Description

In the tradition of best selling reality-based programs Cops, Caught On Camera and Incredible Rescues, AIR DISASTERS combines gripping visuals and powerful information. Actual videos of airplane crashes captures the terror and destruction caused when things go wrong in the sky. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Brit Pomposity at its...er...Worst
Lots of dramatic images, just watch it muted. The narrative is merely one long whine, and more often than not misstates details. Shows numerous clips with no explanation or description given. VERY short on details, long on opinion.

Up-to-date and breathtaking clips
A very good video concerning the clips, including military and air shows. I was pleased to see even the current prototypes like the F-22 and the Grippen, which all seemed to have some trouble.
Seeing as most air enthusiasts understand to some extent the causes of air accidents I was pleased to see the actuel errors and causes that make air accidents so terrifying.

I would suggest this video as it shows a great extent of current planes and also the price is very appealing.

Deorganized video
I just bought this one because it was on sale. I do not recommend it because it is VERY deorganized in all aspects of the video. There are many minutes without explanation, there is not a "script" or something. Sometimes you don't know what they are talking about, and I gopt sick of seeing all the times the same footage without comments nor explanation.

Don't waste your money. It is not worth it.

Regards, Alex

I have seen better
The video Air Disasters is not bad for the price, however the more serious Aviation Enthusiast will catch the subtle factual errors through out video. There is good footage though, some I have not seen before. If I may reccomend the Survival in the Skies video box set also offered here at Amazon.com as an addition or alternative choice. This video series produced by TLC is rather accurate and very imformative!!

WOAH!
There is some footage in this tape that will boggle your mind. While it does not have blood and bodies, some of the crashes and collissions will have you ducking in your seat! ... Read more

Description

Join a grueling expedition to recover this rare plane from the North Pole after 50 years, a trip which tests team members in ways they never imagined. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not just for aviation buffs
My husband and I first saw this documentary when it was originally broadcast on PBS years ago. It has remained vividly in our memories ever since. The human story here is so much greater than just the aircraft. I've shared this with people who know nothing about aviation and they have been moved by the people and their mission. This is our favourite Nova episode ... wonderful to see it available on VHS. A DVD version with extra footage and interviews would be really special!

What a documentary
"B-29: Frozen in Time" is a great, great story. But why? Being an aviation buff, I would obviously be partial. However, this story can appeal to many more people. It is more than just your average, "boring" feature. It's a story of adventure, of risks and shows that even the best of plans can go awry. It is also very bold and involves people who may be perfectly sane or who may be half-nuts (Some spoilers).

The story revolves around a B-29 bomber named "The Kee Bird". In 1947, this plane crash-landed in the Arctic Circle. The crew survived and were rescued days later. But the plane was abandoned, lost but not forgotten. Though it was known where it was, no body attempted any recovery. It would be too risky and expensive and would require an eccentric and bold risk taker. However, one person could do it. Meet Darryl Greenamyer.

A former test pilot, Greenamyer flew the U-2 and SR-71 aircraft for Lockheed. In the 1970's, he built an F-104 Starfighter jet from scrap and set a low altitude speed record. The plane that will be used for shuttle flights on this mission will be another of his wonders: A Caribou transport. After the Caribou and the team arrives, the documentary goes into a brief flashback about the Kee Bird's last flight. The jubilance the modern day crew feels far contrasts to what the original people there felt. Two crewmembers are interviewed, providing details about how it felt afterwards as they waited for help. During their interviews, we see footage of the plane's interior and archive footage taken after the crash.

Greenamyer and his team were trying to beat the clock and thus took many risks. The first one, when the tires lose air from falling off, is to use propane to refuel them. The second is to fly in a bulldozer, even though it is dangerously overweight. Also, as the weather worsens around the site, the decision to try to keep shuttle flights going to Thule Air Force Base.

As the video goes, the team members go through many different feelings and emotions and ours also change with them. We feel the frustration Darryl is facing as work proceeds slowly. We marvel at how backbreaking the work is in this inhospitable region. We cheer for them when they succeed in getting the engines roaring and are saddened at the death of a team member. But even he is daring and fool hardy, Darryl knows when he is beat and wisely decides to leave the location and the B-29 before conditions worsen.

