespeare -- His World, His Work, His Influence". The perspective this gives is that it is impossible to fully appreciate the individual and his efforts without a good feel for the environment in which he worked. That said, this video biography is, in my view, about as good a job as can be done in 50 minutes.

There is really more than enough material for a documentary series. Ken Burns, are you out there?

Shakespeare is a genius
Because of Shakespeare, I am Advanced Placement Literature. I have read all his works and enjoyed them thoroughly. This Bio of him, as with all the others on A&E, is wonderful. He is the best playwrite of the 17th century.

William Shakespear
William shakespear is one of the 20th century's greatest writers. Know world wide he is recognized for many great plays and many pieces of art. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Asian continent abounds in exotic animals from the large--giant pandas, elephants, and tigers--to the lower-profile-- macaques, sea snakes, and mudskippers. Balancing the real with the fantastical (dragons and unicorns), this 38-minute tape from National Geographic explores the rich tapestry of Asian wildlife. Narrator Spin--the animated planet Earth voiced by Dudley Moore--hops aboard a magic carpet and visits a variety of locations such as the South China Sea island of Tiga, where snakes gather to mate; Japan, where macaques (snow monkeys) lounge in hot springs during snowfall; and Borneo to fly through the trees with orangutans. While adults might get dizzy with the leaps and quick cuts, the spurts of information are designed to keep young minds attentive. And remember, the kids will watch these tapes repeatedly until they know each habit and habitat of these (really) wild animals. For preschool on up. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fun and educational
My two-year-old chose this from a shelf because it had a panda on it. I fully expected that she would be bored with a nature documentary, or disappointed that it wasn't really about pandas, but boy, was I surprised!

First, this isn't a documentary. It's a fast-paced, lively entertainment program that splices together lots of really good National Geographic footage with tongue-in-cheek narration and some pretty good music. It holds my daughter's interest even after repeated viewings, but it doesn't annoy the grownups. We actually enjoy watching it with her now and then.

Second, it manages to incorporate a meaningful amount of information without becoming a dry tutorial. Because of the quick pace, it doesn't get too deep into anything, but it covers the most important facts.

Third, and perhaps most important, they've managed to produce a show that doesn't include any inappropriate material. I fully expected my daughter (who is pretty sensitive to scary stuff) to be frightened by at least some aspects of the tape, but even the scenes with predators and sudden attacks are handled gently and without undue emphasis. The overall impression of the show is mild and pleasant.

And finally, although pandas are certainly not the focus of the show (maybe 10% of the entire time is spent on pandas), my daughter happily watches the whole thing, and refers to it as "the panda video."

So overall, I have to say I'm very pleasantly surprised. This turns out to be age-appropriate for even quite young toddlers. I have to add that I'm not sure all 2-year-olds would be as taken with it as my daughter was, but she has definitely enjoyed this and at least one other in this series (Deep Sea Dive). It provides a nice change of pace from The Wiggles and Winnie the Pooh. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In keeping with the enduring spirit of Frank McCourt's phenomenal bestseller Angela's Ashes, this hour-long documentary is literally a family affair. It's really a home movie, directed by Conor McCourt, the son of Frank's brother Malachy, that has been made public for the many fans of Frank's book and Malachy's own acclaimed memoir, A Monk Swimming. That the film has an amateurish quality in both sound and image only enhances its value as a personal document of primary importance to the McCourts themselves but equally interesting for anyone with a fondness for all things Irish. Through interviews and personal anecdotes, we quickly learn that the four surviving McCourt brothers (Frank, Malachy, Michael, and Alphonsus) are a stalwart bunch, having weathered a family history that is quintessentially Irish. Embittered by an uncaring Catholic church and by the absence of their irresponsible father, they lived with their hardy but chronically depressed mother with an equal blend of abject misery and joyful adventure. (At one point, a tearful Frank later describes this lifestyle as "suffering with good humor" when recalling the indomitable vitality of his neighbors in the town of Limerick.) They were "laners," so-called for their residence on the poverty-stricken lanes of Limerick, where your next meal was never guaranteed and the women known as "shawlies" (so named for their dark shawls) were forced to plead to justify their meager assistance payments.

