The Real World Of Hawaii And Tahiti; The Real World Of Thailand

Uneven production values hurt these otherwise entertaining travel adventures from 16mm filmmaker, traveler, and lecturer Rick Howard. Apparently shot some years ago, both programs feature tell-tale scratches on the prints, and so-so editing (some material is repeated unnecessarily in both tapes). On the plus side, however, Howard's sense of humor and genuine interest and enthusiasm concerning the countries he visits sometimes makes up for the "old" feel of the programs. In The Real World of Hawaii and Tahiti, the filmmaker checks out the surfing action (unfortunately without a zoom lens) on Oahu, windsurfing off Maui, and looks at the volcanic action on the Big Island, before heading over to Tahiti for a reprisal of artist Paul Gauguin's life and his stay on the island paradise of Tahiti. Throughout, Howard points out interesting facts and features, while working on various photographic shoots to pay for his expenses abroad. One of the best segments features Howard and a family he's been sailing with pitching in with others to try to rescue a sail boat that's gotten stuck on the coral reef. In The Real World of Thailand, Howard visits "noisy, crowded, and polluted" Bangkok, which still offers some interesting sights: Thai kickboxing and classical dance. Visiting Chong Bury (Thailand's capital some 200 years ago), the camera takes in the "floating market," where people do their shopping (and their selling) by boat on the Chao Phai river. Howard also shows viewers the River Kwai (immortalized in David Lean's epic The Bridge on the River Kwai). The main feature of the program, however, is a dangerous trip to the "Golden Triangle," site of 80% of Asia's opium production. Having missed what he wasn't supposed to see anyway, Howard returns three years later where he undergoes a bit of a hair-raising adventure while capturing footage of the lovely opium fields. After that, he faced a rather difficult time smuggling the illegal footage out of Thailand. The program concludes with a look at the procession of the beautiful Golden Barges, an event which only takes place every 25-50 years. Tighter editing would have made both of these programs better than they are. Still, they do offer some unusual sights and entertainment. Libraries with larger travel collections may want to consider. (Available from: Real World Films, 1405 Promenade #8, Santa Monica, CA 90401; (310) 394-5290.)