Mexico

Watch the Mexico travel video to explore its ancient roots, contemporary excitement, modern facilities and whimsical artwork. Discover its beautiful towns and rich cultures! DVD. 90 Minutes. Rudy etches a vivid portrait of Guadalajara with its rich history, vibrant culture and passionate artists. Next, it is an easy hop to the coast to bask in the traditional charms of Puerto Vallarta. Rudy visits Mexico City, the world's largest metropolis, and explores its ancient roots at pre-Aztec Teotihuacon. For contemporary excitement, Rudy hangs at the Zocalo, the world's second largest square, and heads for the beaches of Mexican Riviera. Extra Features - Ballet Folklorico; Anthropology Museum; Tasting tequila; and more!

DVD. Featuring: Dr. Dwayne L. Merry As a practicing anthropologist archaeologist Dr. Merry brings a unique perspective to this film. Along with his wife Telse, he re-visits many of the sites and people he has studied over his extensive career. Dr. Merry received special permission to film the treasures the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City and the archeological sites from which they came. He captures the amazing cliff divers of Acapulco and the flying Voladores near Vera Cruz as they escend from a hundred-foot pole dangling from ropes attached to their ankles. The pageantry and beauty of the Mexican festivals, visits to craftsmen, their homes and marketplaces, bring an understanding of the people of Mexico. You'll see Dr. Merry as he travels the country from the Gulf of Mexico to the rugged coast of the Pacific, and from the steaming jungles of the Yucatan to the deep canyons of the "Barranca del Cobre". This program will be of great value to any casual traveler as well as the serious student of Mexican history, culture and geography. Dr. Dwayne L. Merry, a professor of anthropology and archaeology, has conducted research and excavations around the world and written several books on his travels around the world. 88 minutes.

Globe Trekker. Region 1 Mexico is a vast country sharing one border with the United States and the other one with Central America. Traveller Ian Wright visits Baja California, a mostly desert mountainous peninsula off the south west coast of the USA, and the Copper Canyon, home of the modern cowboys and the ancient Tarahumara Indians. Meanwhile Justine Shapiro explores Mexico City, a buzzing capital where modern skyscrapers tower over Indian markets and Spanish churches. 55 minutes. Along the way? $_$_START_LIST ? Visit the wild border town of Tijuana. ? Sail close to the grey whales which migrate to the Laguna San Ignacio during the northern winter months. ? Explore the colonial silver city of Taxco, and the amazing city of Teotihuacan whose mysterious civilization built the gigantic pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. ? Get a hot taste for Mexican chillies at La Merced, one of the largest food markets, and sample some of the hundreds of tequila varieties. 55 minutes. $_$_END_LIST

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. Mexico is the land of the Maya and Aztec, temples and beaches. With a population of 26 million, the bubbling metropolis of Mexico City is a maze of streets, flat roofs, skyscrapers and parks. Earthquakes, floods and civil wars created this `City Of The Aztecs'. Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Aztecs, lies in the centre of the city, in the large main square. The magnificent Catedral Metropolitana, with its massive dimensions and fine stone masonry, dominates the square with equal prominence being given to the Palacinio Nacional, governmental seat of the Mexican President. In 1519, when the Spanish conquerors reached Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec kingdom, they discovered a lagoon paradise with floating gardens, Xochimilco and a labyrinth of lakes and canals, which today can be explored by boat. Known as the Pearl Of The Pacific, Acapulco is a world famous holiday resort of the rich and famous where luxury liners dock each day and endless golden sands beckon a swim under the Caribbean sun.Each evening, the famous cliff jumpers of Acapulco congregate when, from a height of 42 meters, they jump fearlessly from the top of the La Quebrada Cliff into the narrow bay below. In the legendary ruins of Palenque, numerous monuments of the Maya culture can be found such as a palace, and several pyramids and temples. From the air, there is a unique view of the lush growth of the impenetrable forests around Palenque, and of Mexico's most beautiful waterfalls of Agua Azul. Chichen Itza is thought to have been built by the Mayas around 450 AD and over 500 years later the fighting TOLTEKEN took over the deserted city, which led to 200 years of prosperity. Located in the north, Tequila is situated at the foot of the likewise named volcano and is world famous because it is here that the Mexican national drink is produced. But Mexico is much more than a drink?it is a feast for all the senses!