Three of the seven McCourt children died while still very young--"sheer ignorance" being the cause of their preventable illness, according to Frank. Angela never fully recovered from the loss, and her husband's selfish disappearance into a life of perpetual youth left her to persevere as best she could. But The McCourts of Limerick is far from being a chronicle of sadness; indeed, humor is abundant throughout the film, and each of the brothers has a gift for telling wonderful stories from their eventful pasts. What emerges from this heartfelt, highly personal portrait is a sense of lives well lived, of deep, abiding love throughout the hardship and pain, and a rich appreciation for the kinds of people who, as Frank observes, were able to make "poetic statements about their plight." --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Closure
If you are Irish and have already read Angela's Ashes,you must see this video. I have almost become a McCourt Groupie and I really liked this documentry. The film answers some of the questions that I had when I read the book. Have a go at it db

A trip back in time to relive own my grandparents' triumphs!
"The McCourts of Limerick" is a no-holds-barred, raw, yet deeply personal journey back into the youths of the brothers McCourt. The film's cinematography and emotional sincerity made me feel as though I was actually walking hand-in-hand with my grandfather through the streets of his native village. The laughter, tears, sighs and grins of Frank, Malachy, Michael & Alphie remind viewers of how truly tragic the past century has been for the Irish as a community and how, through love and God-given humor, they have triumphed. The McCourt men are true messengers; Their lessons are both informative and entertaining. The film is a must-have for anyone seeking an understanding into the pain and suffering that drives their Irish ancestors to the point of unstoppable determination and benevolence. Long live the Irish gift for telling it like it is! Slainte!

A touching and humerous must-see.
This video provides a peek into the lives of brothers, authors, and story-tellers Frank, Malachy, Mike, and Alphie McCourt. They recount their childhood dreams and poverty-stricken reality in this 90 minute documentary directed and produced by Malachy's son Connor McCourt. This is an extrodinary video that leaves the viewer in tears from both the humorous and heart-breaking tale of four boys struggling in the lanes of Limerick with an dead-beat alcoholic father, a strong and noble mother, and the deaths of three siblings. This is a must-see for fans of Angela's Ashes and A Monk Swimming! ... Read more

Description

" His pacifist philosophy brought one of the world's great powers to itsknees.He proved that violence is not the only road to change. Mahatma Gandhi's lifewas a study in contrast and paradox.He saw himself as doing God's work, yetrecognized only personal conscience as the highest authority.He was a charismaticleader of millions who confounded intellectuals.He took a vow of abstinence, but in oldage welcomed young women into his bed!BIOGRAPHY profiles the small man whotook a great nation on his shoulders and changed the world.Trace his rise to power andfearless campaign of truth, non-violence and non-cooperation with injustice that defeatedthe British Empire.Biographers offer insight into his surprising personal life, whilehistorians explore his remarkable accomplishments.Hear from his grandson, ArunGandhi, and, in a rare interview, the Dalai Lama reflects on Gandhi's incredible life andenduring legacy. From the formation of his philosophy to changing the face of the world,this is the complete saga of the Pilgrim of Peace Mahatma Gandhi." ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Reveals the Mahatma for the human being he was
I enjoyed BIOGRAPHY - MAHATMA GANDHI because it shows Gandhi in both his greatness and his humanness. I believe that Gandhi's legacy is best preserved by remembering that he was, after all, only human. The sense I got from viewing this documentary is that the liberation of India from the British empire was just one aspect of Gandhi's quest for truth, almost an outgrowth of his inner spiritual battles. I don't think he set out to be "the Mahatma." He even writes in his autobiography THE STORY OF MY EXPERIMENTS WITH TRUTH that the title "Mahatma" (meaning "great soul") often caused him pain because he didn't want to be seen as above others in stature or spiritual enlightenment.

There are several people interviewed in BIOGRAPHY - MAHATMA GANDHI, reporters, biographers, politicians, even the Dalai Lama provides some brief comments (he mentions that deep conviction is necessary in order to maintain a nonviolent movement). But the two interviews that make the strongest impact are those with Arun Gandhi, Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and founder of the "M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence" headquartered in Memphis, TN., and Lady Pamela Hicks, daughter of Earl Mountbatten (the last Viceroy of India). Both Arun Gandhi and Lady Pamela Hicks comment on something the Mahatma is not often known for: a sense of humor. Hicks says that his humor was almost "wicked," and Arun comments that the Mahatma got a good laugh out of the fact that some reporters made fun of him for supposedly looking like a monkey. "'Here's your monkey,' Grandfather would say."