Nine months later, however, he returns to get the bomber out of there. The bulk of the work was done last year, but the team is still kept busy. They battle constant oil leaks and have to keep the engines warmed in order to get the lane out of there. Success seems to be in there reach. But the fates have other plans, it seems.

The ending always brings me to tears. What is so tragic about it was that, essentially, it was finished. It would have flown. However, the attitude of the team members reflects differently. They have been through this stuff before and are willing to do it again. Even though all the money, planning and manpower has been wasted and there is nothing but debts to show, Darryl states at the end "This is my game and I'd do it again".

If you are still one of those who thinks documentaries are boring, you need to watch this inspiring, entertaining and educational program.

Top Notch NOVA story of a B29 lost to the world. Maybe.
B29 Frozen in Time tells the story of a B29 landed on the Greenland Ice cap after running out of fuel in a storm. The aircraft was rediscovered after almost 50 years and thus begins the story of it's recovery. A small group of dedicated aircraft lovers took on the daunting task of replacing the aircraft engines, propellers and repairing other damage caused in the crash landing and by nearly fifty years of weather. Working under the worst conditions on earth they did the job. The movie tells the story of the people involved, you get to know them on a personel level, you laugh when they succeed and cry when they fail. The move is a real 5 star NOVA classic, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. If you love WWII era airplanes this is a must see film. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Great Film
This is one of my favorite films. I watched it after I started riding dirt bikes, however, I can understand how it would have inspired many people people to start riding motorcycles. In all of his films, Bruce Brown has the unique ability to portray that "you shoulda been there" feeling. Never in my life have I wanted to travel back in time more than when I watched this movie. I can only imagine what it would have been like racing across the SoCal desert atop a 500cc Husqvarna, riding right next to Steve McQueen. Buy this DVD.

On Any Sunday - A movie that can be enjoyed by anyone!
On Any Sunday is an outstanding effort by Burce Brown. It combines motorcycle action, humor and an indepth look at the exciting and sometimes dangerous world of professional motorcycle racing. Having recently seen it again for the first time in almost 30 years, I was inspired to write a letter to Mert Lawwill thanking him for some wonderful memories of my own dirt bike riding days and the Harley I owned. In turn, he wrote me back and included an autographed copy of him hanging it out sideways on a flat track in his hay day. What a great deal. My wife even enjoyed it enough to watch it with my twice in the two days we rented it. Rent it, buy it, watch it. You'll enjoy it!

Wow.
This movie needs no explaination. Easily one of the greatest movies about a sport of all time. BUY THIS MOVIE!

A bit out-dated, but still packs good info.
This is a good video by Bruce Brown Films. I Purchased this because I was allready getting into motorcycles and recently purchased a Honda Shadow. Music was a bit out-dated, but strangely enough, I now hum some of the musical themes from the movie. (Very Carpenderish type 70's music). I enjoyed the movie and found myself replaying it over 10 times and it is always nice to come back to it again. I especially liked the last bit at the end where all three bikers are riding around what appears to be a desert area near the coast of California. The music meshed nicely with this part and that old Hammond B3 Organ. The video is a good history account of racing in late 60's early 70's. The theme of the movie appears to be that Motorcycles are both fun and dangerous, and shows the variety of racing approaches to the sport.

Ohhh! Can't wait to get on a bike
That's what I was thinking as I watched this movie. Sure, the music is corny, but the footage is fantastic! It had me itching to get my bikes out of the garage. The movie awakens that urge to compete! A really superb film-if you love motorcycles, then you'll love this! (Just don't watch it when you can't ride, I did and had spring fever big time from it!) ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fabulous video; instrumental in making a dream vacation!
Saw this video on PBS and knew immediately I had to take a trip on this beautiful train. The trip from Denver, CO to Portland, OR was sold out far in advance but other wonderful trips were offered. I chose the Pacific Coast Explorer from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles and the trip exceeded my expectations. The train is so beautifully restored and the gourmet food is superb! The train is a destination in itself.

There is only one thing better than viewing this video...
There is only one thing better than viewing this video... ...actually taking the train trip. My husband and I viewed the show on PBS not once but twice. We could not get the show out of our minds and made reservations for this particular trip (there are a number of different ones). Everyone I spoke to (116 aboard this fall of 1999) who made the journey had first seen this video before planning to take the tour.