DVD. Worldwide Travel Films. 88 Minutes. The central highlands from Mexico City to Colima are known to savvy travelers as the "Land of Eternal Spring". In this all new digital production, filmmakers Fran and Brooke Reidelberger explore this special part of our southern neighbor far from the daily headlines. Ancient Aztec ruins, colonial silver towns, modern retirement meccas. for adventurous gringos, colorful markets older than America, the real Tequila, arts and crafts, festivals, rodeos, "dancing" dogs, volcanoes, and butterfly heaven at 11,000 feet. All of this, plus the incredible people are part of "The Other Side of Mexico" Ancient and modern sections of Mexico City; * Aztec pyramids at Teotihuac?n; * P?tzcuaro and other Michoac?n villages with their diverse arts and crafts, including copper, "catrina" dolls and wooden masks; * the story of Christ's life on earth, hand painted on the ceiling of a tiny 16th Century church; * Mexico's highest fresh water lake and the net fishermen of Janitzio Island; * dance of "The Little Old Men" in the small village of Capacuaro; * Highway 120 through the Sierra Gorda mountains, the beginning of the Mission Trail and a fanciful "garden" created by a mad Englishman; * the artists of San Miguel de Allende and its large North American population; * Guanajuato with its tunnels, trams and strolling troubadours. * Guadalajara's modern facilities and mariachi bands; * Mexico's largest fresh water lake, Lake Chapala, and the towns of Chapala, Ajijic and Jocotopec with their large number of North American retirees; * the south side of Lake Chapala where acres of raspberries are cultivated and flocks of white pelicans spend the winter; * the town of Tequila and the uniquely Mexican beverage of the same name; * fourteen generations of knife makers in Sayula; * a rollicking Mexican rodeo (not bullfighting!); * tranquil Colima with its active volcano; * the winter home of millions of Monarch butterflies.

Nature Wonders. 10 Minutes The tropical rainforests of Chiapas, located in the south of Mexico, were once the domain of the Maya Indians. Flowing through the dense and almost inaccessible jungle is the Cataratas de Agua Azul or 'Blue Waterfalls'. Frequent heavy rainfall has transformed this amazing primeval forest into a lush green paradise in which the vegetation plays an important role. Although in places it is dangerous, the Agua Azul is not a wild river at all as it makes its way through the rainforest calmly and with little sound. However, the water of the Rio Tulija is turquoise and not blue as its name suggests. In places, the river plunges down several metres and the entire force of nature manifests itself in a lively mass of white foam. This paradise of water and tropical wilderness has deservedly made the Agua Azul one of Mexico's most famous and alluring natural spectacles.

DVD. Passport to Adventure The Blue Coast offers a look at the real, undiscovered Mexico. Once a surfer's hideaway, the beaches and surrounding jungles now provide exciting terrain for horseback trips, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking. Hosts Julie Conover &Mark Jennings explore the cliffs and caves of the Marietas Islands, home of the rare Blue Footed Boobie birds, and meet a character who gives them a taste of the local surf culture. The mystic Huichol tribe represents one of the most intact ancient cultures existing in the world today, and they live high in the mountains beyond the Costa Azul. They create whimsical artwork that documents their spiritual traditions and has become a favorite of collectors around the world. A visit to the picturesque, coastal town of Puerto Vallarta rounds out the Mexican vacation experience.

