Discoveries…America: New York 2006
Distributed by Bennett-Watt Entertainment, 13021 244th Ave. Southeast, Issaquah, Washington 98027; 800-327-2893
Produced by Bennett-Watt HD Productions
Director n/a
DVD, color, 60 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Travel and Tourism, Area Studies
Date Entered: 09/12/2006
Reviewed by Marianne D. Muha, E. H. Butler Library, State University of New York College at BuffaloThis installment of the Discoveries…America series provides an excellent overview of the culturally rich and diverse state of New York. The film opens in New York City and briefly highlights the Fulton Fish Market, Times Square, the neighborhood farmers markets, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. The commentary describing the massive efforts to make the “center of the universe” a cleaner and safer place is presented in a positive way.
The film then moves to the Hudson Valley and depicts the apple orchards, the Huguenot village of New Paltz and the Tallix Art Foundry where world-famous works of sculpture are cast. The next stop on this tour is further north into Saratoga Springs where the healing waters of the mineral springs and thoroughbred horse racing are given equal billing. A brief history of Saratoga makes for an interesting look at how and why this area is still premier tourist land.
Adirondack State Park, covering over 6 million acres is the next stop on the tour. The focus here is the Old Forge mail boat which delivers mail to residents living on the lakes in these remote areas. The Erie Canal and its historical importance is the next topic for discussion. The narrator explains how the canal connected New York City to the Great Lakes and facilitated transportation through what was essentially wilderness.
The last stop, mighty Niagara Falls is depicted in all its natural wonder and beauty. Highlights include the Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil Falls, the Cave of the Winds Gorge and the Maid of the Mist boats complete with commentary in French and English. The final shots of the film are massive fireworks display over Manhattan, truly a sight to behold.
This film is very well done with excellent camera shots, superb narrating and beautiful scenes of New York’s vast riches. However, this reviewer was mystified as to why Long Island was completely left out of the film. It is appropriate for libraries with travel and tourism collections. Recommended.