Discoveries… (International)

Discoveries… Argentina

HD4 REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries...Argentina: Dinosaurs

This “bare bones” title takes the viewer on a journey to the Argentinean badlands of Patagonia where Drs. Rudolfo Coria, Jorge Calvo, Rachael Rao, Luis Chiappe, and Carlos Munoz share startling discoveries. At Aca Mahuida, teams found the plains littered with fossilized egg shells, which further exploration revealed to be the world’s largest known dinosaur nesting ground. Here, scientists not only discovered fossilized embryos enabling them to identify the dinosaurs as Titanosauruses, they also were able to learn more about the dinosaur skin, growth patterns and mating habits. Other sites featured here include Rincon de los Sauces, La Buitrera, and El Chacon, where paleontologists have stumbled upon a highway of dinosaur footprints and the skeleton of Gigantosaurus, the largest carnivore presently known (an estimated 145 feet in length). At the various dig sites, paleontologists explain how these 80-million-year-old clues are combined to create a pre-historic portrait of the mighty lizards. While the graphics are not as flashy as you’d find in the Walking With Dinosaurs titles, the excellent content combined with the opportunity to witness up close on-site exploration more than compensates (not to mention the fact that very few other titles focus on international dig sites). Extra features include “The Tiniest Giants” exhibit tour by Dr. Luis Chiappe at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in California, where he discusses the findings at the Aca Mahuida nesting grounds. Sure to be popular, this is highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (4 stars=Excellent, highest rating)

HD4 REVIEW: Library Journal

Discoveries...Argentina: Dinosaurs

...Discoveries...Argentina: Dinosaurs looks at paleontological research in Argentina and features several working digs...viewers do get an excellent feel for the work of

paleontologists...

HD4 REVIEW: Science Books & Films

Discoveries...Argentina: Dinosaurs

Dinosaur fossils collected at 4 localities in Patagonia by Dr. Luis Chiappe and his associates are the focus of this interesting video. After reading Chiappe’s (with L. Dingus) recent book “Walking On Eggs”, a SB&F Best Book of 2001 selection for junior high and high schools, this film should provide educational reinforcement for students and increased comprehension to others being introduced to the methods of dinosaur paleontology. The first location visited is the Auca Mahuida research area, where scientists are filmed unearthing large numbers of sauropod eggs, clusters, nests, and embryos. At the Rincon de Sauces locality, the video shows Argentine university

scientists working and dinosaur bones being excavated and prepared in the laboratory for study and exhibition. At the El Chacon outcrops, field scientists demonstrate how delicate vertebrate bones are preserved in ”field jackets” of

chicken wire, newspaper, and plaster for safe shipping and how dinosaur tracks are analyzed and interpreted. Additionally there is a segment showing exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, with which Dr. Chiappe is affiliated, that are based on the field collections shown in this film…

HD4 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Discoveries...Argentina: Dinosaurs

In the harsh badlands, or Patagonia, region of Argentina, paleontologists have made recent spectacular discoveries of dinosaurs. This program documents their efforts to uncover, transport, study, and display these unusually well-preserved finds. Set to a pleasant background of guitar music, an adult male narrator describes their work as images and live-action footage depict the actual digs, museum exhibits, and preservation procedures. Several interviews with the scientists provide more information about the specific work involved. Most fascinating were the discoveries of huge dinosaur egg nests and the accidental discovery by an auto mechanic and amateur dinosaur detective of what may be the largest dinosaur ever. Depicting both male and female scientists, this beautifully filmed documentary accurately portrays the painstaking detail involved in researching dinosaurs. Students will gain a thorough understanding of these particular digs and will also appreciate the realistic work environment of paleontologists and their assistants. Extra segments in this easy-to-navigate program include a tour of the Tiniest Giant exhibit of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. Although the amount of detailed information may prove cumbersome for a single class session, there is enough in this comprehensive documentary to make it useful for science, career, or even Spanish classes. Gr 7 Up