Disappointing -- Other Gandhi Material is Much Better
I consider myself a serious student of the life of Mahatma Gandhi, and to some extent, a formal researcher... I loved Attenborough's movie -- though sentimental in spots, I believe it captured the essence of Gandhi, based on everything else I have studied about him. This documentary seemed a bit obsessed with the "journalistic" need to balance out their overview of Gandhi by outlining semi-deprecating hearsay alongside accolades. Gandhi wasn't perfect -- but please, be sure your facts are straight when reporting! For instance, Gandhi is alleged to have "slept naked with young Hindu girls" later in life to test his commitment to celibacy. Personally, I don't care who or what Gandhi slept (or whatever) with, or didn't (and I believe it was "didn't", per his celibacy vow), so I don't see this as a "slur" per se -- it's just as far as I know, it's simply inaccurate. In several other well-known volumes on Gandhi, his true nature of complete asexuality was expressed both by himself and close associates, and based on his entire life, it's unlikely he would "test" himself in this manner. Still, if you are unfamiliar with Gandhi, this could be a good introduction -- but again, I recommend the movie by Attenborough as being much better, and ironically (for a studio release) more accurate!!

A classic of its time!
This film on Gandhi's life is a classic. Mr Attenborough did a fantastic job in bring this 'documentary' to the screen. Ben Kingsley who plays 'Gandhi' could not have been a better choice. A story that span from South Africa to the vast sub-continent of India has some very panoramic sweeping views. If you want to understand India and its people under the Raj, this is a good starting place. The re-creation of the funeral procession was no small feat. I will strongly recommend FBIs (foreign born Indians) to view this view this film to get some understanding of their heritage.

Very Inspirational
I viewed this movie as a requirement in my "world studies" class during our unit on British Imperialism. The on-screen representation of Gandhi's personality gave me a finer insight into his motivations and background. One particular element to the story I found fulfilling was the display of younger Gandhi as an educated "British" lawyer. His change in identity was very well portrayed as he grew closer to his people. This video was an absolutely excellent supplement to my studies on Gandhi and imperialism. Gandhi's political success was an awesome sight to see portrayed. The manner in which such a frail old man as Gandhi overpowers an entire empire is nearly miraculous, and his attempts at unifying a very religiously diverse India are noble. Gandhi proved to the world that violence is an unnecessary element to "fighting" for change, and that non-violence can be even more effective. It is not hard to tell why people such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez, both leaders in civil rights movements, were inspired by the achievements of Gandhi, and modeled their political activism after his non-violent model. I felt that this movie exquisitely portrayed Gandhi's persona, his aspirations, and his accomplishments. I very strongly recommend this film to anyone who wants to know more about Gandhi, and anyone who would like to vicariously witness the spectacular accomplishments of one of the greatest persons in history.

TRUTH'S PENETRATING LIGHT
Frail, brown skinned and dressed in a simple loin cloth, who is this man that broke the yoke of British colonialism and inspired a warrior of non-violence, Martin Luther King, Jr.? We know him as Mahatma Gandhi, Truth's Penetrating Light in a world of darkness. But he was more than that as is shown in this documentary of his life.

Gandhi was by no means a genius but grew up as a boy filled with ego and selfishness as all young people. There wasn't anything remarkable about him as he followed the normal course of an Indian man and British Colonial subject. A move to South Africa and a spiritual experience coupled with political action did some things to this young householder.

On his return to India, Gandhi became a force to be confronted. His power didn't come through an army or pure political actions but through spiritual enlightenment. It is this power of Gandhi which impacts all of India.

