Discoveries…America

AL REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries America, Alabama “Takes viewers on a visually eye-popping trip deep into ‘The Heart of Dixie’ to visit a state rich in cultural, natural, and social histories. In fact, nowhere is this multifaceted smorgasbord more evident than in Mobile, where the cultural history of Mardi Gras (first site), natural history of marine biological preservation, and social history of pre-Civil War homes combine to make this a perfect all-in-one city to tour. Further inland, viewers will discover the eclectic Flea Market of Atalla and the incredible miniature religious structures of the Ave Maria Grotto located on the grounds of a Benedictine monastery. In addition, contemporary civil rights history is preserved in the once explosive city of Selma, where blood was spilled and lives were lost in the ultimately successful effort to enforce the 1964 Voting Rights Act. Sure to be popular, both titles are definitely recommended for travel collections. “

AK REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, Alaska

“Seward’s folly” indeed: in 1867, Secretary of State William Seward bought nearly 600,000 square miles of Alaskan wilderness from Russia at a cost of about 1.9 cents per acre, and the public thought Seward had been fleeced. Alaska, the latest addition to the popular Discoveries…America series, reminds us that Seward made quite a deal as filmmakers Jim & Kelly Watt focus their high-def cameras on America’s 49th state to capture breathtaking mountain ranges (highlighting Mt. McKinley – the highest peak in North America at over 20,000 ft.) marine highways (including the farmed Inside Passage, home to port cities such as Sitka, Ketchikan & Juneau), the rail belt (with spectacular train routes throughout Alaska’s interior), and several points of interest in between, ranging from an overview of the Trans-Alaska pipeline to a look at both Mendenhall Glacier & Glacier Bay. Viewers meet artistic-carvers of totem poles & ice sculptures, a water goblet player who performs a mean rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a State Fair produce judge who talks about Alaska’s upbringing rights to nine world records for giant vegetables, and tour-guides galore who point out highlights for travelers. Watching the lovely shots of frolicking whales, bears fishing for salmon, and soaring eagles, one can’t help but feel a sense of the bittersweet that this spectacular wilderness landscape may be endangered by the threat of extensive oil drilling. Recommended.

AK REVIEW: Midwest Book Review

Discoveries…America, Alaska

Discoveries…America, Alaska is a DVD exploration of Alaska’s wonders, both natural and man-made. From Native Alaskan culture, to watching whales frolic near Adolphus Point, to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, the workings of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, bear-watching, sport fishing and much more, Discoveries…America, Alaska is sure to enthrall viewers with its multifaceted presentation of Alaska’s rugged beauty. An ideal selection for both armchair travelers and anyone planning a trip to see Alaska for themselves.

AR REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, Arkansas

Interested in finding a diamond? Riding an elephant? Rafting on a wild river? Arkansas, nicknamed the “Natural State” features a wide variety of wonderful attractions, as viewers will discover in Discoveries…America, Arkansas, which includes a visit to the “hone” of the Bluebird of Happiness in Fayettville, a tour of Bill Clinton’s Museum & Presidential Library in Little Rock, and a stop at the best sourdough bread bakery east of San Francisco. This title is sure to be popular and is definitely recommended.

CA REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, California

California, which boasts a GNP bigger than that of most countries, is the subject here. With its geographic opposites – from Death Valley (the lowest point in the nationat 282 ft. below sea level) to Mt. Whitney (at 14,491 ft., the highest peak in the lower 48 states) – and over 800 miles of coastline, the diverse Westcoast jewel is also home to some of the globe’s oldest & largest living things, including the giant sequoia. Viewers travel all over California, visiting San Francisco’s Bay Area, Napa Valley’s wine country, and Monterey’s outstanding aquarium, as well as inland sights such as the rugged High Sierras and the salt flats of Death Valley. In addition, the program stops by a local auto show (where a sexy little red sports car can cruise at 130 mph…and it’s all electric), checks out Orange County’s public market, visits Legoland, and swings by San Diego’s Sea World, to name just a few of the attractions covered here. Recommended.”

CO REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries...America: Colorado

“The latest entry in award-winning filmmakers Jim and Kelly Watt’s high-definition-filmed series that takes armchair travelers on an eye-popping tour of the United States, visits Colorado’s well-known sites (Pikes Peak, Mesa Verde National Park, etc.), and uncovers some “hidden treasures” (such as Winterpark, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, and the Durango Railfest). Boasting outstanding cinematography coupled with informative and entertaining descriptions of each of the profiled attractions, this is another winner that is sure to be a popular addition to travel collections. Recommended.”

