France: Beneath Paris

I was actually looking forward to this exploration of the extensive waterways beneath Paris, billed as a glimpse into the "surreal underground world" of centuries-old sewers. Phooey. After ten minutes of this immersion into the muck and murk of Paris, I was ready to climb out and head for the showers. For 99 bucks and change, you get the thrill of listening to bored Parisian sewage, subway, and maintenance workers complain about the dead bodies, homeless vagrants, and other assorted flotsam that wash up in their tunnels. Trust me, there's more excitement taking the Pirates of the Caribbean ride than there is in touring the ancient Saint Martin Canal or delving into the depths of the caverns beneath the opera house where The Phantom of the Opera once lurked. The program lurches from one tunnel to another, from one river to another, and from one sewer to another in no discernable logical order. Although many people have an interest in exploring underground cities and structures, this video is merely an exercise in watching effluvia flow. Not recommended. Aud: H, P. (J. Carlson)