Even if you cannot take the actual trip, buy the video and take an imaginary journey across the Rockies and into some of the most spectacular scenery you can ever imagine. Colorado Monument, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Columbia River Gorge in Portland, Oregon, are some of the sites you will view while you relax and dine on gourmet food.

One of the most romantic escapes you could ever dream of. It is a smorgasbord of sensory and gastronomical delights. The friendly train crew anticipates and takes care of your every need before you realize you have them.

This has to be one of the best travel videos ever produced. I am ordering one so I can revisit this fantastic trip any time I feel like having a great escape.

Magnificant!
Saw this program on PBS last month. Have to have the video. (Can't wait for it to be delivered). The views, the train, everything seems so romantic. A must go trip. Sold out for 1999. I can't stop obsessing over this video!

Once is not enough!
I came home from work and 'happened upon' this video on PBA. I was instantly fascinated by it all; the views , the history, the movement..both of the train and the story..I didn't want it to end, just like some of the the "real,live" passengers didn't want their journey to end. I quickly made a couple of decisions...firstly, to get my own copy of the video(done!) and secondly,to get on that train and go there someday. In short, it is a romantic, believable,luxurious,educational, inspiring adventure..for those who have been and want to go again, as well as for those(like me) who have yet to go there. By the way,If I only get this video as a travel vehicle, that might just be enough! So,put on something comfy,get your favorite beverage,turn off the phone..and have a wonderful trip! ... Read more

Description

Strap in for a high-altitude, history-making adventure and experiencethe thrill, precision and aerial artistry of the Blue Angels.Host Dennis Quaid (The RightStuff) opens the cockpit on this legendary squadron as they take off on their firstEuropean tour in 20 years.Soar above Russia, where MIG fighters intercept and escortthe Blue Angels the first U.S. Military flight demo team ever to appear in the formerenemy's skies.Trace the illustrious history of the Angels through incredible archivalfootage of their greatest performances through the years, and meet the men who madeaviation history as the most-celebrated stunt fliers in the world.And climb aboard an F- 18 Hornet to ride for the ride of a lifetime. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Working together for excellence
After seeing this video, I came to realize how important communication is. When you are flying within 36 inches of each other, it is a must. I also saw how much saying I was wrong and I will do better the next time is critical to staying alive. These men are men of excellence and the flying was awesome and the oneness exhibited was awe inspiring.

great for all ages
My 2 year-old and I have watched this together at least 100 times, and we love it. I'm a pilot; he loves airplanes. As a former coxswain on the US Rowing Team, I was struck how much the emphasis on teamwork and the training routines had in common with the rowing community. Watching this video made me want to give it to friends training for the 2000 Olympics, it reminds me so much of them. I recommended it to coworkers. The video and its world tour captures the optimistic feeling of universal brotherhood that reigned immediately following the end of the Cold War. You'll tap your feet to the music. The flying sequences are beautiful. You come away from this with boundless admiration for the pilots, the maintenance crews, the families, the airplanes and the whole program. For anyone associated with naval aviation especially, this video would be an endless daydream of heaven.

Excellent
This video allows you to get a never-before seen inside look into the selection process and show-life of the "Blue Angels"flight demonstration team; and it makes me proud to have come from a "Navy" family.

An outstanding, in-depth look at America's premier pilots.
This video does an outstanding job of showing you what it is like to BE a Blue Angel - whether you are a Blue Angel pilot or ground crew. It is a must see for anyone interested in military demonstration teams.

A truly GREAT aviation documentary!
This was one of the best documentaries that I've ever seen on the Blues. While other videos only concentrate on the flying scenes (don't worry, this has PLENTY of them) this video shows what the WHOLE team goes through to make the show work. Everything is covered, from the pilots, to ops and the techs who keep the planes in the air.

So many people get on planes every day and watch planes fly... Yet they don't think about what it takes to keep those planes in the air! As a aviation professional, I enjoyed seeing credit go to the the men and women who keep the Blue Jets flying! ... Read more