CO VIEWER COMMENTS: Linda Martin - United State Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Mesa Verde National Park “...We really thought you did a fine job with the entire production. It is always gratifying when a television program (Discoveries...America, Colorado) is done well...We were pleased to work with you and hope you will receive lots of other positive feedback about your program...

DC REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America: Washington DC

“Millions come each year to Washington DC to partake of the wonders on the Mall: the Capitol building, the Washington monument, the Lincoln Memorial, FDR’s park, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (aka, the Wall), and the brand-new WWII Memorial, among others. All are featured in this latest entry from Jim and Kelly Watt’s acclaimed high-definition-shot travel series Discoveries...America, as well as th national Archives, the Holocaust museum, and Museum of the American Indian. but it’s not all government grandeur: a few blocks beyond the marbled elegance of the Mall, visitors may encounter a Dragon boat Race on the Potomac or small the international flavors of the Easter Market. In addition, armchair travelers will learn why homes in Georgetown look as if they were designed for munchkins, see mule-drawn barges hauling tourists down historic canals, step inside the magnificent National Cathedral (faithfully constructed to exact specifications used by Renaissance sculptors), and visit the International Spy Museum, a unique attraction housing the world’s largest collection of espionage artifacts, including disguises, secret cameras, weapons, surveillance, and threat analysis exhibits. Highly Recommended.”

DC REVIEW: School Library Journal

Discoveries...America, Washington DC

“It would be an impossible, dizzying task to visit every monument and museum in Washington D.C. in one hour, but this DVD does a respectable job of illuminating much of what makes our Capital great. The stops at each attraction are brief, but the tour manages to include several of the Smithsonian museums, the Library of Congress, the National Zoo, the National Archives, and an extended tour of the National Cathedral. The cameras take us inside many of the buildings. Viewers also visit the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and war memorials and monuments that are clustered around the National Mall. On a lighter side, the impressive collection of disguises, secret cameras, and surveillance equipment in the International Spy Museum is featured. The DVD also presents background and context to help viewers understand the place of each monument in the historical fabric of our country. It then moves to the ethnic neighborhoods of Adams Morgan, Georgetown’s Herring Hill, and Frederick Douglas’ Anacostia. Viewers step back in time as they tour Georgetown on historic mule-drawn canal boats, and thrill to the annual Dragon Boat Festival on the Potomac. The Eastern Market, Farmers Market, and Fish Market are colorful elements of our nation’s capitol, and neighborhoods that the average tourist may miss. This DVD is an excellent introduction to this culturally diverse, vibrant city for those who plan to visit and a wonderful refresher for those who have already spent time there. ”

FL REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America: Florida

“...Wow...a whole hour displaying the wonders of Florida and not a House of Mouse in sight! Still, there are plenty of other familiar images of the Sunshine State featured in this entry from Jim and Kelly Watt’s fine Discoveries...America series. Miami (without the Vice or C.S.I.) is a modern, vibrant international city, while only a few miles away, the Everglades slumber in prehistoric splendor. Further on down the coast are the infamous Keys, culminating in one of the major party cities of the US, Key West. The spirit of Esther Williams is channeled in the wet and wild programs of Cypress Gardens, Florida’s oldest tourist attraction, and one that still draws crowds to its thrilling aquacades. A tour of the Kennedy Space Center, a toast to the incredible citrus industry, and an in-depth look at St. Augustine - the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S.A. - are just a few of the highlights in this beautifully photographed, fast-paced look at America’s vacation paradise. Recommended.”

HI REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, Hawaii

“Taking Viewers on a whirlwind tour of the Aloha State, Discoveries…America, Hawaii explores the gorgeous sights of Hawaii. Prefaced w/ facts about the induction of the 50th state, as well as the volcanic history of the former ‘Sandwich Islands,’ Hawaii visits the NELHA (Natural Energy Lab of Hawaii) Gateway Project for a look at sustainable aquaculture programs, peeks in at the Kona Kampachi sushi-grade mercury-free fish farm, and drops by Jade Food for a behind-the-scenes look at Pearl Harbor (the most visited site in Hawaii), the Maui Land & Pineapple Co., and Charles Lindberg’s grave in Hana. And what would a trip to Hawaii be w/out an authentic luau, not to mention sandy beaches & water activities, including a whale watch, a SNUBA (snorkeling & suba) tour, and bota sports. Combining breathtaking footage w/ relevant graphics and maps, this off-the-beaten-island path addition to the popular travelogue series is definitely recommended..”

IA VIEWER COMMENT: Tom Wheeler - Iowa Department of Economic Development/Iowa Film Office

“...The footage is great and the show (Discoveries...America, Iowa) is fantastic. I’ll make sure that the Tourism department gets a good look at it as well as other departments who might have an interest...”