I enjoyed this chronicle because it shows a man who wasn't perfect but was willing to experiment with his life to achieve oneness with God and at the same time freeing his people. You see a Gandhi with all of the faults of men but also his work in overcoming those pieces of him that got in the way. His story is the story of India and cleary shows might doesn't make right. What is mistakenly perceived as weakness (spirituality) is indeed a strength. Join with Gandhi in his experiment with truth and see how the forces of evil can be subdued by Love. ... Read more

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If this video's female-run pride of 30 lions were guests on a talk show, the audience would spend the entire 60 minutes chanting "You go, girls!" Lion life is dysfunctional enough to make most people feel pretty good about their situations. First, the males have deserted the pride to start new ones with younger lionesses. Secondly, as the pack roams the jungle in search of game, the females have to fend off rogue males who want to take over. The males are shunned because: a) they'll kill the cubs of other males, and b) they'll grab the lionesses' kills for themselves. More functional animals get some airtime, too. Baboon parents try to get the kids to sleep; male and female tree frogs lay frothy egg bubbles together. But it's hard to compete with the drama of those queens--and a few kings-in-training--of the jungle as they growl and claw at each other over a wildebeest carcass, while narrator Richard Kiley informs us that "by the end of such a meal most of the pride will have at least one small injury." Still, it's heartwarming to see that after the meat is devoured the lions mend fences by licking each other's wounds. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not so much 'Lions' as 'African Night'
This 1987 video follows an unusually large pride of 30 lionesses and cubs in Kruger National Park in South Africa. That said, only about 10-15 minutes of this 60 minute video actually show lion footage - and that footage is not terribly exciting.

The remaining three quarters of the video are worthwhile for a nature lover, if not for a lion lover - they cover mostly smaller creatures that one normally wouldn't think of making a video for. Memorable scenes include a small snake that catches and swallows a centipede larger than itself and a spider catching a frog.

If you're specifically looking for lions, though - especially if you want to see them in action as well as in their more common poses of relaxation - I would instead recommend one of the videos of Derek and Beverly Joubert, also from National Geographic. These include 'Lions of Darkness', as well as my personal favorite, 'Eternal Enemies: Lions and Hyenas', which despite the hyena on the cover has more about lions than hyenas. There should be links to both in the 'recommendations' above.

Could be better
This video's title is a little misleading. The video is not only about lions but other creatures of African night. It has interesting footage but a weak story. If you are interested in seeing a great lion documentary from the same region, watch "Lions of Darkness" instead. ... Read more

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This is a well-made documentary with excellent footage, a complementary musical score, and a well-organized narrative that gives viewers a full portrait of a woman who, in 1960, went alone into the heart of Africa at the age of 26 and remained there for decades studying chimpanzees.

Louis Leakey chose Goodall's vocation for her. As his secretary she did not think she had the proper qualifications to study chimps, but he knew otherwise. He sent her to Gombe National Park in Tanzania. The details of Goodall's life given in this video describe not only why Goodall chose such an unusual life but how she has been able to do it, giving the viewer a reason to care about her and in turn about the chimps.

By observing the chimp societies for three decades, she discovered that they used tools, and though she originally thought they were more gentle than humans, she learned they had a dark side too. In 1975 four of her students were kidnapped by armed rebels from Zaire and were held for 10 weeks. Goodall was harshly criticized for caring more about her research than about her students. Confronting the controversy on film makes for fascinating dialogue as Goodall defends herself.

In Jane Goodall: My Life with the Chimpanzees, viewers will learn as much about this incredibly outspoken woman as about the chimps. Her crusade to save them in the wild (at the time of the filming there were only 160 chimps left in Gombe National Park) is extremely important, as is her campaign to improve the situations of chimps in zoos or in laboratories living in horrible conditions. A visit to the chimp cages in a U.S. lab is done with utmost taste but is still mind-blowing. With a smile and mimicking a chimp's hello, Goodall gently forces us all to question the ethics of animal testing. --Cristina Del Sesto ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wowiee!
I recently saw this video in my science class, and really loved it. Jane Goodall is my role model, yet I belive that everybody would enjoy this biography about a remarkable woman. I know I did. Also, if this video intrests you, try Reason for hope: a spirtual journey by Jane Goodall! ENJOY! ... Read more

