Customer Reviews

Route 66: Return to the Road with Martin Milner [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

No mistake, this DVD is about Route 66 the "Mother Road" and really not at all about the great TV show. But, if you want a wonderfully produced, nostalgic and thoughtful trip down US Route 66 from Chicago to LA this is the ticket. Much more history and witness interviews and reminiscences than I thought would be captured. Its a pretty long video.. 2.5 hours! But, if actually travelling (vicarously?) the road in a C1 Corvette with a fun and entertaining movie star is what you want, I say again, this is right on the spot.'

The music is mostly newly recorded versions and variations of the TV's show great "Theme from Route 66" and with Martin Milner and a 'Vette identical to that from the show, you might consider this a new, feature length installment of the show. In a nutshell, this episode is primarily about the road and the car and a long magnificent drive through our country... instead of those things mostly being in the background on the TV show. And, if you are at all considering to do a nostalgic Route 66 trip this DVD is a must have resource for planning the sights and people you might want to visit along the way.

I loved the TV series too and I have a few of the episodes on VHS. But, even more, I love the actual road and the 3 trips I've made on it from Chicago to LA. Yes, get your kicks.

My DVD worked flawlessly start to finish. I bought it new from Amazon in Aug '03.

I was certainly looking forward to this dvd and having watched it my opinion is that whilst it is certainly interesting and one gets to "meet" some wonderful, colourful people on the journey that are locked in a time warp I was disappointed that one did not get to see more of the scenery instead of just jumping from one town or village to the next without seeing very little of what lies between. The scenary that was shown was very spectacular and I personally would have liked to have been shown more. But, do not be put off as the dvd on the whole is well worth every penny.

A classic ride on the Mother Road - Route 66. Great scenery and interesting Americana roadside attractions. Get off the Interstate and see the USA in a classic Corvette !

This video catches the heart of the people along the road. It's full of their hopes, dreams and determination. It's also very nostalgic. I especially liked the stripper museum. Now that gal has guts and is funny too! While this video made me sad to see the passing of a way of life, it also really captures the spirit of that way of life. It was fun to see Martin Milner recapture part of his younger carefree "Rt 66" image. His narration is excellent.

This was a good video. Martin Milner, now much older and heavier like the rest of us from 60's, does a good job recreating the old highway. He visits the places that were around then, as well as some newer ones. Thought about doing the cruise before, but now, after seeing the video, I know I'm doing the cruise.

This two hour tour of Route 66 is a worthwhile addition to your collection. A bit more pricey than some on the market, it's definately worth the money.

Plenty of interviews of present-day folks along the road that make you want to walk right out to your car and head there.

It's almost time for me to buy another, I've just about worn my copy out!@

The people we encounter along our video journey should be declared a national historic treasure. You will see common folks from all walks of life who's address is still along the Mother Road. I really enjoyed the segment on the Wigwam Motel and the Stripper Museum. It is bittersweet to think that they are the last of the breed. I was also pleased to see that slim, trim Martin Milner's waistline has enlarged a little more that mine...

As someone who recently has rediscovered the quality of the 1960-1963 television show, I had hoped for insight into that amazing series produced by Bert Leonard, one of television's smartest producers, and often written by Stirling Silliphant - truly one of television's greatest writers. I've done lots of research on this show for a book I'm doing called Legendary Corvettes that will include a Route 66 car and chapter. Milner had a few pearls about the show but this was nearly as insightful a roadtrip show as the original. Milner drove a very nice 1960 Corvette (red with white coves for those who care, not the Tasco Turquoise that the first season used,) all 2,400 miles from Chicago to L.A. Director John Paget and producer Jim Jenner did a fine job balancing miles of miles and miles with great stories of those who survived the Interstate. There are enough Corvette scenes to keep enthusiasts happy and enough interesting people to intrigue, amaze, and astound everyone else. It's worth the wait to get to California and meet General Bob. Or the Exotic Ranch. Before that were pancakes and corn dogs and neon..., and....

As Zora Duntov, Corvette's chief engineer has often said, "Eez your seat belt fasten? Okay? Lez go!"

Take this ride.

If you like roadside architecture, old signs, buildings, drive in movie theaters, & history--BUY THIS! Martin Milner is THE MAN & perfect choice to host this. It's like you're there riding in his 60's corvette, seeing all the sites of old route 66. BEAUTIFUL VIDEO.

I bought a copy of this DVD after taking a bus tour of Route 66, and it's certainly a terrific introduction to all of the wonderfully diverse people and places you might encounter along the route. The only slightly jarring note is the presenter, Martin Milner. Not that he's a bad presenter by any means. He's likeable, engaging and articulate. No, the thing that strikes a false note is that when it comes to all the interviews with the great characters who live along the Mother Road - where's Milner? He doesn't interview any of the residents, or even appear in the same frame with them. It's like he and they are in two parallel dimensions - he seems to be aware of the interviewees, but whenever they appear on camera he disappears into his own dimension, only to reappear when it's time to drive to the next location.

Now it's fairly obvious why the producers made the programme this way. They only had Milner for a limited time, so they had to shoot all of his pieces to camera separately from the interviewees. The result looks very jarring to somebody like me who's grown used to the Michael Palin school of travelogue, which are built around the premise that the presenter IS the interviewer. It's not a fatal issue by any means, but it does sadly prevent my giving this otherwise excellent documentary the full five stars.