HD5 REVIEW: Booklist

Discoveries…Argentina, Natures Spectacle

Setting a wondrous mood for introducing the

biodiversity of vast Argentina, this lovely program spies a lone flamingo feasting on crustaceans along the Atlantic coast. Background music provided by panpipes, guitars, and drums accents the movements of the avian. Voice over narration highlights various indigenous wildlife including rheas (similar to ostriches) and large mammals known as guanacos. Continuing up the coast to Peninsula Valdes, the camera spots filmmakers recording the annual arrival of orca whales. Nearby are woolly-looking Magellan penguins and huge elephant seals. Next, a vast variety of birds, mammals, and marine creatures that live in the lush subtropical Ibera Marsh region are captured before shots of immense water cascades at Iguazu Falls dazzle viewers. Tempting tourists, attracting ecologically inclined viewers, and offering supplementary material for students, this magnificently shot and languidly paced program, part of the ongoing Discoveries series, views wildlife splendor at its best.

HD5 REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries...Argentina:

Nature’s Spectacle

Offering a leisurely journey through the spectacular environment of Argentina, while emphasizing environmental preservation and protection, Discoveries... Argentina, Nature’s Spectacle takes the viewer on a lovely trip from the subtropical northern lands in Patagonia to the Argentine coast, and on to the Ibera Marsh and the stunning Iguazu falls. Along the way, excellent cinematography showcases Orca whales, sea lions, Magellan penguins, elephant seals, guanacos, rheas, and numerous species of birds. The 10 -minute longer DVD version, especially, will delight any nature lover with its lush images of flaming sunsets, chocolate-brown water flowing over falls, and brightly plumed flamingos and toucans foraging in a beautiful landscape, all set to a sumptuous music track. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (S. Fisher) (4 stars=Excellent, highest rating)

HD6 REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries...Argentina:

Golden Dorado & Life In the North

Mention “Argentina” and visions of gauchos, Buenos Aires, and Evita will probably come to mind before the “Golden Dorado,” which is not a euphemism for that shiny mineral sought by Cortez and other Spanish explorers, but rather a ferocious fighting fish that challenges the best of anglers. In this program from the award-winning filmmaking team of Jim and Kelly Watt, viewers will not only see the Golden Dorado, but much more of the largely rural landscape of northern Argentina, as well as the bustling marketplace in Jujuy, the gauchos of Corrientes, the ruins of San Ignacio Mini, and the church in Itati that is crowned by the second largest domed basilica after St. Peter’s in the Vatican. In addition, viewers will embark on a gastronomical tour of some of Argentina’s finest restaurants, and witness the sensuous movements of the tango in Buenos Aires. Recorded in a widescreen digital high definition format, and backed with Dolby stereo, this latest entry in Bennett-Watt’s Discoveries…Argentina series (which includes Discoveries…Argentina: Dinosaurs (VL-5/02) and Discoveries…Argentina: Nature’s Spectacle (VL-9/02) is a lovely, engaging program that is sure to be a popular addition to library travel collections. Definitely recommended. (S. Fisher) (4 stars=Excellent, highest rating)

HD7 REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries...Argentina: Patagonia

“This new entry in the acclaimed Discoveries… series from Bennett-Watt Entertainment--producers of high-definition-filmed video guides--is partially aimed at fly-fishing enthusiasts looking for pristine rivers and lakes, gorgeous surroundings, and little competition from other tourists. The perfect spot, it seems, is Patagonia ("the last great frontier for trout fishing"), which is essentially the lower half of Argentina, running along both sides of the Andes mountains for 1,000 miles and boasting a dazzling, disparate topography. In addition, the program visits a tourist lodge in the foothills of the Andes (where one can fatten up on picnics between fishing expeditions), serves up extraordinary footage of whales chasing sea lions near the shoreline at Peninsula de Valdez, and drops in at the Patagonian “digs” where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid out. Another solid adventure full of informative and entertaining armchair traveling, this is definitely recommended.”

