Customer Reviews

Travel the World By Train: South America 1 [VHS]

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

 

 

In typical TWBT format, covers trains in six countries, approx. 10 minutes each. Time for a few quick glimpses of the depot, the train itself, some passengers, and a few scenic views; then on to the next country. Excellent video and audio quality, including many overhead helicopter shots. Starts in Ecuador, then to Brazil and south, including Macchu Picchu. Ends with the "Patagonia Express," a steam train publicized by Paul Theroux; typically, the DVD shows this train arriving at its destination at night missing all the scenery in the area. Really a "sampler" of the subjects covered, providing only tantalizing glimpses of several potentially fascinating rail trips.

The producers of this film anchored a travelogue around several South American train trips. But the producers seem to have no interest whatsoever in trains. There's nothing about the original railroad goals, the construction, the equipment, or the operations. In the Ecuadorean segment there is a view of part of a switchback and the narrator seems to be launching something big. That's not the case. We see the switchback for a few seconds, then cut to food vendors in the next town in a longer sequence. The people who made this film are far more interested in describing the dishes of the food vendors than they are the railroad. The only references to equipment mention that a steam locomotive was manufactired in the US in 1922 and that another locomotive uses logs and branches for fuel. That's it.

It's not even a good travelogue. To call it superficial would be to give it an undeserved compliment. An outstanding example of the slovenliness of the production occurs when the narrator mentions that Sao Paulo is the largest city in South America but fails to give the population,something he does for all of the other large cities.

I am truly glad that I rented this and it is no longer in my home.

you feel like you are riding on a train through the countryside of the different parts of south america. this video is better than "travel to south america by cruise" which is not exactly sailing on a cruise ship. the only problem with this train video is that it only gives you a view of one segment of society and that however gives an impression that only poor people ride trains.

It was received within a week of placing my order. It was in good condition. I am satisfied with both the seller and the product.

On the comfort scale, these train rides are one step above the Central America train rides. Those riders who choose to ride on top of the cars (with the conductor, no less) obviously have a limited sense of what's dangerous. You will learn a little history as you visit old Inca sites, and will get acquainted with mighty old steam locomotives. These trains aren't ritzy, but your chances of surviving the ride is better than with the Central America trains.

This video has some excellent footage but the TERRIBLE music (it was made in 1999 but imagine the most awful, cheesy corporate music of the 80s) and the COMPLETELY lifeless voice of the narrator greatly diminish the viewing experience. I bought it to show my 7th grade students but the music is so beyond bad that I know better than to try to capture their attention with it. It's too bad because some of the footage is worthwhile.