 |
| |
| Testimonials - Bennett Watt Entertainment Inc. Video Production Company |
Testimonials & Reviews
: Discoveries... America
DVDDAAL REVIEW: Video Librarian
Discoveries... America: Alabama |
Takes viewers on a visually eye-popping trip deep into ‘The Heart of Dixie’ to visit a state rich in cultural, natural, and social histories. |
DVDDADC REVIEW: Video Librarian
Discoveries... America: Washington DC |
Washington DC
Millions come each year to Washington DC to partake of the wonders on the Mall: the Capitol building, the Washington monument, the Lincoln Memorial, FDR’s park, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (aka, the Wall), and the brand-new WWII Memorial, among others. All are featured in this latest entry from Jim and Kelly Watt’s acclaimed high-definition-shot travel series Discoveries...America, as well as the National Archives, the Holocaust museum, and Museum of the American Indian. |
DVDDAFL REVIEW: Video Librarian
Discoveries... America: Florida |
Wow, a whole hour displaying the wonders of Florida and not a House of Mouse in sight! Still, there are plenty of other familiar images of the Sunshine State featured in this entry from Jim and Kelly Watt’s fine Discoveries...America series |
| DVDDAIA VIEWER COMMENT: Tom Wheeler Iowa Department of Economic Development / Iowa Film Office
Discoveries…America: Iowa |
The footage is great and the show is fantastic. I’ll make sure that the Tourism department gets a good look at it as well as other departments who might have an interest |
| DVDDAKY REVIEW: Video Librarian Discoveries... America: Kentucky |
Rather than skipping across Kentucky offering brief snippets of natural beauty, this video features nearly a dozen segments focusing on places and events that make Kentucky unique among the 50 states. Of course, with horse racing and Kentucky being nearly synonymous, the program features a great section on the raising of thoroughbreds, as well as an in-depth look at the Kentucky Derby, and segments on a horse auction and dressage... The Discoveries…America programs are valuable additions to travel-hungry public library collections, and this intimate look at the 15th state will entertain first-time vacation planners while also pointing out new destinations for frequent visitors. Recommended.
|
DVDDALA VIEWER COMMENT: Robert Florence, Historic New Orleans Tours
Discoveries... America: Louisiana |
I am writing to thank you for the DVD and to tell you that you did a great job with Louisiana. Jim and Kelly Watt did superb work and I really enjoyed it and learned alot. I will spread the word. |
DVDDAMA REVIEW: Video Librarian
Discoveries... America: Massachusetts |
Combining outstanding cinematography and informative commentary, both of these additions to the Discoveries...America series should prove to be popular. Recommended. |
DVDDAPA REVIEW: Teacher / Librarian Magazine
Discoveries... America: Pennsylvania |
This unique and ambitious series of films (Discoveries...America) about individual states are valuable tools introducing students to the geography, beauty, culture and diversity of the nation and giving students a balanced view of the nation as a whole. In Pennsylvania, for example, students travel back in time through the cobbled streets of Philadelphia to visit the Liberty Bell and the Constitution Hall, learn about Amish lifestyles and farms, see covered bridges and visit Pittsburgh, once known for pollution but now vying to become one of the greenest cities in America. Across the Allegheny river they view hundreds of rare and exotic birds at the National Aviary. |
DVDDAWA REVIEW: Booklist
Discoveries... America: Washington |
Despite the reputation of Washington as a soggy state, the sun is always shinning in this grand tour. Starting in Seattle by visiting such major points of interest as Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the Space Needle, the leisurely paced travelogue then moves to Tacoma, the Olympic Peninsula, Mount Rainier, and other tourist destinations. From small coffeehouses and outdoor markets to lush parks and sports venues, the program (Discoveries...America, Washington) visits a multitude of popular spots. Unrushed, informative narration and occasional short interviews with park rangers, shop owners, and cheerful residents make a persuasive case for visiting this scenic Pacific Northwest state |
Testimonials & Reviews
: Discoveries... (International)
DVDHD5 REVIEW: Booklist
Discoveries... Argentina: Natures Spectacle |
Setting a wondrous mood for introducing the biodiversity of vast Argentina... Tempting tourists, attracting ecologically inclined viewers, and offering supplementary material for students, this magnificently shot and languidly paced program, part of the ongoing Discoveries series, views wildlife splendor at its best. |
DVDHD15 REVIEW: Video Librarian
Discoveries... Asia: Japan –
Tokyo & Central Honshu Island |