ID REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, Idaho

“Serving up the 48th entry in Jim & Kelly Watt’s award-winning high-def-filmed Discoveries…America series, Idaho proves that the state is more than just spuds. Although Idaho does in fact produce nearly 1/3 of all US potato crops, viewers may be surprised to learn that Idaho is, among other things, 2nd only to Australia in sheep production, the site of the 1st nuclear reactor in the world to generate useable electricity, and the nation’s 1st choice for ski sports. Idaho also features one of the harshest environments on Earth around the surreal Craters of the Moon National Monument, where over the course of a single day, temperatures range from 50 below zero to a soil temp of 178 Fahrenheit, while – incredibly – still supporting over 800 species of plants and 210 varieties of birds. Also covering a potato harvesting, a sheep parade, and the short history of the Teton Dam disaster in 1976, Idaho features additional segments on the US mail boat delivery system along Hells Canyon, the timber industry and some primo sports fishing in the Snake River. Presenting a charming look at the Gem State, this is definitely recommended for travel collections.”

IL REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries...America, Illinois

“Illinois actually opens with the tried and true: a look at Chicago, the “most American of American cities,” home to slightly nutty baseball fanatics, Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio, and the beginning of Route 66. But then we’re off to less familiar territory; Metropolis, which wraps itself in the Superman mystique; Cozy Dog, where hot dogs on a stick were born; and the backyard of artist Bob Cumpston, who loves to make metal figures of wildly imaginative animals. A well-crafted and highly entertaining profile that is sure to be popular, this is definitely recommended.”

KY REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America: Kentucky

“...Rather than skipping across Kentucky offering brief snippets of natural beauty, this video features nearly a dozen segments focusing on places and events that make Kentucky unique among the 50 states. Of course, with horse racing and Kentucky being nearly synonymous, the program features a great section on the raising of thoroughbreds, as well as an in-depth look at the Kentucky Derby, and segments on a horse auction and dressage. Viewers will also see the plant where Louisville Slugger baseball bats are made, witness the complex processes behind the production of pure Kentucky bourbon, and take a tour of Berea College, which is devoted to preserving Kentucky folk arts and crafts. The Discoveries…America programs are valuable additions to travel-hungry public library collections, and this intimate look at the 15th state will entertain first-time vacation planners while also pointing out new destinations for frequent visitors. Recommended.”

LA REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America: Louisiana

"”Welcome to Louisiana...Set Your Clocks Back a Hundred Years’: in parts of this beautiful state, it's still easy to imagine the year is 1905 instead of 2005. One of two new entries in Jim and Kelly Watt's acclaimed, high-definition filmed Discoveries…America series, Louisiana highlights places and events primarily in the southern part of the state, where in the midst of the hustle of modern New Orleans, for example, horse-drawn carriages are still a favored mode of transportation, and citizens of places like Natchitoches and Eunice seem to embrace a slower, quieter way of life. Viewers will learn the differences between Acadian, Creole, and Cajun heritages, tour a tabasco bottling plant, stroll through a nature preserve where alligators lounge along the path, and see how crawfish are harvested. Other highlights include a visit to New Orleans' famous (and during Mardi Gras infamous) French Quarter, a stop at the Kaffie Frederick General Mercantile Store in Natchitoches, and a stroll along the Creole Nature Trail.”

LA VIEWER COMMENTS: Robert Florence - Historic New Orleans Tours

“I am writing to thank you for the DVD (Discoveries...America, Louisiana) and to tell you that you did a great job with Louisiana. Jim and Kelly Watt did superb work and I really enjoyed it and learned alot. I will spread the word...”

MA REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, Massachusetts

“The Bay State, rich in colonial and Revolutionary War history, receives the same high-quality treatment in Massachusetts, which showcases a wide variety of attractions, including Boston’s Old North Church (where the Change Ringers continue to ring the bells, as did one of their forbearers, Paul Revere); Boston's Crane Paper Company (which proudly proclaims itself to be the sole supplier of paper used in U.S. currency notes), the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, the beaches of Provincetown (where “Bruce the Shark” snapped his Jaws), the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth, and the “Big E” (the Northeast’s largest fair). Combining outstanding cinematography and informative commentary, both of these additions to the Discoveries...America series should prove to be popular. Recommended.”

ME REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, Maine

Maine is one of the most rural states in the Union. A good part of the Discoveries…America Maine program focuses on the sea (the lobster is responsible for a substantial amount of Maine’s income), but located a few miles from the coast is Freeport, the site of the only desert east of the Mississippi, and the Appalachian Trail ends its 2000-plus mile journey near Mt. Katahdin. Viewers will also learn that potatoes are a valuable crop, and that Bar Harbor is the entry point for Acadia – New England’s only National Park. Maine offers visitors a lot more than just incredible scenery and all the lobster you can eat. Definitely recommended.