Description

Railroad enthusiasts everywhere will love this brilliant documentary on the six years of harsh labor, searing heat, Indian attacks and frontier lawlessness that led to the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. May 10, 1889 marked a turning point in the settling of the American West as the Union Pacific building from the East, finally met the Central Pacific as it built from the West. This extraordinary engineering feat still stands as one of the most remarkable the United States has ever known. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A chronicle of hard men completing a hard job
While so much is made of the North-South division that led to a civil war, in the late 1850's the United States was actually three separate entities. The third region was the West Coast, with California admitted to the union in 1850 and Oregon in 1859. There were three ways to travel from the eastern section to the western section and each was very difficult. The "easiest" was to travel by ship around the southern tip of South America, navigating the dangerous Cape Horn. Stormy at the best of times, winter weather made transit almost impossible. However, this was the only way bulk cargo could be transported from one coast to another. A shorter, but far more arduous route was to take a ship to Panama, cross the Panamanian isthmus and then take another ship the remainder of the journey. Although the land route was less than 100 miles, the tropical heat and diseases made this route the worst of the three. The shortest route was over land, but the harsh climate, hostile Indians and rugged mountains also made this difficult. Given all of these problems, then clearly the west coast would not be linked to the remainder of the country until there was a fast, efficient way to move people and cargo from one region to another. Therefore, it is impossible to overstate the value of the transcontinental railroad to the growth of the nation.
Constructing the railroad was an incredible feat of engineering, one of the greatest of the nineteenth century. On the tape, it is compared to the Suez canal, but in my opinion, the level of difficulty of the railroad dwarfs that of the Suez canal. The builders of the railroad literally had to move mountains in order to make way for the tracks. Enormous bridges had to be constructed over deep valleys and tunnels had to be blasted through some of the steepest mountains. And all of this had to be done for thousands of miles.
From the tape, you learn about all of these difficulties and come to appreciate how talented the engineers were who put it together. They were forced to solve problems no one had ever encountered before, and they accomplished it without a great deal of mechanized labor. I had always known that constructing the railroad was hard, but until I watched the tape, I never realized how formidable the challenges were. The men who did the physical labor to build it were clearly some of the toughest that you will ever find anywhere.
The transcontinental railroad united the country more than any war could ever do. For the first time, people and goods could move from one coast to the other in a matter of days, and they could now be united into an economic entity as well as a political one. Once the last spike was driven into the wood, the United States became a world power, with the ability to quickly project power over the entire continent. Second only to the civil war in terms of significance in the history of America in the nineteenth century, the building of the railroad should be emphasized more. Watching this tape will convince you of that. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Sceninc Train Ride
This 2-tape set features "Anchorage to Seward" and "Anchorage to Fairbanks." It is often shown on PBS stations, but the ordering information at the end of the program is incorrect -- it is no longer available through Acorn Media.
This is an excellent tour of Alaska's interior, showing history, current life, and how important the railroad still is. An aerial visit to Kenai Fjords National Park, and a memorable visit to Denali National Park are depicted. Brief bios of each conductor on the train are included, one being the youngest conductor ever chosen at the time the video was made, another serving the railroad for 30+ years, as well as being an excellent photographer.
Each time I watch these videos, I'd like to take the train ride! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Depressing, Somewhat Critical Look At The Beetle
Everyone who is a fan of the VW Beetle knows of its Nazi sponsored origins. This video explores this aspect of VW history further. The most amazing thing is that it criticizes VW for not being fully willing to put its horrid origins on display and tell people of the horrible events in the Nazi controlled factory during WWII. VW, for its part, would rather focus on the Beetle's role in putting Germany back on the map, and giving people all over the world a chance to own a car at a time when few could. This video is NOT a history of the Beetle, it is a expose on the car's Nazi origins. And it's subtitle (seen only on the screen) "Heil Herbie" is a bit tasteless and unnecessary.

Great info
This tells a very good story on the history of the car. Just wish it had a longer run time.

History Of The Volkswagen
This video is for Beetle owners who are interested in more than bright colors and chrome. Its the story of the Volkswagen Beetle, from Hitler's "Peoples Car" to Americas Love Bug. ... Read more