A sister project to Bennett-Watt’s Discoveries…America travelogue series, Discoveries…Asia explores the splendor, history, and culture of the Far East. Japan – Tokyo & Central Honshu Island focuses on Tokyo and its environs, w/ attention to scenery, shopping and shrines. Viewers will visit the Tsukiji Fish Market – the largest in the world of its kind – to witness a tuna auction (where other seafood delicacies are also sold to wholesalers), travel to the Senso Ji Buddhist temple w/ an English-speaking guide (who offers commentary about local holy places), see footage of the Roppongi Hills multi-complex property development, drop into the posh Ginza shopping district (where a square meter of real estate costs over $100,000), and attend a picnic celebrating the blooming of cherry blossoms in Ueno Park. In addition, the program looks at the work of Takayami artisans and highlights Matsuri festival floats, as well as presents a peek at the Koyasan Buddhist mountain retreat. One of the neatest segments here features a trip to the Mt. Fuji area that follows a public transportation labyrinth: from subway to train to bullet train to electric train (w/ switchbacks) to funicular cable railway to ropeways to boat to bus…whew! Armchair travelers & aficionados of Asian culture will appreciate both the sightseeing and the information provided in this beautiful, high-definition filmed journey to the center of the Land of the Rising Sun. Recommended. |
DVDHD1-3 REVIEW:
Library Journal
Discoveries... Ireland (series) |
Armchair travelers will thoroughly enjoy Discoveries...Ireland. The three DVDs, filmed in wide-screen digital high-definition (HD) Dolby stereo, are filled with rich color and excellent cinematography against a background of traditional Irish music and soft, unobtrusive narration. Each disc includes “Castles & Ruins,” featuring close-ups and pans of the various castles and ruins discussed. The Emerald Isle includes an extended performance by the Bru Boru dance troupe, focusing equally on the musicians with their traditional instruments and the dancers. On A Mystical Journey, we revisit the Waterford glassworks and see the entire process, from the initial glass blowers’ tasks to setting up the design for cutting the crystal and finally cutting the beautiful patterns. A Celtic Treasure features a spoken performance in Gaelic and English, along with traditional music and dancing at the Rathcairn Pub. Highly recommended for general viewers. |
DVDHD14 REVIEW: Video Librarian
Discoveries... Spain: Castles, Cathedrals & Roman Ruins |
A well-scripted architectural travelogue, loaded with fascinating history and terrific on-location photography, the video features interesting sights from all over Spain, including Seville, Toledo, Leon, Avila, and Segovia. Sure to appeal to armchair travelers, history buffs, and art and architecture enthusiasts, this is highly recommended. (4 stars=Excellent, highest rating) |
DVDDASE8 REVIEW: Video Librarian
Discoveries... America Special Edition:
Tulips of Skagit Valley, Washington |
Beautifully filmed in widescreen digital high definition and backed with a Dolby stereo soundtrack, Tulips of Skagit Valley, Washington offers dew-covered close-ups of a dazzling array of tulips, with the camera lingering over the likes of “Abigail” and “Monte Carlo” and “Zurel” among the staggering display of varieties found in this fertile valley setting... A visual love letter to the region, backed with charming music, this is sure to appeal to both armchair travelers and gardening buffs. Highly Recommended. |
Testimonials & Reviews
: Fly Fishing
NFFB REVIEW: On The Water
The New Fly Fishing Basics
|
And what great tools these are! The New Fly Fishing Basics features ESPN’s Fly Fishing Video Magazine’s hosts Jim and Kelly Watt explaining just about everything you need to know to get going in the sometimes confusing world of freshwater fly fishing. Their friendly, low key style makes them great teachers and by using stop-action and slow motion techniques they explain the right and wrong way to cast. Later in the DVD they get into knots, equipment, fishing techniques for moving and still water and there is even a short section on basic fly-tying. The title is actually a bit of a misnomer – there are some advanced casting techniques that will allow the viewer to come back to the DVD even after the basics are mastered and still learn more. I watched this DVD and went fishing that evening, and after their explanation (the best I’ve seen) of the causes and remedies to the dreaded tailing loop, I had a great outing: no “wind knots”, no tangles, no lost flies… OTW (On the Water) Product Reviews |
NFFB REVIEW: Cabin Life
The New Fly Fishing Basics |
DVDs – which allow viewers to pick and choose the
segments they want to watch – are a perfect medium for instruction. The instructors here are Jim and Kelly Watt, hosts of their own fly fishing television series on ESPN and The Outdoor Life Network. Segments include basic and advanced casting techniques, a primer on equipment and basic fly tying. This DVD is a pleasure to watch and learn from, thanks to alternating male/female narration, rhythmic pacing, effective use of slow-motion repetition, reinforcing graphics and beautiful locations, including streams in Ireland and rivers in Argentina.
