Search - Long Way Round (Deluxe) Long Way Down (Deluxe) Race To Dakar - Complete 8 DVD Box Set on DVD

Travels With Charley

B26354 | Atlanta, GA | 01/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Exhilarating, funny, intelligent, shocking, and raw, Ewan and Charley take us along on their adventure of a lifetime on their BMW R1150 GS Adventure motorcycles. A heartwarming and intimate portrait of two best friends sharing an amazing journey together on the road, it feels like they take you right along with them on their travels. Ewan's constant, infectious laugh and Charley's feisty yet good-natured demeanor and comic facial expressions make them a hilarious and irresistible pair. Every day I looked forward to coming home from work and popping the latest episode into the DVD player to see where their adventure would take them next. From the Ukraine, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan to deep into Siberia on the disturbing Road of Bones (Stalin sent 20 million people to their deaths constructing it), they must traverse dangerous flooded river crossings that threaten to crush their vehicles and turn them back, and become helpless witnesses to a horrific bear poaching perpetrated by the very people who stop to help them, all nauseatingly caught on camera, of which later, Ewan and Charley reveal their true feelings of shock and disgust over the incident. Ewan and Charley have an enthusiasm for living life to fullest that is unmatched and completely addicting. They speak directly to the audience on camera through their diary logs that puts the entire program onto an intimate, personal level. If you enjoy travel programs, are a motorcycle fan, or a fan of Ewan McGregor, this is a highly informative and entertaining documentary of a journey of exploration on personal and geographic levels. I loved every minute and hope they take us on another journey in the near future. Other notables include their work with UNICEF and children's rescue, and adorable animal encounters (don't miss the beard-biting puppy in the DVD extras). And in addition, great music scoring with song clips from Radiohead, Massive Attack, Orbital, Stereophonics, and more.

Their journey through Africa is more tension-filled (recurring problems within the group erupt but are eventually worked through) and serious, but just as entertaining and interesting as Long Way Round on their BMW R1200 GS Adventure motorcycles this time. Perhaps the most difficult and emotional journey of the two, the group visits a primary school in Marsabit, northeast Kenya, where 80 people were massacred, including 20 children in July 2005, and then their shocking visit to a church in Rwanda where 5,000 victims of genocide were slaughtered in one day. Their interaction with local Kenyan farmer families is extraordinary to watch, and the children they encounter are adorable and always so interested in the camera. Their partnership with UNICEF and Riders For Health in Kenya is showcased, demonstrating how medical care and medicine is brought to people who could not access health care otherwise. Also don't miss The Missing Face on the DVD extras, further detailing their efforts with UNICEF and related organizations that give aid to impoverished, abandoned, and abused children and what we can do to help. Another fantastic soundtrack is also included in this adventure (check the Long Way Round site for an episode guide and music credits), which includes artists such as The Boxer Rebellion, Ebb, Ayub Ogada, Geoffrey Oryema, Ben Onono, Afro Celt Sound System, and many more. Thanks Ewan and Charley! I can't wait for you to bring us along on your next motorcycle journey!"

Best Motorcycle Adventure Set Ever!

Big-D | Lake Havasu City, AZ United States | 01/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a motorcycle enthusiast 100% all of the time. Not only do I own several bikes, I try to travel vast distances several times per year. This collection of movies from Charlie Boorman and Ewan McGregor are all absolutely superb.

This set I am reviewing contains all three of their travel episodes, including Long Way Round, Race to Dakar and Long Way Down. Although I had previously bought just Long Way Down, it turned out to be in PAL format which in turn required me to purchase a new DVD player capable of playing all formats. Since then I have upgraded to a Blu-Ray player and since this set was such an amazing deal on Amazon, I had to purchase the entire set in one package.

First off, what makes this series so interesting are the total real-life (no acting) scenarios these two great friends undertake together. Along with their superb hand-picked support team, my eyes were glued to the screen every second. Everything from the miserable conditions to the stunning beautiful scenery, Ewan & Charlie push on relentlessly to complete their mission of traveling around the globe in Long Way Round and from Scotland to the tip of South Africa in Long Way Down. The people they encounter, the different town, cities and villages are so interesting.

Because of my interest in motorcycling and my jealously that I have never even come close to such an adventure as these, makes me rate this series right at the top of my list of all-time favorite movies (documentaries) I have ever watched. Watching the motorcycles take such a beating, the horrible road conditions while maintaining that perfect friendship just makes the watching so much more entertaining.

My wife (who doesn't care much at all for motorcycles or riding) also loved the series. She too watched every episode with me and commented on how much she enjoyed the series.

I enjoyed both "Long Way Down" and "Long Way Round" so extensively, I cannot make a choice between the two as to which is my favorite.

"Road to Dakar" which is about Charlie Boorman's adventure riding the world's most difficult race. Not only is the race itself entertaining, but all of the preparation required to undertake such a race is enormous. The Race to Dakar was different from the other two, mostly because it focused much more on the hardships Charlie Boorman went through, which showed a real humanistic side of him you did not see in the other two films.

Just remember, these films contain no acting. Its all real-life situations, from the travels themselves, to the people and animal encounters, the broken motorcycles and the injuries sustained, to the bond between these two friends and their elite team of support personnel, it is all real.

If you enjoy motorcycles or motorcycling, you must buy this set and prepare yourself for several days of envious adventurers to unfold before your eyes. Once you've watched them, you will feel as though you've known each of the participants personally for years and on a first name basis. And lastly, I want to point out that without the help and assistance of the support team that trailed along with them and the ladies that prearranged their Visas and documents, none of these adventurers could have been successful. Only with a completely joint effort, these films were possible.

5-Stars +++
"

Wow.....Another winning DvD

Terence Gilbert | 01/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had already watched "The Long Way Round" a few years ago back in UK and was eager to watch "The Long Way Down" as I am originally from Scotland and this adventure was starting in Scotland and ending in South Africa. I had tried to get the DvD from UK before it became available here, but was un-successful. When it did become available, I immediately ordered it. I wasn't dissapointed. I didn't think it was as good as the previous adventure but sequels never seem to live up to the same level as the originals. All in all, I loved seeing the countries Charlie and Ewan visited and I think that it was a very well produced, entertaining video.

Now, "The Race to Dakar" was a superb DvD. From start to finish, it was a nail-biting adventure. The riders in the rally deserve medals for putting up with all the hardship associated with the race. I had heard of the race when it was the "Paris-Dakar" but never fully understood the endurance required to finish the event. This DvD graphically depicted every day. I would recomend this Box Set to everyone.....Some "colorful language" for younger audiences but you could always turn the sound down if you are easily offended!"

Ewan & Charlie's Excellent Adventure!!!!

C. A. Surovi | Hellertown, PA United States | 04/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Delux Set of DVDs is nothing short of ADDICTING!! It is about motorcycles and travel and human nature and geography and history...and I cannot stop watching it. Each episode of each disc leaves you wanting more. Exquisitely filmed, directed and produced....Ewan and Charlie take you with them and make you a part of their trip. I laughed, cried, cheered and despaired with them. YOU WILL TOO!!!!!!!!!!!"