Savage Earth: Hell's Crust

Isn't it reassuring to be reminded that somewhere out there, people are having far less fun than you are? Every minute, someone is attacked by a bear, or involved in a high speed chase, or buried under volcanic ash--at least on Fox TV. If you like to be reassured that during your next camping trip, airline flight, or for that matter, bathroom visit, some geological conflagration could snuff you out like so much pulverized carbon, then you'll love this installment of the four part Savage Earth series (the others are: Out of the Inferno, The Restless Planet and Waves of Destruction--$79.98, boxed set). Hell hath no crusty fury like Stacy Keach telling one volcanic disaster story after another in this effective and scary co-production of WNET and Granada Television. Hell's Crust focuses on the struggles of individual people caught in the face of volcanic eruptions in Indonesia, Iceland, Italy, Hawaii and at Mt. St. Helens. It features fabulous disaster footage, marvelous animation and compelling testimonials. But the actual reason these TV productions are so popular is that they are guaranteed to stop channel surfers in their tracks. I mean, who can really look away when every 15 seconds planes are plunging out of the sky, people are being swept downstream, mountains are blowing their tops and lava flows are threatening houses? The smug and oft repeated remark that the destruction wrought by volcanoes, earthquakes and other tragedies has "united the world in suffering" will be enjoyed by sadists and insurance salesmen everywhere. Unlikely to be followed by a Subtle, Gentle, Nurturing Earth series, Savage Earth is nonetheless highly recommended and sure to be popular. Aud: J, H, P. (R. Ray)