MI REVIEW: Mark Pischea - MotorCities / Automotive National Heritage Area

“Discoveries...Michigan was terrific. Thank you for making our automotive story such a significant part of the documentary...”

MO VIEWER COMMENTS: Janeen Aggen - City of Independence/Independence Tourism

“...the Independence segment at the Truman Presidential Library and Museum was beautifully photographed and presented the highlights in an informative and entertaining style...The photography was incredible and the background music perfectly matched and added to the mood of the segment. You did a wonderful job of capturing the essence of what the Library has to offer and I know potential visitors will be intrigued when they watch this (Discoveries...America, Missouri) tasteful and professionally presented program”

MO REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries...America, Missouri

“... Among the many interesting sights covered here, viewers will visit Hannibal, the childhood home of Mark Twain; tour SubTropolis, the largest subterranean business complex in the world (as well as Fantastic Caverns, the only drive-thru cave tour in North America); wander the Hallmark Card Company; enjoy the boot-scootin' boogie-down live entertainment in Branson; and stop in at Harry Truman's library in Independence. I also learned that Kansas City (MO) is not only home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, but also has more outdoor water fountains than any other city in the world except for Rome. Another fine entry in a delightful series that has rekindled the urge in many to see the United States again through different eyes, this is highly recommended.”

MT REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, Montana

Big Sky country never looked so good. In Bennett-Watt’s newest addition to their high-def-filmed Discoveries…America series, Montana is the mother lode for outdoor life: fishing, hunting, camping, and… cowboy poetry? Whoa, pardner, that’s right, the Cowboy Poetry & Music Rendezvous in Dillon is highlighted here, along with video tours of Glacier National Park; a neon sign studio in Missoula where beautiful neon art is made; historic mines in Butte (once called the “richest hill on earth”); the Draft Horse Show Expo, deemed important enough to the community that kids are taken out of school to participate; a 90-foot monument entitled “Our Lady of the Rockies,” built by a welder who had never sculpted anything in his life; the original KOA franchise in Billings; and Montana’s Fork Peck Field Station (home of the largest T-Rex found in America), among many other features & highlights. Travelers looking for unique hideaways will find this program offers plenty of charming suggestions. Sure to be popular in public libraries, this is recommended.

NC REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, North Carolina

In Discoveries…America, North Carolina, viewers will learn that the “Tar Heel State” delights in celebrating tradition (in segments on woodcarving artists and a school devoted to country crafts), as well as preserving its history ( a visit to the Wright Brothers’ first flight). In addition, the program stops at a bluegrass festival, the built-from scratch Western town Love Valley, and the Lowe’s Motor Speedway (home to NASCAR and the Buck Baker Racing School). This title is sure to be popular and is definitely recommended.

NJ REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America - New Jersey

New Jersey has been called many things—not all of them complimentary—but as New Jersey, one of two new entries in Jim and Kelly Watt's acclaimed high-definition-filmed Discoveries…America series, accurately points out, there is much to see and do in the “Garden State.” The extensive shoreline, for example, boasts the kitschy gambling mecca Atlantic City (the birthplace, incidentally, of saltwater taffy), but also the quaint and beautiful Cape May, with its collection of colorful Victorian homes. Visitors interested in Revolutionary War reenactments will be drawn to Springfield, where hundreds of wannabe Hessians, Redcoats, and Minutemen square off throughout the year. Other segments look at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, the “Grounds for Sculpture” outdoor art exhibit in Hamilton, and the “Save Ellis Island” project dedicated to restoring the famous immigration entryway...Recommended”.

NV REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, Nevada

“Serving up a generous helping of history, geography, and local culture from the state of Nevada, Discoveries…America: Nevada looks beyond the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas strip to offer viewers a beautifully photographed armchair tour of the state's natural and manmade wonders, including Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, and the Hoover Dam, as well as the old mining towns of Eureka and Virginia City, and ghost towns such as Rhyolite. Viewers will also get a glimpse of the world's largest female sporting event, the Woman's International Bowling Congress held in Reno, not to mention drop in on the Virginia City Chili Cook-Off. One of the most interesting segments traces how Las Vegas went from an early Mormon settlement to the gambling capital of the world. Filmed in widescreen high definition digital video, this sure to be popular program will make a fine addition to general travel and Americana collections. Recommended. “

