Customer Reviews

Visions of Ireland

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Much like most of you out there I first became acquainted with the `Vision Series' of aerial travelogue features on PBS television. Whenever I came upon one while channel surfing I'd immediately put the remote down and sit back and relax. It wasn't long before I decided these programs were something I'd never tire of watching and needed to be added to my private DVD collection.

Released in '08, `Visions of Ireland' is the seventh high altitude tour in the series following `Visions of ... Greece / Italy / England / France / Germany and Scotland.' As with the previous journeys the audience is whisked away from the daily concerns of life on the ground to view Ireland in all its magnificent natural, rustic beauty. Add to the visuals a haunting Celtic laden soundtrack and narration you'll soon think you're really there! By the way, do you happen to know the way to the nearest pub?

This video, on one DVD, is similar in quality and subject matter to the several other excellent 'Visions of Europe' series of DVDs. The differences seem to be that the narrator talks more, and there are more street-level shots of quaint downtown areas and more ground level shots of the countryside. But it all works. This is a striking collection of views of Ireland, with appropriate music.

The narrator stresses the long-time "historical sadness" of Ireland, how it has boomed economically since peace has set in, and the beauty and varied history of Ireland. The video also shows a lot of new construction of buildings occurring in the larger cities.

The video has lots of views of picturesque small towns, farms and country homes, harbors, bays, rivers, old castles (some in good condition, some not), stone fences, stone monuments, stone huts, stone bridges, lighthouses, beaches, very rugged shortlines, very rugged islands, big cities and their wonderful old downtown streets, colleges, churches, cathdedrals, and ancient mounds and burial sites.

Altogether just as nice as a trip to Ireland, without the expense and trouble of a trip, and the likely chance of bad weather. My favorite scenes are: (1) Gardens at Mount Stewart (2) Sunbeams on the coast at Galway Bay (3) Island of Skelling Michael, and (4) Cliffs of Moher.

The shots taken from a helicopter or plane are really pretty. This was a good follow up to my visit to Ireland. Shows a lot of things I did not get to see in person. This is not a "travelog" and does not have a lot facts, information and voice over. No travel advice. But, it is visually beautiful and shows all areas of Ireland. I also got the disk on England and the one for Scotland.

Barely acceptable addition to this series with a distorted sense of geography. Several highlights ignored. Some pretty pictures, however. Select instead "Over Ireland" which is a five-star tour with excellent music and narration.

Excellent video. Background music not so load you can't hear the commentary. Makes us home-sick.

I bought several copiesof this DVD for my family as a gift for St. Particks's Day. I told them I was giving them a trip to Ireland. I have been there two times and this DVD is a trip to Ireland.

This is a film with good pict quality and the landscapes are really awesome. If you plan to visit ireland dont miss to review this dvd first. Ir is a shame it doesnt come on blu ray.

The beauty of Ireland, makes me want to return to see parts that i had not seen on previous trips.

Produced by WLIW New York. Executive Producer: Roy A. Hammond; Producer/Writer: Sam Toperoff; Aerial Director/Producer: Roy A. Hammond; Camera operator: Grant Bieman.

Underwriters: The O'Sullivan Children Foundation, Inc., Tourism Ireland, CIE Tours International, Inc. and www.TheIrishJewelryCompany.com

VISIONS OF IRELAND showcases the land of saints and scholars like never before. A helicopter-mounted camera shares the vantage point of the Irish faeries of ancient lore for serene aerial views above the fog and mist, the remote Skellig Islands, the magnificent windswept Cliffs of Moher - and the perfect angle from which to kiss the Blarney Stone.

The "Emerald Isle" is a place where myth and legend coexist with a booming modern legacy of invigorated economic strength. VISIONS OF IRELAND reveals all its "forty shades of green" following an itinerary from Belfast to Galway to Dublin that explores timeless country glens, abundant fishing ports, the famous golf courses of counties Kerry and Cork, and more ­ all the way to Tipperary. Rich narration gives context for the stunning high definition aerial and ground views of this little island of grand historical significance, all set to a soundtrack that includes the fiddles and pipes of traditional jigs and reels and modern Celtic rock.

This video was a gift for my mother-in-law. Our family watched it with her. We all enjoyed the footage of the amazing scenery and the narration. My m.i.l. loves the video and she continues to enjoy it.