Discoveries… Asia

HD15 REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…Asia: Japan – Tokyo & Central Honshu Island “A sister project to Bennett-Watt’s Discoveries…America travelogue series, Discoveries…Asia explores the splendor, history, and culture of the Far East. Japan – Tokyo & Central Honshu Island focuses on Tokyo and its environs, w/ attention to scenery, shopping and shrines. Viewers will visit the Tsukiji Fish Market – the largest in the world of its kind – to witness a tuna auction (where other seafood delicacies are also sold to wholesalers), travel to the Senso Ji Buddhist temple w/ an English-speaking guide (who offers commentary about local holy places), see footage of the Roppongi Hills multi-complex property development, drop into the posh Ginza shopping district (where a square meter of real estate costs over $100,000), and attend a picnic celebrating the blooming of cherry blossoms in Ueno Park. In addition, the program looks at the work of Takayami artisans and highlights Matsuri festival floats, as well as presents a peek at the Koyasan Buddhist mountain retreat. One of the neatest segments here features a trip to the Mt. Fuji area that follows a public transportation labyrinth: from subway to train to bullet train to electric train (w/ switchbacks) to funicular cable railway to ropeways to boat to bus…whew! Armchair travelers & aficionados of Asian culture will appreciate both the sightseeing and the information provided in this beautiful, high-definition filmed journey to the center of the Land of the Rising Sun. Recommended."

Discoveries… Ireland

HD1-3 REVIEW: Library Journal

Discoveries...Ireland (series)

“Armchair travelers will thoroughly enjoy Discoveries...Ireland. The three DVDs, filmed in wide-screen digital high-definition (HD) Dolby stereo, are filled with rich color and excellent cinematography against a background of traditional Irish music and soft, unobtrusive narration. Each disc can be viewed in its entirety or in segments. The main portion of each disc covers a variety of topics, including historic and modern Dublin; inland waterways and fishing holidays; organic farming and cheese-making; the Kilrush Music Festival; prehistoric mounds; Irish castles; the legend of the Blarney Stone; the Waterford Crystal Factory; luxurious accommodations at Waterford and Markree Castles; unique bed and breakfast establishments; the Old Lammas Fair; beaches along the Irish coast; and music and dancing throughout the land. Two “extra scenes” included on each disc have no narration, only lovely Irish music and expanded coverage. Each disc includes “Castles & Ruins,” featuring close-ups and pans of the various castles and ruins discussed. The Emerald Isle includes an extended performance by the Bru Boru dance troupe, focusing equally on the musicians with their traditional instruments and the dancers. On A Mystical Journey, we revisit the Waterford glassworks and see the entire process, from the initial glass blowers’ tasks to setting up the design for cutting the crystal and finally cutting the beautiful patterns. A Celtic Treasure features a spoken performance in Gaelic and English, along with traditional music and dancing at the Rathcairn Pub. Highly recommended for general viewers.”

HD1-3 REVIEW: Book Reader

Discoveries...Ireland:

“...The narration by Arthur Riordan creates a rich picture of Irish life. Beautifully shot, the colors, the people, the tales resonate with brilliant images, skillfully presenting an Ireland flushed with modern success but still carrying the scars of age-old poverty and the pride of a special historic grandeur.”

AWARDS: Telly Award – 2002 Best Television Documentary Category

The Videographer Award of Excellence – 2002 Travel Category

The Videographer Award of Distinction – 2002 Travel Category

HD1 REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries...Ireland: The Emerald Isle

“Faith and begorah, Ireland has changed since wee Frankie McCourt went looking for his da in the pubs each evening and toiled away at odd jobs for a crust of bread, don’t you know? ‘Tis true: the Irish Formerly Known as Shanty Poor now live in a country that boasts the second largest GNP in Europe. The Emerald Isle, one of three DVD titles in the Discoveries...Ireland series--a high-definition travelogue visiting places scattered throughout the verdant island’s 32 counties north and south--opens with an informative look at Dublin (rich in history, culture, and drinking establishments) and its landmarks, such as Trinity College and Christ Church Cathedral. Other sights include a detailed overview of Ireland’s impressive country-crossing waterway system (which predates the Panama Canal), currently back in vogue amongst locals and visitors; a visit to St. Patrick’s Rock; a wonderful three-minute clip of genuine Irish dancing; a trip to an auction in Dungarvin; a day at the horse races, and much more. Narrated by Irish voice-over artist Arthur Riordan, and very nicely filmed by Jim and Kelly Watt, this absolutely gorgeous-looking DVD, and its companion volumes A Mystical Journey and A Celtic Treasure, are highly recommended and will be a boon to patrons starving for new travel programs.”

