Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 9786305462170
Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
ISBN: 1584480041
Label: C.A.V. Distribution
Manufacturer: C.A.V. Distribution
Number Of Discs: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Picture Format: Academy Ratio
Publisher: C.A.V. Distribution
Release Date: May 11, 1999
Running Time: 40 minutes
Sales Rank: 42845
Studio: C.A.V. Distribution
Theatrical Release Date: 1999
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com:
The Greatest Places begins by noting that Earth is 'the most diverse planet in the solar system,' and impressive computer-generated graphics depict the very early history of the planet, showing vividly how geological events formed the continents. Particular sites around the world (the 'greatest places' of the title) are then visited, and some dazzling cinematography displays the exotic locations spectacularly. A trip into the jungles of Madagascar demonstrates how the island, isolated as it was for 40 million years, developed unique wildlife, including many species of lemurs. High atop the Tibetan plateau, nomads are seen herding yaks and Buddhist pilgrims are filmed against the stunning peaks of the Himalayas. A 'holy lake' in Tibet dissolves into a shot of the mighty Amazon River, and the ecosystem of the South American jungle is explored. And the world's largest island, Greenland, is scanned by cameras that linger on the sheer enormity of glaciers as well as on the native peoples who manage to live at extreme low temperatures. Near the end of the film the narrator notes that 'life is a reflection of the landscape.' And the breathtaking film shot in these remote but magnificent locales does demonstrate beautifully the awesome diversity of both landscape and life on Earth. --Robert J. McNamara
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Theory Tale
I would have given this movie another star if I didn't have to endure all the THEORY TALE. The beginning was hard to endure as they tried to indoctrinate everyone with the evolution theory. Remember, it has never been observed.
The whole Pangea theory was funny though. To think that the continents drifted apart as if the world was a large pond and the continents were lily pads. Hey, if you take all the water out of the oceans guess what you will find? That's right kids the continents are connected.
Once the indoctrination stopped the movie was bearable. It had fairly good shots and a good variety. I think the part about Tibet was the best. You don't learn much about Tibet in your nature docs.
The narrator was the kind you want when you tired and bored. Hint, He is boring. His voice was as interesting as watching ants carry food through the grass. It lacked excitement, and it seemed he was labouring.
Rating:  - Majestic Landscapes in Seven Locations
Greatest Places: IMAX is collectible and awe-inspiring, however, it is a very quick journey to vast expansive landscapes that will require further exploration. Once you are introduced to seven of the most amazing places on earth, you can then look up additional IMAX movies.
The footage in this DVD captures vibrant moments in stunning beauty. An elephant rises from a river in a display of pure power and herds sweep across dry landscapes creating an almost primal glory as hooves thunder across the African plains. Almost indescribably beautiful waterfalls, majestic rivers and towering icebergs contrast with the Namib Desert and Tibetan plateau.
The filming takes place mostly in places with lush vegetation and abundant water, making this especially nurturing and healing. The lives of the animals featured throughout are captured with a sense of artistic perfection.
The extras include Audio tracks in English, French and German. There is also a detailed soundtrack so you can listen to the movie with your eyes closed and imagine the scenery.
~The Rebecca Review
Rating:  - Abbreviated IMAX Format at Odds with the Ambitious Scope of the Subject
I have enjoyed IMAX films in the past, in particular, "Everest", but this 1998 release directed by Mal Wolfe is comparatively disappointing. The primary problem is one of scope. In the span of forty minutes, we are taken to seven diverse locations around the globe - Madagascar, the Amazon basin, Iguazu Falls between Brazil and Argentina, the Tibetan plateau, the Namib Desert in southwestern Africa, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and Greenland - each of which warrants its own IMAX film. While each segment offers visual treats worth savoring, the consequence of the ambitious scope is that the film feels cursory and the perspective unbalanced. Each locale certainly lends a certain exoticism, but ultimately, the choice of places feels somewhat arbitrary, as one could count off other areas that hold as much intrigue, for example, the Galapagos Islands, Patagonia, the Serengeti, the Australian outback, the Mariana Trenches, etc.
In the film, some areas like Madagascar and Greenland get relatively more time, while coverage of other areas like Iguazu Falls is hardly more than a series of panoramic snapshots. Granted Chuck Davis's cinematography is razor-sharp and often breathtaking, the vertical depth of IMAX films seems particularly cut-off in this film's translation to the TV screen, which at times makes one wonder what is going on below the screen. Compounding the problem is the pretentious script by Pamela Stacey, full of high-minded descriptions that come off rather condescending and remedial ... Read More
Rating: - Great scenery, when you actually get a chance to look at it
I watched this DVD shortly after returning from 7 months straight of traveling around Asia, India/Nepal, Arabia, and Australia. I started it up with much anticipation, hoping it would wet my appetite (Which needed and continues to get a rest at the moment) for more travel to places further afield.
Unfortunately, I have to agree with an earlier reviewer. The video skips around so fast and frequently that hardly enough time is given to enjoying the manificient landscapes that the video team traveled too. I found myself replaying certain sections and pressing the pause button. This video could have been so much more. They started with a great idea.
The off the beaten path destinations themselves make me give this video 3 stars. Perhaps the preferred IMAX feature length does not lend itself to such a video that travels to numerous places. Perhaps if the team concentrated on 1/2 as many places the result would have been better.
Rating:  - A big disappointment. Best watched in silence.
"The Greatest Places" has a syrupy and cloying narrative. I often used MUTE in order to endure it.
I give it 1 star. If Avery Brooks could only have had laryngitis that day ... this movie could have earned a 3 instead (without *any* narration). The low grade for the movie really isn't Brooks' fault, although he does a superb job of melodically drawing out each sappy line with his highly skilled voice. At the end, watching the credits, I cursed the writer.
Moving on to the cinematography: Some of the images were, as you should expect, quite breathtaking! I was especially engaged by Madagascar and Namib. But the power of this imagery was consistently undermined with choppy editing and many dozens of abrupt cuts (every 15 to 20 seconds) from panoramic landscapes to adorably cute animals and other close-ups.
Arrggghh ... how frustrating! Each time that amazing scenery sweeps over you with its awesomeness and spectacle, it's crudely jerked away and replaced with something to make a first grader go "awww that's cute".
What's the movie about, anyway? Is it supposed to be Places (geography, landscapes) or biology (cute animals and closeups of flora & fauna)? I'm not sure the creators of Greatest Places had a clear idea about their concept.
The frequent changes in scale -- from viewing aerials of miles of landscape and switching to face-shots of baby animals -- are enough to give you vertigo, or at least a headache.
The movie began with a valid ... Read More
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