Amazon.com

From riding the rails atop a luggage rack through the mountains ofEcuador to enjoying a gourmet meal aboard the Lalique-laden Orient Express,this potpourri of train travel is bound to satisfy train buffs. The 57-minute National Geographic video opens with a segment on riding and working on old steam engines. There's a visit to a Montecito, California, property where grownups sitin miniature steam-engine cars and ride a mile-long track. Later, narratorJames Whitmore takes viewers to Iowa to a celebration honoring hobos,especially the Hobo King, who calls himself "Steamboat." Then it's on to the notorious Donner Pass, where locomotives face the same trying weatherconditions that vanquished most of the Donner party so long ago. In between stories, there's lots of black-and-white photographs and footage of earlysteam engines, the building of the railroad, and early travel. Viewers aretreated to some of the more remarkable views in U.S. train travel as theengines make their way up steep inclines of the Rockies, pass unusual rockformations in the Southwest, or negotiate perilous stretches in crime-ridden urban areas. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must for train enthusiasts!
This video is a must for train buffs! It has everything a train enthusiast wants in a video: solid information coupled with stunning footage of some of the most interesting train runs in the world, as well as clips from "the good old days" of railroading. The video provides a good historical perspective of railroading and the advent of steam engines, moving along briskly to bring the viewer up to modern times. Because it was produced in the early 80's, some of the material may be a little dated, but a true rail fan won't be bothered by this aspect. The video is produced in the classic informative and easy-to-watch style which is the hallmark of National Geographic Videos. If you love trains, you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Description

The shocking details of the race for supersonic passenger travel are finally coming to light. The Soviets started years behind the Concorde, but their remarkably similar Soviet TU-144 (dubbed the Konkordski) was in the air first. This true tale of Cold War espionage reveals what really happened at the 1973 Paris air show, a supersonic competition between the planes, when the Konkordski went down in a fatal, fiery explosion, which was never fully explained by either the French or Soviets. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

NOT about the Dresden bombing
This is a good video, but DON'T be fooled by the title. The film has to do with the entire air campaign over Europe. The Dresden firebombing is discussed for a short time at the end of the movie. It is a good overview of the Allied air campaign, but I was disappointed when i didn't get a movie specifically about Dresden. ... Read more

Description

It's all here.From the days of the solid tire, chain drive trucks to the super rigs of today "Wheels of Change" tells the story of the men and machines that shaped America.Never before has this exciting story been told ... anywhere!Through rare film clips, amazing personal stories and dramatic recreations, you'll follow the epic adventure of trucks and truckers as they carve their way through a country of unpaved roads, carry the fight in WWII, and haul America into the 21st century.

If you love trucks, prepare yourself for a 90 minute layover.You'll see trucks of every description ... the early electrics ... the streamlined beauties of the late 30's ... the workhorses of the 50's ... and the powerful giants of today.Pop this video into your VCR and get set for the ride of your life!

The story of trucking is the story of America.Exciting.Entertaining.Powerful.Finally ... the great story is told. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Pleasant Viewing
America's Scenic Rail Journeys: The Canadian Rockies certainly makes a great impression. Its so relaxing to see such an unspoiled part of North America. The animals, mountains, and bright skyline are a real treat. Jasper National Park is so captivating. I just have to make it there someday.

A big plus are the persepctives from several people. The train conductors are so pleasant. They seem so unworried with trivial matters.

Anyway, this is a good overview for those who want to visit this breathtaking part of North America.

For children and families who love trains and nature
After watching this video about the route of the Skeena countless times, borrowing it two dozen times from the local library, I finally decided we had to buy our own copy. Our three year-old loves it, not just because of the beautiful scenery, mountains, glaciers, nice people, hiking, history, railroad bridges and tunnels, helicopter, seaplane and fishing boat... I think he also realizes that compared to the garbage on TV that must be so frightening to a small child, this video is pure delight, and he'd much rather we watch "the Skeena video," as he puts it, than anything else we grown-ups might put on the screen. Even though he pleads to see it over and over, I have to say I'm not tired of it, and I learn something new every time I watch it. And the more I watch it, the more I feel my three year-old has taught me something, that the time must come to turn off the TV, even the nice Skeena video, and head for a family vacation in the Canadian Rockies when the children are older. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A 2700-mile epic trip across the bottom end of Australia
Just as the U.S. has several Amtrak trains crossing the North American continent, and Canada's VIA Rail travels the length of that country, so Australia has its own transcontinental passenger train, the Indian Pacific. This train runs on a standard-gauge line (there are several gauges in Australia) running across the southern section between Sydney, New South Wales and Perth, Western Australia. A one-way trip is about 2,700 miles and takes four days. The train is pulled by two Australian-built EMD diesel clones; each has the cab of an E-unit with a cowl body like that of an FP45. There is even an autorack car for those who wish to take their autos with them (much like the AutoTrain in the eastern U.S.). Most Australian trains use American- style knuckle couplers.