OR REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, Oregon

One of the perks of living near Seattle is that it’s a lovely 3-hour-plus train ride to Oregon…specifically, Portland…more specifically, Powell’s. After watching this entry in Jim & Kelly Watt’s award-winning high-def filmed Discoveries…America series, viewers will learn that there’s much more to Oregon than simply being home to the world’s largest bookstore. In fact, the 33rd state appears to have it all: the beauty of the Pacific Ocean coastline w/ miles of pristine sand dunes, the incredible Cascade Mountain range, and the high desert plains where buffalo still roam. The show begins in Oregon City, last stop of the historic Oregon Trail, before moving on to Vail, where many of the buildings on Main Street boast beautiful murals celebrating pioneer life. Viewers will also visit a buffalo ranch, watch the incredible process of metal & bronze art sculpting at Valley Bronze in Joseph, and stop at the Pendleton Wood Mill, where old-fashioned leather belts and pulley’s are still used to produce an amazing variety of beautiful wool for clothing & blankets. Oregon is also host to numerous industries, including the Tillamook Cheese factory, Logic General & Winchester Bay’s Umpqua Aquaculture. Whether skiing at Mount Bachelor, riding mounds of sand in a dune buggy, or browsing the shelves at Powell’s, Oregon is truly one of America’s sweet spots! Recommended.

PA REVIEW: Booklist

“...Rolling farmlands, forested hills, bustling cities, and a rich history make Pennsylvania an inviting tourist destination. This well-organized program (Discoveries...America, Pennsylvania) samples the national parks, historic sites, visitor centers, and natural beauty of America’s second state. The tour begins in Philadelphia at Independence Hall before highlighting historic memorials at Gettysburg, Valley Forge, and the Delaware River. The Lake Erie coastline, peaceful Amish farmlands, and Pittsburgh are showcased as well. Voice-over narration and commentary from national park guides and tourism officials add helpful travel information, while map inserts keep viewers oriented. For potential visitors and students working on state projects.”

PA REVIEW: Robert Wilson - Teacher/Librarian Magazine

“...This unique and ambitious series of films (Discoveries...America) about individual states are valuable tools introducing students to the geography, beauty, culture and diversity of the nation and giving students a balanced view of the nation as a whole. In Pennsylvania, for example, students travel back in time through the cobbled streets of Philadelphia to visit the Liberty Bell and the Constitution Hall, learn about Amish lifestyles and farms, see covered bridges and visit Pittsburgh, once known for pollution but now vying to become one of the greenest cities in America. Across the Allegheny river they view hundreds of rare and exotic birds at the National Aviary...”

SD REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries...America, South Dakota

“Mt. Rushmore, Wall Drug, The Black Hills, South Dakota is a mecca of popular tourist attractions for vacationers, and this latest entry in Jim and Kelly Watt’s fine high-definition filmed Discoveries...America covers all of these highlights, while also illustrating why South Dakotans consider their state the beginning of the West. Mountain carving is not only evident at Mt. Rushmore, but also at the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is still years from completion (but visitors can watch a “monument in progress”). Other sights include Custer State Park, one of the largest in the nation (and host to an annual buffalo roundup); the Pioneer Auto Show in Murdo, featuring hundreds of historic cars on display; and the Corn Palace in Mitchell. Featuring great cinematography, informative descriptions, and plenty of suggestions for off-the-beaten-highway attractions, this addition to the Discoveries...America series is definitely recommended.”

TN REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America: Tennessee

“...get a taste of Nashville, nicknamed “Music City USA”, as the program provides a detailed look at iconic tourist attractions such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. But the back roads of the Volunteer State also offer visitors a chance to see unique activities found only in Tennessee. For example, did you know that a majority of hats worn by police, military, and other organizations are made in tiny Winchester? Or that the world’s largest freshwater aquarium is located in Chattanooga? Or that you’ll find the nation’s only freshwater pearl farm in the Kentucky Lakes Region? What makes the Discoveries...America series so special is the solid mix of the popular and lesser-known attractions, a blend that reveals each state’s distinctive flavor. In Tennessee, that approach adds up to an engaging smorgasbord of wonderful sights and sounds. Definitely Recommended.”

TX REVIEW: Janet Wilson - Travel - Austin American-Statesman

“...‘Discoveries...America, Texas’, a widescreen digital high-definition DVD, explores the cultural icons that make the Lone Star State unique, from the high desert to the rolling hills, the pine forests to the more than 600 miles of coastline. The 60-minute video includes essays about the Fort Worth stockyards, Billy Bob’s (the world’s largest honky-tonk), Longhorn cattle and life on a ranch in Weatherford, Tex-Mex cuisine at El Paso's L&J Cafe, and Goliard, where the Texas revolution started...”

TX REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, Texas

“... trying to corral Texas into a 60-minute DVD is almost impossible, but Discoveries…America: Texas makes a good effort, focusing on the people, places, and events that make Texas 'tick': cattle-raising, rodeos, wildlife preservation, the Alamo, 'tex-mex' cooking, and much more. Anyone planning a trip to Texas will find this program--which seems to truly capture the spirit of this unique state--to be much more valuable than the usual generic scenic tour.”