Nature Wonders. 10 Minutes. Along the border between Mexico and Guatemala, in the southern state of Chiapas, is a hidden and precious treasure, the Lagunas De Montebello, where both in and out of the clear, glittering water of its various lakes is a unique and truly fascinating world. Compared to the northern part of the country, the dense rain forests of Chiapas have remained free from human interference, thus today, its scenery and plant life have remained as they were many thousands of years ago. Close to the park, archaeologists discovered the ancient remains of the old Mayan town of Chinkultic, but over the years, the encroaching jungle has covered the traces of this former culture and almost erased it forever. The water of the Bosque Azul is as mysterious as the nearby caves in which the daylight illuminates the darkness through narrow fissures. It is not known if these caves existed in Mayan times or if they had been discovered by Prehistoric Man. However, there is no doubt about the very real beauty of the Lagunas De Montebello National Park and its 52 beautiful lakes.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Palenque, MexicoIn the midst of a dense rainforest on the foothills of the Usumacinta Mountains is Palenque, one of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico. The monumental buildings of Palenque, such as the Temple Of The Cross, lay hidden in the rainforest for around 800 years until they were discovered in 1784. The monumental architectural character of this pyramid-like temple is typical of the ancient building style of the legendary Mayan people. In contrast to other Mayan towns in the central Mexican lowland, the buildings in Palenque are well built and decorated with bright stones. The colours of the surrounding rainforest are a picturesque setting for these splendid structures. In 1952 a Mexican archaeologist discovered a deep shaft that led him to an underground crypt that contained the stone sarcophagus of King Pacal. The face of the sovereign was covered with a jade mask and many other jade figures surrounded his body. Today, the beautiful carved lid of the sarcophagus is on public view in the crypt. Wide, raised steps lead to the most important construction area in Palenque, The Great Palace, that was built during the 7th and 8th centuries. The palace area was not just an embellishment as numerous living and bathing rooms attest to the fact that the daily life of the monarchy also took place here. Palenque is one of the most beautiful Mayan towns in Mexico. In 1994, after discovering another sarcophagus, excavations were extended over the entire area. However, the disappearance of this fascinating culture still remains a mystery.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The ruins of the ancient Mexican capital, Teotihuacan, remain a mystery to scientists to the present day. Little is known about the former historic rise and fall of this first major city on the American continent. During its heyday, Teotihuacan extended over an area of more than 20 square kilometres and ruled over a city-state that was larger than that of Ancient Rome. It is believed that the origins of this impressive city date back as far as the second century B.C. Four large platforms surround the Citadel, the administrative centre of the city. On the opposite side is the magnificent and impressive Quetzalcoatl Temple, which is adorned with several reliefs. The huge, towering Sun Pyramid is one of the main landmarks. Overawed by the magnificent structure, the Aztecs described it as, "The place where one becomes god" - and it is indeed a magnificent and fascinating sight to behold.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Surrounded by Nature and located 80 km west of the Mexican city of M?rida is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Yucat?n: Uxmal. Legend has it that the 38m. high Wizard Pyramid was given its name because it was believed that it had, in just one night, been built by a wizard. Uxmal is believed to be a classic example of Puuc architecture and is therefore an historic relic of ancient Mayan culture. Little is known about the exact history of this city but it is thought that it flourished mainly between the 8th and 11th century. According to archaeologists, Uxmal's most important buildings were built during this period. Adjacent to the Wizard Pyramid is the Nuns' Quadrangle, a rectangular building that was given its name by the Spanish. This building, with its large inner courtyard and tiny doorways, was mistakenly thought by the Spanish to have been modelled on a European convent. It was actually built during several different epochs. The magnificent and elegant Governors' Palace is decorated with an immense variety of stone mosaics and masks of the rain god, Chac, and architecturally is among the most beautiful of Mayan structures. The old Mayan buildings merge harmoniously with the beautiful Mexican landscape and create an unforgettable impression of this unique cultural period of Latin America's history.

DVD. Digging for the Truth. 141 Minutes. Intrepid explorer Josh Bernstein attempts to solve the mysterious disappearance of America's first colonists at Roanoke, uncover the truth behind the legend of Cleopatra, and reveal the secrets of Mexico's "City of the Gods." Roanoke: The Lost Colony Josh investigates America's oldest missing persons case- the lost colony of Roanoke Island - and conducts a new DNA study that reveals groundbreaking evidence about the fate of the 16th century settlers. Cleopatra: The Last Pharaoh To uncover the real Cleopatra, Josh digs deep beneath the desert for ancient mummies, and with a little help from the Deep Sea Detectives, dives Alexandria Harbor in search of her palace. City of the Gods Josh soars above Teothuacan, home to the third-largest pyramid in the world, and crawls down dangerous mining shafts below it, all in a hunt for clues to Mexico's most mysterious ghost town.

VHS/NTSC. Travel beyond the beaches and resorts to the Mexico very few see or know. Discover a land of varied cultures and geographical extremes. From the coasts of Cabo San Lucas to the jungles of the Yucatan, experience the real Mexico. Retrace the steps of the Spanish conquistadors and probe the ruins of ancient Mayan civilizations. Visit the Sacrificial Wall at Chich?n Itza and the "City of the Gods" at Teotihuac?n. Stop at the Shrine of Guadalupe, Guadalajara, and Puerto Vallarta. And there's more. 60 Minutes Review from Booklist Magazine: "Editing and visuals are excellent. Each area is described in detail, with comments on pertinent sites, history and culture. The pacing, editing and visuals are excellent."