Tape 1 (50 min.) Sydney to Adelaide

The westward trip begins at the train station in Sydney, with a few scenes of the city included. As the many passengers buy tickets and wait at the station, the locos and cars are washed and serviced. After the passengers board, the train leaves the station and passes through various neighborhoods in Sydney. On board the train, A conductor shows first-class passengers to their berths; people riding coach get just a seat. There are also views of the kitchen and pub cars. All throughout the show, people talk about their experiences on the train and about certain aspects of their lives.

Once out of Sydney, the train climbs up into the foothills of the Blue Mountains (also viewed from the air). The original line included the Great Zigzag, consisting of two widely-placed switchbacks. A retired engineer talks about steam operations through the mountains. A straighter bypass with several tunnels is now used for mainline operations, but the Zigzag is still used for steam excursions, one of which is shown briefly. The line's summit is at Katoomba, at 3,582 feet. Here, the Skyway tram and a steep cable car, originally used in mining operations, now entertain tourists.

Back on the Indian Express, chefs are busy preparing dinner as the train passes through wooded hills and through an unnamed town at sunset. After dinner, two musicians play an Irish jig on a guitar and an accordion as passengers dance. As passengers settle down for their first night's sleep, the train stops at the town of Parkes for a crew change. Parkes has several large radio telescope dishes for space research. Also shown at another time is the town's annual Elvis Presley festival where contestants do their best poor imitations of Elvis.

The line continues west across the plains. As the sky lightens, passengers wake up and get ready for breakfast. The train passes through Menindee without stopping, and crosses more dry scrubby plains, past several lakes, and across the Darling River. Wedge-tailed eagles are observed on a brief boat trip upriver. More tiny mining towns are passed on the dry red plains. A park ranger shows an old Aboriginal ceremonial place in low hills. The train stops in the major mining town of Broken Hill briefly; a vendor sells toy clowns on the street. At the town of Silverton is a small motel and pub; a former miner now does abstract paintings. The Express passes an ore train on the lonely plains; it is also shown in an aerial view. Now the land consists of grassy hills and flats bearing a striking resemblance to the interior hills of California. The train pulls into Adelaide, where some passengers detrain and others continue.

Tape 2 (50 min.) Adelaide to Perth

After passengers board and the Express leaves, several people take pictures of the train as it passes a park. The trip continues west through yet more dry plains as another dinner is prepared. Some views of the plains are seen from a lounge car. One man from Sydney is dressed in white Indian clothes and a red turban just for the enjoyment of it. The train goes through the town of Tarcoola at night, but we get to see it in daylight as well, with its community hall and pub. Out here, medical needs are met by the Flying Doctor Service; as the name implies, an airplane flies in with staff to treat people with infirmities. The next day dawns foggy and misty on the short, open forests of the red plains as breakfast is prepared and the train passes the town of Barton.

Now we come to the world's longest straight section of rail line, nearly 300 miles across the treeless Nullarbor Plain. This area is perfectly flat, with little more than grass and scrubby plants on an endless sea of red soil. The Express is viewed from the air, and passes a freight train on a siding. Here are shown old black -and- white films of gangs laying ties and rail using mules and an early tracklaying machine, and some of the first steam passenger trains through the area. The Express passes another freight and arrives at the tiny town of Cook, where passengers can walk around briefly. At the station is a large signboard saying "If you're crook, come to Cook"; "crook" means "sick," and the local hospital invites anyone to drop in for a checkup. A retired train "examiner" (inspector?) talks about living in Cook and raising a family in the middle of nowhere; everyone is safe and there's virtually no crime. As a thunderstorm flashes on the horizon, he takes a large jug and waters a tree he planted years ago and under which he wishes to be buried when he dies.

Back on the train, a woman and her grandson are returning to their home in Rawlinna. First, the train makes a mail drop in the town of Forrest. The couple who run the local airport exchange mailbags. They have adopted a young red kangaroo whose mother had been killed by a train; the 'roo is still fed by bottle. A brief side trip is made to the coast of the Great Australian Bight, where cliffs drop right into the ocean. Southern right whales breach the surface of the green waters, and several other Australian animals are shown.

The Express continues west across the Nullarbor and stops in Rawlinna, the location of an immense sheep "station" (ranch). The grandmother and grandson detrain and return to heir home on the station. Out here, a bush pilot has to find the sheep from the air. Once he spots a "mob" (flock), he radios to workers on motorbikes who round them up. A brief look at life on the station.