UT REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America: Utah

“... features engaging segments on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, fun-in-the-snow-and-sun Park City (home to the 2002 Winter Olympics), pigeon racing, and spectacular national parks found in the southern part of the state. Chockfull of visual delights, Utah comes alive in this beautifully lensed film. recommended.”

VA REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, Virginia

“...In Virginia, in addition to profiling such historically important sites as Jamestown (home of the first contingent of settlers from England), colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown (where George Washington accepted Cornwallis' surrender, signaling the end of America's war for independence), the program also visits a school where students learn to play "mountain music" found only in Virginia's rural hill areas, stops at a guitar factory where Wayne Henderson creates world-class musical instruments, and tours the home of Edwards' nationally famous smoked country hams. Other distinctive sites include Staunton and Virginia Beach. Sure to be popular, this is definitely recommended for travel collections.”

VT REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…America, Vermont

Vermont - known for maple syrup, teddy bears, Ben 7 Jerry’s Ice Cream, and some of the most radical politics outside of Berkley, CA – viewers will see a myriad of sights, including a farm that makes spider web art, a library that straddles the US-Canadian border, and a pumpkin-carving school, while also meeting an order of Benedictine monks who use guitars to spread the word of God, and visiting Bennington (where moose sculptures decorate the streets during Moosefest)), as well as learning about the state’s numerous covered bridges. Definitely recommended.

VT REVIEW: Midwest Book Review

Discoveries…America, Vermont

Discoveries…America, Vermont is a highly informative and entertaining DVD documentary that showcases a great more characteristics and history of this north eastern state which has long been a bastion of individualism and patriotism. It once had more than 600 bridges, a legacy honored by the Covered Bridge Museum in Bennington. It is the home of Moosefest where dozens of moose art sculptures appear around a small Vermont town. In this superbly presented travelog, viewers will also be treated to a visit to the Cold Hollow Cider Company and the cider making process, the Bendictine monks at the Weston Pirory and their music, The Knights Spider Web farm where real spider webs are employed in the creation of art, and so much more. Very highly recommended.

WA REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries...America, Washington

“The latest entry in award-winning filmmakers Jim and Kelly Watt’s Discoveries...America series takes the armchair traveler on a lushly-filmed (in high definition widescreen) visit to the Pacific Northwest’s “other” Washington. As varied as th U.S. itself, the state of Washington harbors the lush rainforest of Olympic National Park, the colorful acres of tulips in the Skagit Valley, the arid south central Tri-Cities area, and of course the Emerald City - Seattle, home of the three S’s: Space Needle, Seahawks, and Supersonics. Offering interesting glimpses of local industry, culture, and recreational activities, this engaging program delivers a solid sampling of what Washington has to offer. Recommended.”

WA REVIEW: Booklist

“...Despite the reputation of Washington as a soggy state, the sun is always shinning in this grand tour. Starting in Seattle by visiting such major points of interest as Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the Space Needle, the leisurely paced travelogue then moves to Tacoma, the Olympic Peninsula, Mount Rainier, and other tourist destinations. From small coffeehouses and outdoor markets to lush parks and sports venues, the program (Discoveries...America, Washington) visits a multitude of popular spots. Unrushed, informative narration and occasional short interviews with park rangers, shop owners, and cheerful residents make a persuasive case for visiting this scenic Pacific Northwest state.”

WV REVIEW: Educational Media Review Online (EMRO)

Discoveries…America:West Virginia

“This film showcases many of the attractions for which West Virginia is best known. Included are rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, white water rafting down the New River Gorge, craftspeople at Tamarack, Indian burial mounds at Moundsville, the Marble King Inc marble factory in Paden City, and a coal mine operation near Beckley. Each attraction is featured just long enough to rouse your interest, but not so long as to ruin the appeal or surprise of actually seeing it for yourself. Having grown up in West Virginia, I have visited many of these places, and the film does a good job of accurately portraying the state and its features. The directors chose a variety of locations representing nearly all portions of the state. For example, Moundsville is at the northern extreme of the state, while Beckley and most of the coal mines are in the south. Discoveries...America, West Virginia is a great film to show in a West Virginia studies or history class (required in West Virginia schools) or during a unit on the 50 states.”

WY VIEWER COMMENTS: Diane Shober - Wyoming Dept. of Travel & Tourism

“...this (Discoveries...America, Wyoming) is a great piece of work for which you should be proud and I appreciate you forwarding it for my review...”

