Inside the Tuscan Hills

Rating:
Summary: John, Jacksonville NC
Review: I have enjoyed this DVD as much as any that I have ever ordered. The hostess is one of the most charming people that you could ever hope to tour Tuscany with. She has that rare quality of truly seeming interested in the people and subject that she is covering. Lastly, she doesn't seem like one of those tourists who would ignore a fellow countryman because she is so far above her homeland. (This is a strange statement to anybody who hasn't run into such people)
I was raised on orchards in Washington State and sometimes I really miss that life. I enlisted in the Marines at 18, and after my enlistment, attended and graduated Business School. Every once in a while I like a little escapism back to my rustic roots before I jumped into modern society with both feet. The makers of this DVD have done this for me. Thanks.

Rating:
Summary: Heaven on Earth
Review: This set provides a peak viewing experience for any armchair traveler. I've been watching "Inside the Tuscan Hills" on PBS for the past month or so, and I'm completely enthralled by it. I suspect this has to do with the subject (ah, Tuscany!); but, for my taste, the filmmakers have produced the finest travel show I've ever seen, hands down. As an occasional filmmaker and traveler (though, sadly, I've never combined the two), I have to admit that this is the travel series I've long dreamt of making, myself.

It's probably wrong to call this a travel show. Unlike Rick Steves and Rudy Maxa (whose series I admire), these filmmakers delve deeply into a single region -- perhaps THE place on Earth that comes closest to Heaven (as my favorite filmmaker, Krystov Kieslowski, suggests in his posthumously filmed screenplay, "Heaven"). Each installment savors a small corner of Tuscany, combining some of the best cinematography on PBS with great interviews with locals, as well as fascinating glimpses into their kitchens, workshops, homes and resorts. Among other delights, you'll find at least one great meal and beautiful place to stay in each episode.

I like that the host usually remains off-screen and lets the camera do its work. As I said, I admire Steves and Maxa; but their smiling faces aren't the foremost thing I want to see when I tune in to their shows. Camille Abbe has grace, wit and charm, but she doesn't beat you over the head with them -- and she's not blocking your view of the gorgeous scenery! Contrary to an earlier reviewer's objection to Abbe's "flat tone," I appreciate that she's not trying to sell the show with cheerfulness or false charm. Abbe employs the more contemporary style of narration one might hear on public radio's "This American Life" -- reading her text in a calm, natural way.

Did I mention the cinematography? This show consistently floors me with its beauty, and I'm glad it's already available on DVD.

Rating:
Summary: A nice escape to Tuscany.
Review: `Inside the Tuscan Hills' is a good value. You receive two DVDs with three twenty-six minute episodes on each. The six episodes take you on a scenic journey through the Tuscan hills and villages. As each episode shifts from one Tuscan village to the next the transition is filled with the incredible vistas of the Tuscan countryside. This captures all the beauty of the countryside. At every stop in Tuscany, the narrator focuses on agriturismo, small restaurants and their chefs, and the artisans of the area. You will get a real feel for the people and their uniquely wonderful way of life. You can almost imagine being there.

I think that the DVD is well worth the price and I recommend it for someone who loves anything Tuscan or has never visited and is planning a trip to the area. The only low spot is the narrator. The narrator's tone is flat and she never comes across with warmth or charm. My sense of it is that she is inexperienced. Because of the narrator, this series does not match the quality of other popular PBS travel documentaries. More accurately this video series can be likened to an incredibly well done home movie of a visit to Tuscany.