VHS/NTSC. Dr. Merry, a participating anthropologist starts this travelog on the "Zocalo," the main square in Mexico City with the cathedral, the presidential palace and the recently excavated ruins of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. From these he takes the viewers to the Plaza of Three Cultures and the shrine of the Virgin of Guadeloupe. The next scenes are in Chapultepec Park with Maximillian' s castle and the fabulous Museum of Anthropology followed by the colorful university and romantic canals of Xochimilco. 45 minutes Study book included.

VHS/NTSC. The second part of Dr. Merry's film Mexico begins with a visit to Oaxaca valley and the making of fiery mescal and the black Oaxaca pottery. The next scenes include the silver city of Taxco, the spectacular resort city of Acapulco and the cliff divers. Next he goes up the west coast to Las Hadas where the movie "10" was filmed and on to a train ride to Copper Canyon inhabited by the Tarahumara Indians. After trips to the volcanic area of Patcutin and the butterfly net fishermen of lake Patzquaro, the camera takes us back to Oaxaca for the colorful Gualagetza and an incredible pageant of costumed dancers. 45 minutes.

DVD. 8 Hours. "Shot in high-definition, the photography...pops, even on conventional TV sets."-The Seattle Post-Intelligence. Disc #1 - Northwest to the Max: Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver and Victoria, B.C. - Rudy Maxa serves up a generous sampling of San Francisco's flavors, from tangy sourdough bread at the Boudin Bakery to the rich aroma of coffee beans wafting through the North Beach neighborhood. Rudy explores Seattle's lively downtown and waterfront areas and its dynamic cultural scene, as well as its natural wonders. Rudy captures the charm and character of Vancouver and its sister city, Victoria. Extra Features: Museum of Flight; Asian Art Museum; Chinatown street musicians; and more! Disc # 2 - Mexico to the Max: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta and Zihuatanejo - Rudy etches a vivid portrait of Guadalajara with its rich history, vibrant culture and passionate artists. Next, it is an easy hop to the coast to bask in the traditional charms of Puerto Vallarta. Rudy visits Mexico City, the world's largest metropolis, and explores its ancient roots at pre-Aztec Teotihuacon. For contemporary excitement, Rudy hangs at the Zocalo, the world's second largest square, and heads for the beaches of Mexican Riviera. Extra Features - Ballet Folklorico; Anthropology Museum; Tasting tequila; and more! Disc # 3 - Hawaii to the Max: Maui, The Big Island Oahu and Kauai - Experience the Hawaiian vacation of your dreams as Rudy visits Maui, where he braves the twisting road to Hana with its cascading waterfalls. On Hawaii's Big Island, Rudy takes a helicopter tour of the world's most active volcano. Honolulu offers fabulous Waikiki Beach, and Rudy remembers World War II history at Pearl Harbor. Head north to the tropical paradise of Kauai, hike the Waimea Canyon and kayak past traditional Hawaiian villages. Extra Features: Kamokane sing-along; Fire Dancing; USS Arizona memorial; and more! Disc # 4 - Australia to the Max: Sydney and Queensland - Rudy tours Sydney's famed Opera House, goes pub hopping in the old Rocks quarter, explores the cliffs and rainforests of the Blue Mountains, captures glimpses of Australia's legendary wildlife at the Featherdale Park preserve, and swims with sharks at Oceanworld Manly. In Queensland, Rudy goes "troco" for the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef and ancient Daintree Rainforest. Extra Features - Rainforest bird revue; Sydney by air; The Great Barrier Reef; and more! Disc # 5 - New Zealand to the Max: South Island and North Island - Whether you are into extreme sports or exhilarating landscapes, New Zealand's South Island has it all! Rudy gets a crash course in Maori bone carving at a local artists' colony, braves white-water rapids on river boards and rides a hot air balloon over "Lord of the Rings" country. On North Island, Rudy kayaks along the glorious coastline, and visits the site where local tribes signed a controversial treaty with European settlers. Extra Features - Maori warrior practice; Hot air balloon ride; Mussel cruise; and more! Disc # 6 - China to the Max: Shanghai and Hong Kong - Shanghai dazzles with fantastic skyscrapers, non-stop shopping and delicious dining. From traditional Tai Chi in the parks and teahouses to tumbling acrobats and teeming markets, Rudy explores how tradition and modernity co-exist in the burgeoning city. In ever-changing Hong Kong, Rudy savors one of the most majestic skylines on Earth aboard the famous Star Ferry. Extra Features - Hong Kong jade market; Shanghai parade; Chinese teahouse; and more!

