Royal Families of the World: Great Britain, Sweden, Belgium, Netherlands

Offering four kissy pieces profiling the royal families of Great Britain, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium, Royal Families of the World features stock footage of the more photogenic members (read: heavy dose of the late Diana) of the royal families; fulsome descriptions of their character (“courageous,” “great,” “devoted,” “heroic”); a quick overview of their homes, possessions and activities; fawning commentary by journalists and p.r. flacks; and concluding statements justifying the continued existence of the particular reigning house. Narrow in focus, trite and superficial, this program provides no fresh insights or serious political observations. Royal watchers will discover they've been here, done this, while the newly interested would do better to consult the various attractive magazines devoted to the subject of royalty. Not recommended. Aud: P. (J. Reed)