Customer Reviews

Discovering France [VHS]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had watched the Paris and France videos by Rick Steves and Globe Trekker before I took the trip there. I found this video very informative, covering various cultural aspects as well as places not mentioned in the other videos.

True, some portion of the video footage appears to be taken years ago, but the commentary is much better in depth than all the others. I wish I had this video before my trip. Highly recommend.

You know, I read all of the previous comments and was reluctant to buy the DVD as a result. However, there just aren't that many DVDs on France available at Amazon so I decided to take a chance any way. Frankly, I'm glad I did.

I was specifically looking for a resource that highlighted each region of France and that's exactly what this DVD did. So what if the clothing or hairstyles are a bit dated? It is still a wonderful introduction to the country at large.

I'm a teacher and I developed a lesson plan for students to study the various regions of France on their own. This DVD gives a great "taste" of each region without going into too much depth. It's just enough to spark curiosity and research. Do not be fooled by other reviews, I thought the DVD did exactly what I was looking for.

There are also extra video segments on the DVD that can be used as well. Again, they are a bit dated, but again they cover the essential France. I loved it!

When I viewed "Video Visits: Discovering France," I wept, but not with nostalgic tears of joy. Rather, I was disappointed to see images of the France of yesteryear. The inclusion of the word "video" in the title should have been a clue.

More than a few scenes smacked of mid-'80s glitz and early-'90s bohemia. Yes, I loved the '80s, too. Prince, Michael Jackson and Boy George were my demigods; Donna Summer, Madonna and Boy George my demigoddesses. However, when I spend my hard-earned money on a travel DVD in anticipation of a forthcoming trip to France, I expect to view a contemporary perspective on a constantly evolving nation, including controversial issues.

It should come as no surprise, therefore, that I shuddered through a Paris fashion segment featuring early-'90s outfits. Why stop with the '80s and '90s? Why not reach back to '50s Paris and show Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir at Cafe Flore, decked out in their bourgeois-best duds while engrossed in an intense, caffeine-induced dialogue?

I was so annoyed with the "Video Visits" DVD, that I gave up on reminiscing my own trip to France and settled for fiction: the Hepburn-Astaire classic "Funny Face." Now, in THAT film, I never mind watching the fabulous fashion parade of yore.

Thank heaven for the Travel Channel.

Before this DVD, I hated the others country. But right now, my only desire is to go to the France. It's the most wonderful country in Europe and i'm sure that the frenchs are very very cool ! Buy it !