Finally the rails curve slightly as they leave the Nullarbor and enter open forests. Dinnertime again as the train passes through more forests. The driver (engineer) communicates on the radio and talks about running a train. At sunset the Express arrives at Kalgoorlie. A bus tour of the city is available; we see downtown storefronts and hotels as the driver points out attractions. Unfortunately the tour also includes a brothel; a female prostitute who used to be a man talks about her exploits. (That's all I'm going to say about that part!) The train arrives at Perth the next morning. There are many opportunities for beach recreation here; even the engineer decides to take a dip in the ocean. Here the show comes to a rather abrupt end.

Overall this show is interesting in most parts, although the night segments were not all that exciting. I would like to have seen more views of the countryside than the people on the train, and being a family man with conservative values, I think that the brothel segment could have been left out without detracting from the overall quality of the program. Also, a small foldout map would have been helpful; I had to consult an atlas for an overview of the route. No one show alone can do justice to the vast, fascinating Land Down Under, but there are a number of shows available focusing on a different aspect of Australia. "The Indian Pacific" is one of several videos in the "Great Australian Railway Journeys" series from Acorn Media; I haven't seen the other shows but I'm sure they're interesting, too.

=== Paul H! in AtasCal
Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 16:14:38 -0800

Indian Pacific Train
Loved the video's . The pair are terrific for a traveller planing to undertake such a down under experience. These tapes are making it possible for me to take a train ride in Australia that I probably would have missed out on, had I not purchased the videos. I would recomend the pair to anyone planing a trip to Australia. You get to experience the sights sounds and idea of the Western Australia without ever leaving your easy chair. Buy them! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Most Important artcar video- a must have!
Wild Wheels introduced the world to the concept of the Artcar. The last fronteer of free expression in the arts in america. In the artcar world anyone can join in and all will be admired and accepted. Take a look at the examples of artcar and art vehicle and you will find the possibilities are endless. The joy that artcars bring to the world is unbelievable. Once you have this one then find Harrod's other fine film Driving the Dream also sold here. These are great films to use when planning an artcar event. You can show them to develop inspiration and support. Once you have seen them you can find more about artcars by visiting the artcar epicenter or search for hutman artcars. Get this video today and experience a whole new world of creativity. You need not be an artist everyone is welcome! Conrad Bladey Artcar Artist Hutman Productions

Jack Kerouac meets Jackson Pollack on the American Road!
They say driving is a privilege, not a right. If you haven't seen this film, driving is neither privilege nor right. Driving is a bore! In "Wild Wheels," Harrod Blank takes the "auto" matic out of automobile for an hour of pure family fun! In this, his second film, filmmaker Blank explores a nation of eccentrics who, like himself, woke up one day driven toward making something new, colorful and personal out of their straight factory cars. At first glance, Blank's 1992 documentary film has a "don't do this at home, kids" kind of feel with Blank getting pulled over by the police for daring to be different behind the wheel. But in no time, Blank has made us forget traffic court and driven us far out across a land of rebel creative souls with cars the likes of which you have never imagined. From the Hippo Car and the Cow-asaki bovine motorcycle to the Wrought Iron VW Bug and the Grass Car, the 46 cars featured in "Wild Wheels" turn the classic icon on its head and make the freeway fun again. I loved this movie! It's the kind of film you can pop in and watch again and again over the years and it never gets old. Now translated into over 36 languages and seen by 45 million people worldwide, "Wild Wheels" is literally changing the way humanity views the automobile. Far from the sometimes frightening proposition of "driving while being different," more and more people are making art cars every year. For many, "Wild Wheels" is where it all began. ... Read more

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Greatest Female Pilot of all time!!
This is a superb A&E biography of the greatest female pilot f all time Amelia Earhart.It's a must see!! ... Read more

Description

From the Wright Brothers to supersonic flight, Chasing the Sun chronicles a century of aviation achievements that changed the world. These four one-hour documentaries, produced by KCET/Hollywood for public television, trace the often tumultuous 100 year history of commercial aviation. Blending archival material with original production footage and interviews, this is the tale of an industry advanced by daredevils and innovators, some who soared to dazzling accomplishments and others whose dreams crashed around them. ... Read more