Michael Palin: Himalaya

The immensely likable Michael Palin pushes off for his fifth, lengthy trek for the BBC in Michael Palin: Himalaya. In an introduction taped just before the beginning of his sojourn, Palin confesses he's feeling his age (61 at the time of production), and while it's become harder to appease the travel bug (his first show was Around the World in 80 Days, circa 1989), he's sure he can muster the energy and enthusiasm to experience new and unfamiliar cultures and people. Palin also takes note of the tricky political situations within and between some of the border nations in the shadow of the mighty Himalayas, and dismisses his nervousness with the claim that he enjoys traveling where there's "a bit of an edge." With that said, Palin and several other veterans of his BBC projects (including co-director Roger Mills) start off in Pakistan, where the host takes a ride on the magical-looking Khyber rail, is bemused by the seeming overabundance of inexpensive (and questionably competent) dentists in the cities, observes the ancient sport of bull-racing, and is startled by Pakistanis' extraordinary love of guns (which they shoot off for no particular reason). Next comes India, where Palin visits an enormous temple built for the nation's 20 million Sikhs, followed by Kashmir, where the former Monty Python star not only visits the houseboat where Ravi Shankar taught George Harrison how to play sitar, but is also recognized by a laughing Dalai Lama. Other highlights include a stop in war-torn Nepal, a close look at China's forced modernization of Tibet, and a compelling visit to Bangladesh. DVD extras include two hours of bonus footage and a post-trip interview. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)