ONE MAN'S VIEW OF NEW EUROPE

We borrowed the first of the DVDs to watch and found it so interesting that we went online and bought the entire series without further ado. I was mainly interested in Poland and Ukraine, which was on the second DVD. The Poland sequences were good, but the Ukraine ones less so. However it was an entertaining series and can't please everyone. A lot of the criticism in these reviews seems to be expecting a serious history lesson - Michael Palin doesn't do history, he does comedy and travel. One man's travel is not the same as another's. I think those who have said his gimmicks are getting a bit tired are correct (being "invited" to home festivities and "invited" to participate on stage etc.), but overall it was a picturesque and engaging series. There will no doubt be others including histories - perhaps BBC can get Simon Schama on the go? Meanwhile, this is okay - not MP's best, but okay and I'll be watching it again.

---

Yes! this is great

This is a marvelous DVD. We enjoyed every minute, and we got lots of insights into most of the countries he visits. It's a great addition to the book, both because it is visual and because it covers rather different material.

---

Boring!

Sadly, this series falls far short of the standard he has set himself. We actually found it pretty boring to watch, and it took us ages to get through it as it felt like an effort to sit and watch an hour at a time. Even then I often switched off. I can't quite put my finger on why- it just completely lacked the dynamic pace, enthusiasm and interest of other series. And some really dull, long shots of Palin doing something or other pretty mundane, had been left in to fill in the time. It was painful at times.

Go back to Around the World in 80 days, Full Circle, Pole to Pole and Himalaya, but I'd avoid this one if I were you!

(Now that review won't help me sell my copy on e-bay, will it?! ;-)

---

Another Excellent Palin Show

Another great addition to the Michael Palin travel shows over the last twenty years or so. Always very entertaining and of course great to see so many of the different cultures around the globe. If you have enjoyed his earlier series then this is a must for you. I actually missed this on the TV so was really happy to find it on DVD. He seems to hint also that he may be up for doing another and I really hope he does before he gets to the age where he feels it is too much for him, after all it is not just like a day trip to Brighton!! Great stuff and a very welcome addition to my collection. Buy and enjoy.

---

new europe

Bought as a gift, the person recieved it on time and thought it was brilliant.