Product Details

• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Scotdisc
• DVD Release Date: April 12, 2005
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0007XBMRU
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,627 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

The Black Watch is the most famous Scottish regiment. The unit’s tradition and history are embodied in the sounds, uniform and deportment of its pipes & drums. Take a beautiful journey with the Black Watch to Glamis Castle, Fort George, St. Andrews, Huntingtower Castle, Elgin Cathedral, Falkland Palace, Blackwater Falls, Blair Castle, Glen Moray Distillery, Culross, Dunfermline Abbey, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle.

This recording features pipes & drums accompanied by a military band playing popular Scottish music that includes marches, reels, jigs and highland dances.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gallent Forty Twa' Pipes & Drums & Dancers, February 15, 2008

By 

Roger Kennedy (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dark Island (DVD)

This is the DVD issue of the earlier VHS version. The sound and picture quality are certainly better than the original VHS, and there seems to be a bit more music selections as well. So those who only have the earlier copy might want to order this release. Like the Scot's DGs DVD, the music is pre-recoreded. Not live. The format is similier as well with the pipes & drums featured in variety of famous locales throughout Scotia.

The highlight of this video is no dounbt the regimental dancers who perform the "Highland Fling" and the "Ghillie Callum"sword dance. For those who are sick of seeing the lasses today do Riverdance versions of Scottish dancing at Tattoos etc., these perfomances here by the regimental dancers of the Black Watch should provide some remedy. Sure they are not as cute as the lasses, but these are performed with the strength and agility and grace that the old dances require. Women just can't look martial the way thats required here. Sorry ladies, but you can learn something from watching this video!

The Pipes & Drums are acconpanied by a mysterious military band which we never get to see. In the credits we learn its the band of the Light Division under Graham Jones. Too bad they are not included in the video. Too bad again this was not made before 1994 when the regimental band of the Black Watch could also have been included. Like the Scots DGs, the Black Watch have learned to soldier on piping without their old military bands, but symthezised background does not always cut it.

Graham Jones helped to produced this video and the Scots DGs one as well. He is now the Director of Music of the Band of the Coldstream Guards and in early 2008 toured the USA with the Scots DGs.

For those who consider the Black Watch to be the only true Scottish regiment this video should be a joy to own. Unlike the older VHS copy it is without any verbal commentary which makes keeping track of the various locales difficult at times. These days the Black Watch are now the 3rd battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland after recent amalgamations in the British Army. Their story lives on in this new formation, but one wonders how much longer that might be in a fast changing world.

This video should appeal to all who enjoy Scottish music, and locale scenary. It combines history with tourism, much as the Scots DGs video does. Highly recommended.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable, December 12, 2008

By 

Hephzibah (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dark Island (DVD)

YEARS ago, I attended a live performance of the Black Watch and the Coldstream Guards at Madison Square Garden. It was absolutely wonderful. I still remember the audience's ovation every time the skirl of the bagpipes heralded another segment of music by the Black Watch. And the dances were performed with precision and grace. Everyone was awed by the intricate footwork as they danced amid crossed swords.

I am so glad I was able to purchase this DVD. The music is wonderful; the scenery beautiful or stark by turns. It really brings home how very narrow those ancient streets truly are when you see them marching down one, gutter to gutter.

There are two dances, the Highland fling and, near the end, the sword dance.

One of the "bonus" pieces is a drum salute that is absolutely great.

I also liked it that each member introduced himself at the end. This emphasized that these aren't robots marching with such precision, but real human beings.

If you love bagpipes, drums, and this style of dancing, you'll enjoy this DVD.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A BIG "10", November 18, 2009

By 

W. Burke "Uncle Walter" (Rehoboth, MA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dark Island (DVD)

This program rate a "10". The Pipes & Drums of the Black Watch in all their splendor and a program of music that is a treat to the ear, the eye and the heart. I loved this one. What I found even more pleasing was the inclusion of pieces that are not often heard in this type of program. I found many of my special favorites "The Highland Cradle Song" "Skye Boat Song" & "Bonnie Lassie O'Fyvie" along with the regular pieces that you'd expect to find; "Scotland the Brave" "Heilin' Laddie" "Black Bear" and so many more. What a treat!

The settings chosen for this program added to the enjoyment. I brought back wonderful memories of my trips to Scotland. This is a DVD that will be played over and over and over again.