Description

For almost a century their fabled dynasty and tragic fate has beenenveloped in myth and surrounded by mystery.Now, with the opening of the formerSoviet Union, the true story of Nicholas and Alexandra can be told.This groundbreakingproduction, filmed on location throughout the former Soviet Union and Europe, presentsa treasure trove of information and documents that have been kept secret for decades. Intimate diaries, letters and personal effects from the once-sealed imperial archives tellthe astonishing story of the Romanovs' reign.Chilling eyewitness accounts, testimonyfrom executioners, and a somber exhumation finally put to rest the enigma of theirdynasty's horrifying end.Stunning, fact-filled and grand, this is the ultimate chronicle ofa romance that changed the world. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Powerful video of one of histories greatest stories
This was a wonderful film, it almost didn't feel like a documentry at all, but a real cinematic film. It is rich with the families private family videos and diary entries sharing their story through their point of view. There are also many videos of the 300th year anniversary of the Romanov Dynasty,and the powerful Russian music that accompanies them is a really nice touch. The film does not dab that much into political affairs but stays on the path of their family life which most people are truly fascinated with anyway. This film presents everything including their begining, their rule, war, imprisonment, death, and even their suspected remains found in siberia with great detail. If your are interested with this great family and how they lived and died than this film is for you.

The most tragic love affair in history
The last czar of all the Russians was a most reluctant monarch, assuming the throne before he was ready and at a time when the contradictory forces were too powerful for such an absolute monarchy to survive. Despite its' vastness and backwardness, Russia was a great industrial power as the twentieth century arrived, and the strains felt in Europe were also pressing on it. This would have probably been enough to topple even the most forceful of men, but the last of the ruling Romanovs was not a strong personality.
Unlike so many other monarchs, his relationship with his wife was a true love affair, which ironically proved to be part of his undoing. Had he paid less attention to her, it is more likely that he would have physically survived, and perhaps even as a ruler with vastly truncated power.
The particulars of that love affair are a point of emphasis in this tape, with a great deal of quoting from their letters. In contrast to others who have ruled the Russians, Nicholas comes across as a romantic fluff, more capable and comfortable in professing love and devotion than in making the decisions that determined the lives and deaths of millions. From this tape, you learn the details of their relationship, the manner of their death and how their final resting place was discovered a half-century later.
While historically accurate, there are some points where greater explanation should have occurred. The establishment of the Duma in 1905 is mentioned, but not one word of the disastrous war with Japan appears. Given that this was the impetus for the creation of the legislative body, such an omission is a glaring one. A second point that should have been mentioned was the assassination of Pyotr Stolypin, the reformist minister who was trying to modernize Russian society and was killed for his efforts.
I was also impressed with the description of Rasputin, the monk who held such power over the Empress in their last years. He is often put forward as an evil manipulator, when he was in fact just another faith healer who managed to gain the confidence of a powerful person desperate for a cure for an incurable disease. Blaming the givers of bad advice is not the way to justify the fact that the rulers used it when they should have known better.
During my last visit to the Soviet Union, it was visibly coming apart and one of the members of my delegation asked the question, "Will the Russian people ever forgive Lenin?" The forces that led to his rise and decades of brutal government were centuries in the making, but those with the last chance to avoid it were Nicholas and Alexandra. This is the story of their life together, pointing out the irony that love interests and ruling interests are often incompatible.

a glimpse of their Imperial Highnesses persons...
If you are a Romanov fanatic this movie is a must for you!! It is very touching, excellent narration, this movie has captured moments that you won't find anywhere else.

A love story more than a history.
Nicholas and Alexandra tends to romanticize the Romanov dynasty to some extent; it particularly focuses on the personal relationship between Nicholas and Alexandra and, at times, glosses over his historical malice and ineptitude, which unfortunately resulted in the even-more malicious and inept "reign" of the Bolsheviks. The final portrait of the Romanovs with which this video leaves us is one of two incompetent, but well-meaning and earnest rulers. The many films included are very interesting to watch, and the murder of the Romanov family is handled well. If you are interested in the Romanovs as individuals rather than as historical figures, then you will enjoy this... but if you are more interested in such details as their complicity in Bloody Sunday, the Tsarina's Lady Macbeth complex, and the Tsar's collaboration with the anti-Semite Black Hundreds organization, then this video will leave you feeling as though Nicholas and Alexandra's numerous faults have been minimized for the sake of romantic nostalgia.

