Venice, An Italian Treasure

Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038; 1-800-876-CHIPProduced by Jake and Mieke DeBoerDirected by Giorgio Saturnino2000, VHS, color, 25 min. With a rather abrupt beginning, Venice, An Italian Treasure, begins its journey by guiding viewers through the canals and alleyways of one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. Geography, history, and architectural lessons are learned on the most basic level while the unidentified hosts of this video introduce the better-known monuments and areas of Venice. Highlights include wonderful views of the interior and exterior of the Basilica St. Marco, a history of Venice's famous gondola, and a visit to the glass factories on the island of Murano. Very short clips focus on the cafe culture and food of Venice, as well as lace-making on the island of Burano. If aspiring visitors of Venice are looking for a more in-depth description of the activities and attractions available to them, they may want to search for other tour videos. Venice, An Italian Treasure only provides a brief look at all that Venice has to offer and keeps its audience wondering who their hosts are and if their expertise on Venice extends beyond being simple tourists in love with this city. Scenes from Venice are cut from one to the next with no smooth transition and the video comes to an abrupt halt before viewers realize that it's already over. Venice, An Italian Treasure can only be recommended as a supplement to a collection of travel videos on Venice and other regions of Italy.