WY REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries...America, Wyoming

“Offering up a leisurely and beautifully lensed trip through the contemporary culture and natural wonders of the “Cowboy State,” Discoveries...America, Wyoming - from award-winning filmmakers Jim and Kelly Watt - examines the state’s cowboy heritage, from frontier history and rodeo events to Western art and artists. But it also touches on some facts that most folks are unlikely to know: such as Wyoming’s important role in women’s suffrage (the first state to grant women a continuous vote). Of course, the program features plenty of spectacular beauty, including Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons, Devil’s Tower, hot springs, and more, filmed in widescreen high definition video. Sure to appeal to those planning visits to Wyoming, as well as armchair travelers drawn to informative and eye-catching profiles, this is recommended.”

Discoveries…America Special Edition

SE1 REVIEW: The Librarian’s Yellow Pages

SuperMuseum

“Metropolis, perceived by many Superman fans as a big city, in reality is a small town in Illinois about 7,000 people. It is the home of Superman, and the SuperMuseum one of the largest collections of Superman memorabilia in the world. Metropolis is not on most vacation destination lists, so perhaps your library should provide patrons with the next best thing, Discoveries...America, Special Edition - SuperMuseum, a new DVD tour of the SuperMuseum. Hosted by Jim Hambrick, Curator at SuperMuseum, this 30 minute DVD takes viewers on a walking tour of more than 75,000 Superman related items on display. The DVD features a variety of products that have something to do with Superman including cloths, belts, capes, shoes, dolls, games, puzzles, tops, rings, wristwatches, pictures and paintings, silverware, plates and of course original comic books. During the DVD tours you will see photos, props and wardrobes from Superman movies and television shows and signed pictures from actors that played roles of Clark Kent/Superman, Lois lane and Jimmy Olsen. The actual office furnishings and equipment used in the 1950’s Superman television series The Adventures of Superman, staring George Reeves, are on display...”

SE1 REVIEW: Video Librarian

SuperMuseum

“Sure it’s kitschy, but what could be more fitting than a museum honoring Superman located in Metropolis, Illinois? Curator Jim Hambrick’s SuperMuseum houses the world’s largest collection of Superman memorabilia - Clark Kent’s glasses, Marlon Brando’s wig, the TV telephone booth - with over 100,000 items on display (and another 650,000 in storage for future expansion). Valued at close to $3 million, the SuperMuseum had a somewhat rocky beginning: in fact, the first statue of Superman was so ugly, it was used for target practice (the current statue is a 15-foot Man of Steel, or rather, bronze). In SuperMuseum - a “special edition” program in Jim and Kelly Watt’s acclaimed Discoveries...America series - Hambrick takes viewers on an engaging tour of Metropolis’ biggest attraction, which brings in fans from around the world. Recommended.”

SE1 REVIEW: The Midwest Book Review/Bookwatch

Super Museum

“The Discoveries...America, Special Edition feature of Super Museum is an outstanding exploration of the Metropolis, Illinois museum for America’s greatest super hero, Superman. Capturing a significant amount of what makes up over three-million dollars worth of Superman memorabilia, Super Museum is an engaging interpretation of the creative and fun dedication to Superman’s history, progression, and memorabilia detailing of the life and adventures of this American popular icon.“

SE2 REVIEW: The Midwest Book Review

Matchstick Marvels

“Part of the outstanding “Discoveries America” DVD series, Matchstick Marvels is a 30 minutes, full color showcase of Patric Acton’s unique and entertaining Matchstick Marvels Museum located in midwest farming community of Gladbrook, Iowa. Following master craftsman Acton through his simply incredible collection of matchstick creations, Matchstick Marvels reveals how millions of matchsticks were used to build a diverse variety of complex structures including a white-house model, trains, planes, boats, and so much more. Flawlessly recorded in wide screen, digital high definition format with a Dolby stereo sound system, Matchstick Marvels is expecially recommended for school and community library collections as a very special exploration of Acton’s remarkable creations.”

SE3 REVIEW: Video Librarian

Wall Drug

“Years ago, the highways of America were dotted with unusual billboards that simply read: Wall Drug, plus the number of miles needed to reach this mecca... What and where is Wall Drug? Located in the flyspeck town of Wall, South Dakota, Wall Drug could very well be characterized as the Holy Grail of kitsch, cornpone humor, and roadside humbug. Sitting off of I-90 between Rapid City and Kadoka, Wall Drug was built in 1931 to serve thirsty travelers--the owners lured motorists to the store with the promise of free ice water--and over the years has added on a book store, art gallery, and a jackalope (legendary antlered rabbits) garden, while still remaining a family-owned business. In this "special edition" from Jim and Kelly Watt's acclaimed, high-definition filmed Discoveries…America series, current manager Ted Hustead (grandson of the original owners) takes viewers on a guided tour of Wall Drug, explaining how it has evolved into a major tourist attraction for both U.S. and foreign visitors. An entertaining, humorous, and inspiring example of how a thriving business enterprise was built on the simple premise of giving people what they wanted, this profile of one of the most famous rest stops in America is recommended.”

