Mysterious Britain

If you're a believer in "ley lines," ghosts, and Nessie, the Loch Ness monster, you'll love Mysterious Britain. If you're a skeptic like this reviewer, you'll find it has about as much substance as a politician's election year promise. Divided into three parts, this program first explores the ancient monuments of Britain, speculating on their builders' intentions. One theory is that the makers tapped into the "energy" of the earth because they built them in a straight line through the length of the country. Another "proves" that a circular stone has a higher level of radiation...and so on. Of course, it's all conjecture and no scientific proof whatsoever, with everyone advancing their favorite theory in the absolute belief that it's the right one. The second part of the video explores haunted houses and churches. "Proof" is offered in this segment in the form of an audiotape made in a sealed church. The tape records an opening door, footsteps, and a groan--from the "ghost" (quickly followed by one from the reviewer). The final segment is on the Loch Ness monster which after years of scientific exploration has yet to be found except in photographs which are either proven hoaxes or so grainy that the images could be interpreted as Nessie or a glob of pudding. This reviewer votes for pudding: It has more consistency and goes down better. Very optional. (S. Fisher)