Search - Passport to Europe: Germany, Switzerland and Austria on DVD

Not as good as RICK STEVES or RUDY MAXA

Amazon Customer | Michigan USA | 04/16/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This show is more lighthearted than Rick Steves or Rudy Maxa. Samantha Brown is just a normal girl having fun. She is not an intellectual, and I think that is the whole point.

The only problem I had with the DVD is that the bitrate is somewhat low. If you watch this on a standard definition TV you probably won't notice, but if you watch on your computer (which has superior screen) you will notice the lower quality video.

FYI you can get all 80 episodes of RICK STEVES EUROPE for only about 63 bucks here at Amazon, which is ridiculously cheap. I recommend getting that FIRST, then maybe getting this. You will learn a LOT more from Rick Steves and Rudy Maxa."

Decent Travel Video

P.K. Ryan | Albany, NY USA | 12/31/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not much of a traveler but the three German speaking countries are the only countries (with the exception of Ireland) that I am determined to visit someday. This DVD reinforced my view that Germany, Switzerland, and Austria are among the most physically and culturally beautiful places on earth. The natural landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, and the small village settings that seem to be so prominent have always seemed idyllic to me. This DVD is a collection of episodes from the TV show, which features three episodes for each of the three countries:

Germany- Bavaria, Berlin, Munich
Austria- Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna
Switzerland- Interlaken, St. Moritz, Zurich

The show is hosted by Samantha Brown. She can be slightly annoying at times-picture an excessively bubbly, suburban American soccer mom-but she does a relatively good job at playing tour guide, and she's not bad to look at either. She takes the viewer throughout the chosen destinations, talks to locals, and highlights local attractions. She takes us to restaurants, cafes, hotels, resorts, hot spots, landmarks, public transportation venues, and the occasional oddity like a royal ball in Vienna. We learn the prices for comparitive venues, the best times of year to visit, local customs, etc. The whole thing seems a bit superficial at times, but if you can get past that, it's not a bad DVD. All in all, I would consider this a good warm up for anyone preparing to travel to these countries for the first time, or just an enjoyable viewing if the German-speaking countries interest you at all."

Recommended

LB | Woodford, Australia | 10/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoyed this travel DVD, and certainly would recommend it to anyone wishing to travel to Europe, to see things and go to places off the tourist route. Her Americanism is not annoying, and you do get a laugh at some of her comments. She mingles with the locals in all regions, takes you to enjoyable places to eat and drink, and talks about the accommodation and gives prices. She choses the middle to upper types of accommodation in each region, as she travelled in the low season.
I can understand why she was awarded the Emmy for 'Outstanding Lifestyle Directing"."

The MOST Beautiful Travel Destination in Europe!

allie e.h. | California | 05/05/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've traveled several times to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It was fun to watch the DVD and be able to say "I've been there!" and "Oh wow! Remember that?" My main criticism: some of the featured hotels were way more expensive than necessary. When I travel to Europe I like to stay in 'Gasthofs', smaller family-owned inns that offer quaint rooms, usually with private baths. Breakfast is always included and usually features soft or hard-boiled eggs, various breads and 'broetchen' (the crunchy rolls), a variety of cheeses and jams, and sometimes sliced meats.

Overall, a great dvd."