6-Volume Set on 4 DVD discs. Cuernavaca & Oaxaca Soak in the sun on dazzling Pacific beaches, then visit Mexico's silver capital, Taxco. Join surfers as they brave the waters at Puerto Escondido. Merida, Cancun & Belize Discover ancient Maya and Toltec pyramids. Tread carefully into a crocodile zoo, then snorkel out to see some relatively harmless sharks. Mexico City & Guadalajara Go shopping in the posh Zona Rosa and sail away on one of Xochimilco's famous canal boats. Marvel at Guadalajara's architecture, then visit a tequila factory. Puerto Rico & the U.S. Virgin Islands Explore Old San Juan and hike through a lush rain forest. Visit a sugar plantation and snorkel near a coastal reef. Jamaica, Miami & the Bahamas Savor stunning waterfalls and lush blue lagoons. Marvel at Miami's Art Deco facelift, then explore a turbulent history of buccaneers and bootleggers. Martinique, St. Kitts & Antigua Hike near the Caribbean's answer to Pompeii, Mount Pelee, then climb aboard the Jolly Roger, a 108-foot pirate ship.

America's Scenic Rail Journeys. VHS/NTSC. Often called one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, The Copper Canyon takes an exhilarating trip back in time, weaving through the rugged beauty of Mexico's colossal canyon maze. Four times the size of the Grand Canyon, the pristine Copper Canyon is the highlight of the trip. Along the way, experience the enchanting traditions of Mexican culture, found in the music, food and clothing of the people who have made their homes in Mexico's rugged frontier. Meet the Tarahumara Indians, people who have thrived for generations in the remote caves. Featuring passenger cars of the 1940's and the 12950's that have been painstakingly restored, an impressive 6,000-foot tunnel, and spectacular views from the canyon's rim, this excursion promises a comprehensive look at Mexico's awesome landscape. 54 minutes

Region 1. Superb cinematography showcases stunning vistas in otherwise inaccessible areas of Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Jamaica in the Central America/Caribbean volume of the Travel the World by Train series. This video also opens a window onto the diverse peoples and cultures one meets along the routes. The footage in Mexico is most impressive. Embarking from the beach colony of Los Mochis on the Gulf of California, the "Chihuahua al Pacifico" Railroad climbs the arid Western Sierra Madre Mountains. Viewers accompany thrill-seeking tourists on a wild and wooly ride, ascending 10,000-foot peaks and traversing truly treacherous-looking bridges. Vultures soar in the wind, as though waiting for a snack of fallen passengers. The train stops in a village where smiling mountain tribes-people sell handmade baskets. Next, it passes through breathtaking Copper Canyon--four times bigger than the Grand Canyon. The Mexico City-Yucatan Peninsula route stops at the towering ancient Mayan ruins of Chich?n Itza. This journey is indeed atmospheric: the sticky air clings to the skin; monkeys jump from tree to tree in the jungle outside. The trip from Guatemala City on the Pacific Ocean to Puerto Barrios on the Atlantic is a market route: antiquated trains on rickety tracks transport adventurous tourists amid Guatemalan families toting livestock. Little separates passengers from the elements: rain sprinkles into the train through glassless windows; the only source of illumination is the conductor's flashlight. Further intoxicating "South of the Border" adventures await viewers of the excursions through Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Cuba. 60 minutes. - Only available as part of the 10 piece set -

DVD. Sports Safaris. 30 Minutes. Just off the coast of the town of Akumal lies the largest reef in the western hemisphere, the Belize Reef, an ideal spot for snorkeling or scuba diving. Inland, deep in the dense jungle, visitors can experience a one-of-a-kind adventure as guides give you an underwater tour of the unusual “cenote” cave formations.The Pacific coast is one of the top ten places in the world for surfing, whether for surfing, whether for traditional variety or a hybrid called “kayak” surfing. Sunset is the perfect time for a horseback ride along the edge of the ocean.