Visions of Ireland does not in fact limit itself to mere fly-overs in its 55 minute or so length. There are ground shots, as well as shots taken from boats and cars, which give the presentation some visual variety. But it is indeed the aerial work that is most stunning in this excellent literal overview of a land literally bursting with history and glorious landscapes. Dealing with everything from St. Patrick to the dueling ideologies of Anglicanism and Catholicism, as well as Dublin's Easter Uprising, all set to well-chosen visuals and a strong supporting soundtrack (featuring everything from Anuna-like choral work to Bing Crosby), Visions of Ireland will appeal both viscerally, due to its outstanding images, and intellectually, due to the history it imparts, albeit in sweeping generalities. Both the major cities and more rural locales are presented with equal emphasis.

The one drawback of the video is in fact the narration. Though Terry Donnelly's dulcet tones will remind some astute listeners of a somewhat huskier Fiona Ritchie (of Thistle and Shamrock fame), once her excellent narration has been heard, it would have been nice to have had a music-only audio option to revisit the beautiful imagery without the voiceover. But that's a minor complaint in an otherwise top-notch presentation.

The DVD

Video:
The 1.78:1 enhanced image is quite simply gorgeous. Crisp and detailed, with deep, saturated colors, Visions of Ireland lives up to its title, and then some.

Sound:
The standard stereo soundtrack is also beautiful, with Donnelly's lilting narration always placed front and center, and the well-chosen soundtrack music never overpowering.

Extras:
An excellent 18-plus minute selection of bonus footage is not only equally gorgeous to watch, it has no narration (just some great music), thereby making my point about a music-only option above. This extra may well be the section you'll return to most often for that very reason.

Final Thoughts:
A nice, informational variation on the fly-over genre, Visions of Ireland offers stunning vistas, excellent music and a wealth of historical information. Recommended.

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"G-d made stars galore" & "Hey, what kind of a crappy fortune is this?" ZMK, modern prophet