Customer Reviews

Visions of Italy

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This aerial video footage of Italy was shot in HD and transfered to this DVD in widescreen anamorphic format. The DVD video quality is very good (unfortunately not excellent) with fine color and good detail overall. Contrary to the statement of the previous reviewer, this DVD is indeed in widescreen format. HD source material is by nature widescreen. The audio is in Dolby Digital 2.0 and the soundtrack is well recorded.
I saw some of this series on PBS in HD when it was first broadcast and WOW was it beautiful. Unfortunately I later bought the VHS version of the shows as the DVD version was at that time a $100 plus special purchase. Of course, I was disappointed in the VHS quality but had litle recourse. Now with the release of this reasonably priced set of DVD's I'm again enjoying this wonderful video of Italy, maybe not in HD but much better than my old video tapes. Recommended to all lovers of Italy.

This DVD set is superb. The video and sound quality is excellent. It's much better than it looks on PBS. The pannoramic views are stunning, the narrator enchanting and the music is really nice. If you enjoyed this on PBS, then you will love this DVD set. If you've never seen this on PBS, but have been to Italy, you will reminisce at the places, monuments, etc. this DVD adventure takes you on. I highly recommend this.

Northern style, Southern style, Sicily - these are magnificent DVDs! Nothing's lost by not being at street level wandering through each town, and real richness is afforded by the incredible vantage point. The approach is immediate, pristine and measured. Even as the HD camera sweeps patiently across land and sea, you find yourself down in the heart of a particular town, then you move on. The adventure purrs along! A favorite moment comes the early part of the Southern Style film, the camera moves across the waters of a bay and Connie Francis sings Ritorna a me. It's a moment ripe with memories of Italy - and an hypnotic mind bender! Some reviewers have said narrator Franca Barchiesi's voice is too soft. I'd say seductive rather than soft, and it's good she underplays the narration, because watching Visions begets a listening mind, and the rewards increase in proportion. The music selections are crucial, and handled with care. Beyond the visuals, Visions makes great music for working at the computer. PBS plays these gems nearly every pledge, and I watch them every time they show; now I dont have to wait. For sheer thrill, you cant go wrong with this set. The Sicily video is less interesting, a male narrator seems to read without much engagement, but the visuals are fine, especially the lingering over churches.

I purchased this DVD in anticipation of trip to Italy. If you have never been to Italy or don't have a trip planned, this collection will provide the inspiration to visit.

Most segments include a narrative describing the history, culture, and geography of the region. Having said that, Visions of Italy is more of a pictoral essay versus a guide to the region. The images and narration are set to tasteful music, modern and classical.

Disc 1, Pt. 1 (Northern Sytle)
The first covers regions north of Rome. This includes the larger cities of Florence and Venice, plus smaller towns like Genoa, Stresa, Portofino, and Siena. This segment also provides beautiful images from Lake Como and the Carrara Quarries.

Disc 1, Pt. 2 (Southern Style)
The segment covers Rome and regions to the south of the mainland. In addition to showing beautiful shots from Naples, Sorrento, and Rome, there are views of the Amalfi Coast and Mt. Vesuvius and several smaller towns.

Disc 1, Pt. 3
This is a bonus segment of images not included in the main narrative.

Disc 2, Pt. 1 (Sicily)
The second disc covers the island of Sicily, including Palermo and smaller towns like Messina and Cefalu. After growing accustomed to the narrator on the first disc, it was a mistake to watch this one immediately after. The narrator is very good, just different from the one used on the previous disc.

Disc 2, Pt. 2
Bonus material not covered in Disc 2, Pt. 1.


The four star rating is really meant to be 4.5 stars. I think the same narrator should have been used for both DVDs and the division of the country seems somewhat arbitrary. Why devote generous time to Sicily without providing any images from Italy's second largest city (Milan)? At the very least, Milan's Duomo and La Scala could have been included in the bonus footage. These are minor complaints, it is a beautiful DVD to watch. Well worth the money.

My wife and I spent 5 years in Italy and when we really get
homesick for Italy we watch Visions of Italy. The scenery from the sky is excellent. The DVD covers both Northern and Southern Italy and is very well done. The music that accompanies the DVD is very relaxing and after about 5 minutes of watching and listening, we are there..I highly recommend this set.

This is undoubtedly some of the most stunning views of Italy you will ever see. We can't say enough about the creativity regarding shot selection and visual composition. Having said this, we are preparing for a trip to Italy and would have liked to see more than just aerial shots. But we should have read the description more carefully in advance--if so, we would have known these limitations. If one is interested in just stunning views of Italy, then this really is a 5-star DVD!

I thought this DVD was absolutely wonderful! This visuals are stunning and the scenery spoke for itself. The music score that accompanied the scenic tour really made me yearn for an Italian vacation. I highly reccommend this DVD set to anyone who is thinking of going to Italy, or just wants to relive the splendor of the Italian landscape.

This DVD box set captures the essence and beauty of Italia. The heart stopping scenery and panoramic views are enough to send shivers down one's spine. Apart from being a well informative documentary, it can also serve as a reference for travellers or simply watch it to relax.

I first saw Visions of Italy Southern Style on PBS about a year and a half ago. Ever since, I have been trying to get the tapes. When I saw that all 3 DVDs were packaged together, I ordered right away. Not only was I amazed by the way the DVD was put together, but, the views of Italy by helicopter were breath-taking! I went to Italy last summer, and when I watch these DVDs, it is like I'm back there again. I love these DVDs and if you are thinking of going to Italy sometime, these DVDs will make you want to pack your bags today! I know that I can't wait to see these beautiful "Visions" for myself again soon.

This is another magnificent DVD by this wonderful company!
The scenery is so breathtaking that it makes you want to cry!
This is spectacular, one-of-a-kind video that you will never
see from the ground. I had no idea Italy had such incredible scenery,
AND mountains! We can watch this over and over again and never tire of it.
My only question is, when will there be a Visions of Ireland??