Route 66 – The Ultimate
DVD Collection (VCI)
Picture: C
Sound: C Extras: C Episodes: B
It is one of the most famous roads of all time, yet Route
66 is a long stretch of pavement with a mythical status that is only so touched
by the kind of “mall sprawl” that is “ethnically cleansing” the mom and pop
businesses from the U.S. and when those malls are gone and replaced by new
ones, those earlier models are not missed as much as the more distinctive
places that paved the way for them. Route
66 – The Ultimate DVD Collection is a new 3 DVD set from VCI that issues
1994, 1995 and 2000 looks at the famed roadway fro the same source.
To its advantage, it is loaded with great stills, footage
(film & Video) and history about a place that is increasingly ignored by
the media. There are those idiots who
will say something about “progress” and “capitalism” because they could care
less about history and are often actively trying to rewrite it. However, those with a love of the finer
things in life and the U.S. who know better will enjoy what does work about
these specials.
The only thing that holds them back is the mantra about
nostalgia particularly from Michael Wallis, which becomes odder since so much
time and so many events have occurred since these tapings and
compilations. Route 66 itself has more
to offer than the past, it can offer a better way back to a real future that
fulfils the kind of variety and true change the country is capable of. As compared to similar Rick Sebak/WQED/PBS
specials and WGBH shows, it is just too sappy in this respect, no matter how
sincere. Otherwise, the set is worth
your time and goes further than many similar productions would.
The 1.33 X 1 image originates on analog NTSC video and has
a particular lack of definition and color fidelity throughout. Is it the original source? It is hard to tell. The Dolby Digital 2.0 sound is simple stereo
at best, but also shows it age. Extras
include some interview pieces on each DVD, producer/director comments and
stills.
- Nicholas Sheffo
