VISIONS OF ITALY (BLU-RAY)

Watched this last night, and I was very impressed with the quality of the video. I believe it's 1080i, and it looked really good. I have many BluRay on Italy, and this is by a good measure the best from a photographic standpoint. All of the footage is taken from helicoptors in the air, so there are no inside views of any landmarks or attractions. But the from-the-sky perspective is one I've not seen before and really gives another perspective of Italy. Combined with the high quality of the video, and it's very rewarding to watch.There are 2 BR disks in the set, and unfortunately there is a bit of overlap in the footage between them. Some of the Florence, Rome and Capri footage is common, as are a few other snippets (altho' the narration is completely different between the two). But most of it is unique to each disk. The narrator is different on each disk. The woman on the one disk is a bit hard to understand sometimes, but both do an excellent job at talking about interesting facts and perspectives on the material.The camera operators do an excellent job finding interesting things to augment the views, and of panning to keep interesting landmarks in view as the helicoptors are flying around. It's actually almost stomach turning in a few point, so if you get seasick easily you might find it a bit interesting. Not enough not to buy, just in a couple of places. They will find kites on the beach, or other interesting activities, to add to the already interesting scenes, so it's not just a picture of something interesting, but also an activity that makes it more interesting at times. In most of the views they are flying low, so you really get a close perspective on the sights from the air. Combine that with the high resolution video, and you really get to see a lot. The stabilized video platforms they used are good, and all of the video is rock smooth.I have been to Italy a number of times, and this video provided many things that I want to go back and see and photograph that I had missed on earlier trips.I don't think this would be the best choice as the only overview of Italy if you are looking for what to do on the ground, but either to augment, or as a beautiful overview, or just for the beaty of it, it simply can't be beat. Lots of content, too.Highly recommended.

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.

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.

Everyone who watches this cannot get enough of it. The only thing I did not like was I felt deceived when I ordered it because it was advertised at a very low price to get me locked into an automatic deal where I was required to keep ordering a minimum amount per years, and my credit card was automatically charged each month regardless, and I wanted only this one item. When I discovered what happened, I had to call and ask them to remove my name from the automatic mailing, etc. They complied, but it should have been very clear in the ad, and it was not. I felt tricked, and I don't like that. These things should not be hidden is very small print where hardly anyone sees it. The item is good enought to sell itself without creative and deceptive marketing. Other companies do the same thing, so look out!

It was supposed to be a "region free" disc, it was not (I made 3 efforts). No one bothered to provide me with a "region free" blu-ray or finding out if it actually excist. I observe they still advertise for "region free" "Visions of Italy" so they obviously don't care much about complains.

In my opinion the best in the series. Being blu-ray the pic quality is about an eight, out of ten. Fantastic photography. Really shows the beauty of Italy. But.... The sultry narrative of Franca Barchiesi on the first disc kind of lull's you to sleep. I had to re-watch the disc several times, to catch up on what I missed, from dosing off. Not that the material is in anyway boring, because it is not. But the music, and her peaceful voice just did a number on me. No problem with the second disc "Sicily, and the great cities" A guy narrates. If you've been to Italy, as I have, you'll want to go back after watching. If you've never been...This will inspire you to.

Excellent sightseeing tour of a beautiful country. Next best thing to being there.

I thought I knew Italy very well...But these Blu-rays unveiled me another country, wonderful, seen from above.Image very detailed, a must have for discovering Italy for the first time(anyway) from a magnificent point of view...But...These BR are Region A only, not Region Free. So, in case you have not a multi-regionBlu-ray player, you won't see them...

the dvd was just what was advertised , in very good shape , and came quickly . this was a nice way to visit another country

A SUPERB air view of Italy from a helicopter.Well chosen background musiconly briefly interupted by commentary.PLease note :- Area A only NOT REGION FREE

Watching this video makes me feel so good. Seeing the most beautiful parts of Italy is one thing; but seeing them from the air is just divine. I feel detached from the ants below and I see the big picture, the whole picture; not only the landscape but also the man-made structures and architecture. The guys who videotaped this DVD had an artistic approach because this is a work of art I replay this DVD over and over and never get bored. Well worth the money.