Cabin Bookshelf. |
NFFB AWARD:
The Videographer Award of Excellence |
2002 Instructional Category |
HTFF REVIEW: Tackle Trade News
How To Fly Fish DVD Series |
... features seven instructional programmes which give easy and quick access to a range of techniques and tips, from tying flies to saltwater casting and from how to read water to details of knots and the best way to tie them. “Our fly fishing topics are in a simple menu format that allows viewers to choose what to watch and in what sequence. This makes our programmes easy and fun to use. The learning curve goes way up when a viewer can concentrate on learning about the fly they want to tie rather than getting frustrated messing with their video player.” |
FTB REVIEW: Video Librarian
Fly Tying Basics with Dick Talleur |
Combining excellent close-up camera work with clear and nicely-paced instructions, Fly Tying Basics with Dick Talleur is definitely recommended for recreational sports collections.
|
KNT REVIEW: Library Journal
Fishing Knots For Fresh & Saltwater
Fishing |
From the “How To Fly Fish” series,
teaches the basics of knot tying. Jim and Kelly Watt of Fly Fishing Magazine, present step-by-step instructions for knots used to attach backing to reel, leader knots, and knots for tying leader to fly or lure. Close-up photography and the use of rope and colored filament permit ease of viewing. …well organized and will work well for visual learners. The Watts deserve kudos for their enthusiasm of a topic that some might consider “a snooze”. |
HTFF REVIEW: Saltwater Fly Fishing
How To Fly Fish DVD Series |
Since the 1980s, Bennett-Watt Entertainment has produced hundreds of how-to and where-to videotapes for anglers. The company now has a series of DVDs with the family name “HOW TO FLY FISH.” Saltwater fly fishers might find two of the DVD programs particularly helpful. “Knots for Fresh & Salt Water” covers more than two dozen connections and various aspects of rigging, including the Bimini twist, Hufnagle knot, haywire twist and big-game leaders. “Bonefish School & Billy Pate’s Saltwater Fly Casting Secrets” covers a lot of ground – casting, presentations, flies and fly tying, finding fish, and more. Bennett-Watts DVDs use a simple menu format to allow viewers to find what they want almost instantly. Tidings & Scuttlebutt - Gear Guide |
KNT REVIEW: Booklist
Fishing Knots For Fresh & Saltwater |
These knots are then tested for strength and durability. Other fishing experts demonstrate knots for various uses (big game fishing, specific fish, etc). The footage (some taken onboard fishing boats) is extremely crisp and clear and includes plenty of close-ups. |
NHOFT
REVIEW: Fly Fishing & Fly Tying Magazine
New Hooked On Fly Tying: All About Hair with Chris Helm |
...is part of an extensive list of titles. Combine a professional production company with expert fly-tying demonstrators and you get the New Hooked On Fly Tying series. The film quality is excellent. Chris Helm is an acknowledged expert on deer hair and tying with deer hair and that is what this program is about. Helm opens with a lengthy introduction to whitetail deer & deer hair. Simply excellent! This is deer hair from the point-of-view of the fly tyer. Helm explains how seasons change deer hair, why some hair suits different applications, and where on the skin different hair types come from. Then get tying! Helm only ties one large Bass Bug, but frankly that one fly is a mini-master class in spun & stacked deer hair tying. The emphasis is on technique, not pattern. I picked up more about tying with deer hair in half an hour than I could in years of tying – and that’s exactly the point. Although the example is a bass fly, the materials, tools, and skills transfer to any fly with a deer hair body or head. |
|
|
|
