Discovering Ireland (Video Visits)

 

Picture: C     Sound: C+     Extras: C+     Program: B-

 

 

There are so many in the U.S. who cannot thoroughly distinguish between British, Scottish, and Irish cultures.  That men from each country have been hits playing James Bond has further skewed things.  Discovering Ireland (1992) is an installment of the Video Visits series that is more religion-heavy than expected for a show about a country, but Ireland is never a simple subject and the 83-minutes-long running time covers much ground.

 

It shows the intrusion of corporations, but also shows the amazing countryside, traditions and people that make the country legend.  There is a variety of footage, but only stills and not film footage from the past, seems to have been available.  Of course, there is not discussion of the IRA and much has happened in 12 years, but you can bet much of what you see here is still standing, much like the Irish themselves.

 

The full frame, color, analog videotape footage shows its age, but this is not a bad transfer.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is not bad, but offers little in the way of Pro Logic surrounds, though they are there.  The Irish National Park supplement has even better picture and stronger surround sound.  The extras include a nearly half-hour look at the country’s national parks, and a smaller 12-minutes-long segment on the Galway Christmas Choir.  The former is a nice addition, while the latter feels like it should be on another DVD.

 

There is a movement slowly in swing to see and learn more and more about Ireland and this DVD is worth a look.  It was made when there was much more tension between Ireland and England.  Now, it can be watched with a feeling that more of what is shown here is more accessible than ever.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo