Visions of Greece

The Greek mainland and isles are both fascinating and staggeringly beautiful when viewed from the air, and that's what Visions of Greece (and its sequel, Visions of Greece: Off the Beaten Path, also contained on this disc) offers: a smooth, airborne ride over ancient hilltop ruins, a sparkling blue Aegean Sea, and magnificent topography. Viewers will enjoy bird's-eye perspectives of Nea Kameni (the underwater volcano beneath a green cove), the First Circle of the Royal Tombs (home--and alleged tomb--of King Agamemnon and his murderous wife and children), the monastery of St. John Chrysostom (improbably situated, all alone, on the steep side of a mountain), the breathtaking Mt. Athos, and the lovely, winding Filiouri River, among other sights. Backed with gentle music and informative narration, the programs feature nearly an hour of bonus footage not seen in the televised versions. Highly recommended. [Note: the companion volume The Greek Americans, celebrating Greek culture and tradition, is also newly available at the same price]. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)