Very Moving!
As a collector of Romanoff items, I found this video well documented. This is a must for your Romanoff collection. ... Read more

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Mother Teresa became such a saintly icon during her lifetime that many people forgot she was a flesh-and-blood human. But this particularly well done A&E Biography segment examines the temporal reality as well as the good works of the nun who devoted her life to the poorest of the world's poor. The video traces her life from her birth in Macedonia in 1910 to her death--forever entwined with that of Princess Diana--in September 1997, as well as all the milestones in between: her unwavering devotion, even as a child; her founding of the Missionaries of Charity; her work among the castoffs in India's worst slums; and her Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Interviews with many who worked with her help round out the familiar images--Mother Teresa caressing a dying child; Mother Teresa lecturing a spellbound UN Assembly; Mother Teresa visiting with virtually every contemporary head of state. In the end, the segment underscores how much prayer and utter devotion to God were Mother Teresa's guiding forces, and how the rest of her life's work were merely earthly manifestations of them. It's not surprising that thousands of young women have flocked to Mother Teresa's Spartan order while other orders are dwindling--sources of true inspiration are hard to come by in this day and age, but Mother Teresa is the genuine article. --Anne Hurley ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not A Review But A Warning
I realize this will fall on deaf ears and hearts. I realize that most people in this country revere Mother Teresa. She had many good things to say. But she also had many many more awful statements, and actions.
My suggestion to all those interested in reading/learning about Mother Teresa is to read EVERYTHING that you can, which would include the criticisms of her work and the way she ran her order and operation in India. Read Christopher Hitchins' work, The Missionary Position. Read what former members of her order, like Susan Shields, have to say about their experiences. Read about the enormous amounts of money that were donated to help the poor, but have not been used at all, and are sheltered from the demanding eyes of the Indian government. Read about her support of the Haitian dictator, Duvalier. Read about sisters in Haiti forced to re-use needles until they were blunt, and the pain that caused their patients. How could such a stance possibly be fulfilling the will of a God of love? Read about her double standard regarding divorce (OK for Princess Diana, not OK for a regular woman in Ireland or elsewhere).
I am a Catholic, and am very distressed that our current pope eliminated the role of the "Devil's Advocate" in the canonization process. The more I learn and read, the more I am convinced Mother Teresa was neither a saint, nor was a she a friend to the poor in Calcutta and elsewhere.
Just READ.

Thorough & Touching Tribute
An excellent example of Biography when the program focused on challenging and intriguing lives - rather than 70s TV stars. This episode comes from a time when Biography was committed to thoughtful and revealing glimpses into the lives of women and men who slowly changed the world for the better. The production offers numerous interviews of Mother Teresa's contemporaries and fascinating video clips of the woman, both in her labors for the poor and among the world's powerful. Her unique spirit shines through, including moments when her overwhelming personality was perhaps not easy to take but was still admirably, relentlessly dedicated to her worthy cause. She was a personal hero of my fiance, Sidelle Rimbaud, who patterned many of her life decisions after Mother Teresa's example of self-sacrifice, and ultimately died in the line of duty. Because of this, I watched the program and was rewarded with a view of one of humanity's most noble spirits. David R. Bannon, Ph.D.; author "Race Against Evil."

A Powerful Spiritual Experience
This is one of the Biography series best. Although it is not up to date, the video is a powerful document of Mother Teresa's life. The interviews with many of her associates within and outside the Catholic Church add a great deal of insight into her work. It shows clips of her speech after winning the Nobel Peace Prize, and the passion she felt over the issue of abortion.
The entire video has a great spiritual air about it, and leaves one feeling that they know a little more about such a great woman.

Summary of Tape
This is a fantastic look at Mother, but it does not cover her passing as another reviewer wrote. It is the old Biography that was released while she was alive and simply repackaged for current sales. The actual video is not up to date. Hopefully the folks at Biography will complete the job soon. If you don't already have this tape it's a definite buy. ... Read more

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The astonishing footage and poetic narrative that National Geographic isknown for bring pure drama to a slice of African history. Filmmakers follow Botswana's Savuti Channel for seven years at it is dries up, causinghippopotamuses, elephants, and