The Caribbean (Video Visits)
Picture:
C+ Sound: B- Extras: D Program: B-
In the
early days of cable networks, one of the first names of the time landed was
Shari Belafonte and The Caribbean
(1999), which is a fun if too brief trip from Miami to Miami Beach, Key West,
Nassau, Jamaica, Firefly, Kingston, Puerto Rico, Old San Juan, Ponce, and
Boqueron. The DVD has chapters for each,
but this will show the beautiful side of the region. Forget about the problems being blamed on the
World Trade Organization and don’t expect anything critical like the amazing
documentary Life + Debt (reviewed
elsewhere on this site).
The great
thing it does show is how great these areas are and why they deserve a chance
to have the same happiness and prosperity as any other first-world
metropolis. It makes for an interesting
and even ironic comparison to the abject poverty some of these areas have but
is certainly skipped here. However, this
is not a mere promo to get tourists, but a smart look at what each area offers. Too bad it only runs 77 minutes.
The full
frame image was shot on color analog videotape and the transfer is good for
that source. The Dolby Digital 2.0
Stereo has some good Pro Logic surrounds, though it shows its recent age. For its age, it holds up well, though it is
too bad unused footage was not included on the DVD, as there was plenty of
room. They could have even fit other
programs hosted by Miss Belafonte.
Either way, it is worth a look.
If you want to see some great things about this region, The Caribbean will be your kind of
show.
- Nicholas Sheffo
