The Big Submarine

Glub, glub, glub... Have you ever wondered what's under that periscope disappearing beneath the waves? Here's the answer! The newest title in the award-winning "Big Adventure" series (see The Big Aircraft Carrier [VL-5/96]), this video takes curious viewers on a naval mission with a Trident submarine, the largest in the world. Beginning with the sub's tugboat launch, the tour--featuring kid narrators and cute animated fish--takes us through the bridge, the control room, the crew quarters, and even the torpedo area. We also visit the sub training center, where sailors are tested in various situations, and drydock, where major maintenance is performed. More details of everyday life and unique procedures (like the segment on "angles and dangles" testing) would have been nice. However, with bright graphics, labels, and non-intrusive interviews, this look at underwater sailing is very entertaining and informative overall. Highly recommended. Aud: E, I, J, P. (E. Gieschen)