Discoveries… Spain

HD11 REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…Spain, Barcelona

On my 1st trip to Spain I planned to travel the country, but aside from a 2-day trip into the mountains never left the coastal city of Barcelona, where I spent each day chatting with locals over café’ con leche, visiting museums, and wandering amongst the market stalls, and each night sampling fabulous local dishes and dancing until dawn. I was delighted to revisit those memories in Discoveries…Spain, Barcelona which captured the magic of that long-ago adventure while presenting an accurate contemporary overview of the capitol of Catalonia. Looking at daily life, history, and culture, the program covers everything from the modernist art of Antoni Gaudi to fine Catalonian cuisine. The visit to the chocolate shops alone had me searching madly for cheap airline tickets so I could fly back NOW! Sure to appeal to armchair travelers as well as older students involved in a Spanish language program, this is a lovely look at an ancient and beautiful city. Highly recommended.

HD12 REVIEW: Video Librarian

Discoveries…Spain, Mediterranean

Spain has long enjoyed a unique geographic position and for centuries has been a crossroads between Europe & North Africa. Boasting a veritable melting pot of peoples and cultural influences, Spain has managed to integrate several different heritages into a beautiful and vibrant society. Discoveries…Spain, Mediterranean takes armchair travelers to places such as Costa Brava, a zone of great Natural Beauty stretching north of Barcelona and filled with steep cliffs, fishing villages, and private coves; Valencia, with its Hispano-Moorish heritage; and Ronda, with its important ruins. Vignettes include fishing for anchovies, bullfighting lessons, and a paella party aboard a boat. This well-made program should appeal to travel and nature buffs, those planning a trip overseas, and students studying the Spanish language.

HD14 REVIEW: Video Librarian

Castles, Cathedrals & Roman Ruins

From the dawn of time, humankind has manipulated stone into tools, shelter, and art. Discoveries...Spain: Castles, Cathedrals & Roman Ruins travels to Spain to chronicle the stonebased architectural history of the Iberian Peninsula, from the time of Christ to the present day. Filmed in widescreen digital high definition video, this beautiful program begins with a look at the stone bulls in Merida, before examining the construction of stone aqueducts, outdoor theatres with incredible acoustics, and magnificent castles and cathedrals, each of which reflect the culture and art of its occupants. A well-scripted architectural travelogue, loaded with fascinating history and terrific on-location photography, the video features interesting sights from all over Spain, including Seville, Toledo, Leon, Avila, and Segovia. Sure to appeal to armchair travelers, history buffs, and art and architecture enthusiasts, this is highly recommended. (4 stars=Excellent, highest rating)

HD14 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Discoveries...Spain: Castles, Cathedrals & Roman Ruins

This beautifully filmed documentary and travelogue on Spain and its architectural heritage is sure to please both students and teachers of Spanish culture. Tracing structures in Spain built by the Celts, Visigoths, Romans, Moors and Christians, each ruin or building is described in terms of its historic influence. Roman bridges, highways, and aqueducts are still functioning perfectly today. The exquisitely complex Moorish carvings and tiles are as vibrant as they were when constructed. An unseen male narrator speaking in Spanish-accented English describes Spain's architecture from the time of the Celtic Iberians to the present day. Other famous sites seen and described in this film are the Roman theater in Merida; the Roman aqueduct in Segovia; Andalus, or Islamic Spain, where universities were built and literature flourished; Sevilla’s Arabian palace; Segovia castle; the old Roman bridge in Medellin; the Moorish castle of Trujillo; and the cathedrals at Astorga, Avila, Toledo, Segovia, and Sevilla. The Moors brought architecture and literature as well as crocus bulbs from which Spain’s lucrative saffron industry originated. Madrid’s main cathedral was begun in 1883 and completed 100 years later. In Barcelona, an art deco cathedral begun in 1882 remains unfinished. This DVD would be a useful addition to travel or cultural video collections about Spain.