Animal exploitation
gudrun | 04/12/2005
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this DVD hoping to get some ideas for outdoor expeditions for an upcoming trip to Iceland. Instead, there were gory scenes such as a reindeer getting its throat slit after being shot, and a scene of a bloody, skinned seal. I had to press the stop button on the DVD player before it was over. (As an aside, don't bother buying this if your main interest is Iceland - the majority of the program -- including the scenes referenced above -- is focused on Greenland.)
Definitely not for children or animal-friendly adults!"
Iceland Ne'er Looked So Good!
G P Padillo | Portland, ME United States | 02/24/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As opposed to the only other review, I must take an opposing view of this fascinating video. Perhaps I find Ian Wright a charmer as his personality and appearance match those of me and my friends, so his trip journey these north countries felt as though being relayed by a good pal. My only qualm is that I wished the trip were longer. The DVD quality is good and watching Wright trying to navigate a kayak, eat fresh raw fish (nowhere attractively prepared as sashimi)drinking "black death", nude mud bathing, and dog sledding 'cross the frozen tundra, you'd wish you were there.
A highly watchable, sometimes laugh-out-loud, travel video and I look forward to more Globe Trekkers with Mr. Wright!
p."
Frosty Frontiers -- NOT Tourist Traps!
Jerry Scott Horn | Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA | 06/01/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This was originally a 1996 episode of "Lonely Planet". Some of the material in this DVD might seem a bit dated to those who have recently visited Iceland and/or Greenland. What should have been done was to make two complete episodes: one episode on Iceland and one episode on Greenland. After all, these are two very different worlds, and yet they are so close to each other! Iceland is very technologically modern and culturally sophisticated -- just like continental Western Europe. Greenland is still an enigma for most people. This gigantic island, whose surface is over 95% covered in glacial ice, is home to an ancient, fascinating, and hearty people with a long history of nomadic tradition and survival skills. I find both lands intriguing and would love to visit both of them!
Regarding Ian Wright: I have read many negative reviews about him from other episodes he has hosted. He is neither Rick Steves nor Burt Wolf, folks! Ian Wright is simply being himself -- a silly but fun-loving, young Englishman who loves to travel. He is adventurous, curious, and keen to try practically anything once, even if he looks rediculous doing it. He is much more lively and likable than that uptight Justine Shapiro! She is so deadpan serious, cranky, and whiney that she would be a miserable travelling companion! And what about Megan McCormick? Yes, I think she is cute -- however, at times she behaves like such a ditzy airhead!
And for that obnoxious, homophobic reviewer of the "Globe Trekker: Brazil" DVD -- Yes, Ian Wright IS gay! SO WHAT! BIG DEAL! GET OVER IT -- AND GET A LIFE!"
Video Ok
HockeyRatt | SoCal, USA | 07/09/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I thought the video was average. I wished they had spent more time on Iceland and less on Greenland (more visit Iceland by far). I did like Ian the host. Now after visiting Iceland on two ocassions (planning a 3rd trip next year) I realize there is so much more to do in the country then what they presented in the video....but worth it for those who might be on the fence trying to decide whether or not to visit the country. BTW, its worth the trip, what a fantastic country!!"