Customer Reviews

Iceland & Greenland [VHS]

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

 

 

I was amazed when I came across the Lonely Planet video series. The typical travel video shows tourists attractions and pretty scenery, perfect for grandma.

I have traveled to 24 countries and far prefer finding my way around, hosteling, and mixxing with the locals. If you are like me, you'll really like or love every LP video. If you have a sense of adventure and a sense of humor, you'll enjoy Ian Wright as a guide. I found this video to be a descent sampling of the countries and their people.

If you haven't traveled or need a guide and an air conditioned tour bus, this series may not be for you. If you are a traveler or would like to be one, get the LP video and or book before you go.

Fortunately, I only borrowed this video from the library. I was psersonally a bit disappointed with the video as well. There were a couple good parts, but most of the parts, the video seemed like it was focusing on the traveller and his comic-acts, other than what Iceland & Greenland is really about. They did not show enough of Iceland, which is surprising because Iceland has a lot to see, especially the nature of volcanoes and rugged landscapes. I personally think that they should have put a bit more time into filming more tourist attractions & the wonders of nature of both Iceland and Greenland, other than focusing on the traveller himself. Overall, it was OK, but I wouldn't BUY it.

However, this video is worth watching. Do like I did, though: borrow it from your local library. It's not quite good enough to purchase.

Most travel videos are a disappointment. This one, however, takes the prize for the worst I've seen. Frankly, it is not a travel video at all. Rather, it is a narcissistic tale that explains little about Iceland but says a lot about how self-absorbed and provincial one traveler can be. The photos I've seen of Iceland suggest an amazing island of glaciers, geysers, waterfalls and wildlife. This video is limited to shots of the Blue Lagoon (yes, Matt Lauer was there last year for the Today show), a mud bath, drying fish and a bar in Reykjavik, all through the eyes of an annoying (my opinion) camera-hog. Don't waste your money or your time. Visit a couple of websites with great photos of Iceland instead.

Buying this video after visiting awesome Iceland, I found that
this video represents a good view of Iceland trough the eye
of the traveller. Don't expect minute-long country views,
(although there are many great shots) but a more
adventurous way of travelling this great country on planet earth.
With the humour of Ian Wright it makes worth bying this video
before or after the journey.
When travelled once to Iceland the part of Greenland can only
work inspiring for some frozen travellers who want more...
Lay back and enjoy the journey!