Product Details

• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Acorn Media
• DVD Release Date: January 5, 2010
• Run Time: 178 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B002UJIY0W
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,394 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Originally airing on PBS, this "intimate tour of the Italian way of life" offers up a spectacular overview of Italy's beauty. Narrated by Paul Sorvino, this visual travelogue--filmed in high-definition--introduces you to the people and places that make Italy so unforgettable. From artistic treasures to charming shops, the program will let you travel the "Boot" like a local. Ciao! 178 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A cultural banquet you need add only wine, cheese, & baguette, November 29, 2009

By 

Harold Wolf "Doc" (Wells, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Brava Italia (DVD)

Close-up footage of artisans, fine artists, musicians, fishermen, bakers, Alps herders, wine makers, and more. An introduction of the beautiful arts relationship with the culture of Italy, done with excellent background music. Classic, folk, instrumental and vocal is all provided demonstrating while viewing the rich fine arts culture of the country sometimes known only for spaghetti and pizza. The producers also filmed the "Visions of..." series of helicopter HD documentaries of many European countries. This DVD has some similar air footage, but more of wonderful ground footage, and very, very up-close shots of details like restoration of masterpieces, wood carvers tools in the act of cutting, and faces of the Italian people. A more personal look at Italy culture.

A second hour-long episode of this public television series has filmed art and history, and often architecture which combines both. We get to see it with the educational narration about the culture and living among such a splendid country. Yet the Italian people balance technology and contemporary change with their unique past. You will see accordions, Murano glass, alabaster, cut glass, oral jewelry and more, up close, being created. And traditional cuisine holds its own against fast food attempts. Pure foods+local wines+talk = the unchangeable Italian dining culture.

The last episode offers the Roman roads to today's Autostrada demonstrating a modern Italy striving to continue the rich heritage left by past inventors and creators. Scenes of today entice viewers to become tourists. An amazing 21st century look at Italian culture. A total of 3 episodes, each about one hour.

BONUS
Closed Captioning available, helpful to see the spelling of names.
A 15 minute segment showing "Visions of Italy" an aerial helicopter footage taken from an earlier released DVD. It has background music but no narration, but does have locations scripted overlaying the film footage. A continual motion flying from/to cities, country, Alps to coasts, and it's worth taking a look at the whole travel documentary series: "Visions of Europe" (see my reviews). If you really like Italy educational documentary, I'd also recommend "Brian Sewell's Grand Tour of Italy".

This DVD is highly recommended for travel documentary fans, Italian/Americans, those studying the Italian country or people, and anyone considering an Italian visit. A good library choice, schools or public.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning, February 21, 2010

By 

S. RICCITTI "Frustrated shopper" (Northern California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Brava Italia (DVD)

Beautifully realized. Having spent so much time in Italy with my family there I find this rich and rewarding and satisfying an oft needed revisiting when feeling homesick. A very nice way to return to Iyaly.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, June 18, 2010

By 

Dottie Randazzo "Reader of Everything" (Delaware, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brava Italia (DVD)

This dvd covers everything you must see in Italy. It is well narrated and even tells of the culture and history as well as the sights. Highly recommended.