Inside Hawaiian Volcanoes

Narrated by Roger Mudd, this historical/scientific look at Hawaiian volcanoes is enhanced by some truly splendid cinematography of one of nature's most majestic--and most destructive--natural forces. Combining computer graphics, cutaway views, and transparent gelatin models, as well as the aforementioned close-up footage of active volcanoes, Inside Hawaiian Volcanoes explains why and how volcanoes erupt. In addition, the filmmakers visit the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, founded in 1912 by Thomas A. Jaggar, and talk with scientists about current volcanic activity, particularly Kilauea's busy spout. Early 20th-century footage of intrepid volcano lovers whose boldness laid the groundwork for much of our understanding of volcanoes rounds out this informative program. However, for all of its visual glories, Inside Hawaiian Volcanoes is a very dry, and at times overly scientific, program. General audiences, who are likely to be put off by the technical talk, would prefer the Volcanoscapes series (the latest is reviewed in our April 1991 issue). Still, this is a beautiful program to look at. Recommended, with reservations. (See ANIMATED MUSICAL STORIES & SONGS 4 KIDS IN 3 DIMENSIONS for availability.)