SE5 REVIEW: Mark Twain Forum - Books and Media

Mark Twain Himself

“This one-man show is performed by actor and Mark Twain impersonator Richard Garey at the historic Planter’s Barn Theater in Hannibal, Missouri. It is a one-camera production performed before a small audience. Garey’s selections are a mix of both humorous and serious material combined with autobiographical commentary. In an interview with Garey that is included on the DVD, he provides historical context for the Planter’s Barn Theater in Hannibal as well as Mark Twain’s role in American literature”

SE5 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Mark Twain Himself

“This quasi-autobiographical one-man, one-act play has been collected and cobbled together from the writings of Mark Twain. Performed by Richard Garey before a scant audience at the historic Planter’s Barn in Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, Garey does a credible job as Twain, using his accent and appearance to good effect. Stating that his lecture could substitute for Sunday services, as it holds many of the same qualities, he goes on to speak on diverse topics, including politics, modesty, public speaking, health, and the state of America. In much the style of the modern day stand-up comic, Garey [as Twain] valiantly tries to engage the audience. However, his [Twain’s] convoluted sentence structure and antiquated language often fails to hold their attention...Related in a rambling style with many asides, just as Twain told his stories, the production meanders along with little or no seeming direction, dispensing nuggets of good old-fashioned American wisdom along the way. Garey as Twain concludes his “services” with the funniest bit of the play, a treatise on ways of dying, which include the dreaded ‘being talked to death.’ A brief concluding interview with Garey sheds some light on Twain’s life and hometown...”

SE9 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Mark Twain’s Hannibal, A Homecoming

“Modern day Hannibal, MO, is presented in relationship to one of its most famous writers. Richard Garey portrays Mark Twain (aka Samuel L. Clemens), who has returned to Hannibal to reminisce about his growing up on “the most beautiful (waterfront) on the Mississippi.” Steamboat dockings from the 1800’s are described in detail with the Mississippi River and a steamboat in the background. During a carriage ride through town, several locations important to Twain’s writings are pointed out and their history is recounted. Some of the incidents in Twain’s boyhood are told along the way, and Garey shares Twain’s unique humor through his words. Along with Hannibal’s current historic attractions, B&Bs, restaurants, and art galleries are mentioned. Banjo music is featured throughout the production. Twain’s southern accent might be difficult to understand in a few instances. A good choice to show classes after reading either The Adventures of Tom Sawyer of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, especially since the last scene in the film is from the former novel.“

SE9 REVIEW: Mark Twain Forum - Books and Media

Mark Twain’s Hannibal: A Homecoming

“Mark Twain impersonator Richard Garey takes his act and monologues to the street of Hannibal, Missouri. Along the way he visits some of the historic homes and buildings, local tourist attractions and main street businesses. Notable absent is any visit to Mount Olivet cemetery or the Hannibal public library - two other sites worthy of mention. This production contains some of the same material from Garey’s Mark Twain Himself”. Mark Twain Forum - Books and Media The Librarian’s Yellow Pages

SE10 REVIEW: The Midwest Book Review

Marbles: Ancient Art & Modern Play

“Part of the Discoveries...America, Special Edition series which focuses upon extraordinarily talented people of America, Marbles: Ancient Art & Modern Play is all about the marvelous toy and collectable that is the marble. A brief exploration of the marble’s history since ancient times, when Romans ground stones into a spherical shape for amusement, paves the way for the modern-day National Marbles Tournament, the first and oldest organized children’s sporting event for boys and girls ages 7-14. Antique marbles are collected and traded, and two marble making factories survive in the united States; Marbles: Ancient Art & Modern Play even offers a glimpse into how recycled glass is transformed into perfect marbles. The creations of boutique marble makers and glass artists take their place in private collections, galleries, and museums around the world. Marbles: Ancient Art & Modern Play is a truly amazing look into the unplumbed depths of a true collector’s hobby.“

SE10 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Marbles: Ancient Art & Modern Play

“Marble enthusiasts will learn a great deal about marbles as a sport and as a hobby in this documentary. The film starts in Wildwood, NJ, at the 82nd National Marbles Tournament where children ages 7 to 14 compete for the grand prize: a $2,000 college scholarship...children are likely to enjoy the tour of the family-owned and operated Marble King factory in West Virginia. One of only two marble producers in the United States, Marble King makes more than one million marbles per day. Concluding segments with glass artists as they create artistic marbles add a nice touch but make for a lengthy documentary. For serious marble fans or adults studing Americana.”