World Odysseys: Vietnam

Originally produced for the Travel Channel, this gorgeously shot program presents a near half-hour tour of Vietnam, a country slowly emerging from socialism into a free market economy. Beginning in the Mekong Delta and traveling northward through Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Danang, Hue, and ending in Hanoi, World Odysseys: Vietnam highlights the country's major architectural sights and attractions, from the pagodas and temples of each city to a look at a community theatre production. While low on factual information compared to titles released for the educational market (for instance, Vietnam; The South, reviewed in VL-7/02), this program features good graphics, clear narration, and excellent photography that is sure to whet the appetite of any traveler. Recommended for larger travel collections, with the caveat that it's priced two-to-three times higher than other general travel videos. Other titles in the 24-tape series include Germany, France, Italy (Rome), Mexico, Australia, and Ireland. Aud: P. (E. Gieschen)