Venice

DVD. A Doug Jones Travelog. 74 Minutes. An Extraordinary Tour of the World's Most Romantic City. The Grand Canal - A Gondola Ride - St. Mark's Square - The Basilica - The Campanile - The Doge's Palace - The Treasury - Murano Glass Blowing - Art Restoration. Welcome to Venice! Join Doug Jones, one of America's premier travelog producers, on a journey to one of the most romantic cities of the world. For 1,000 years, "the most serene republic" has delighted visitors. Art, literature, and creative thought flourished here while the rest of Europe plummeted into the dark ages. Its streets of water and palaces rising from the sea formed a center of creative thought that had never existed in the world before. Today, Venice faces formidable challenges. This city, which has remained almost unchanged since the renaissance times, is being forced to cope with problems of pollution, overcrowding and art decay. While the problems have by no means been conquered, there is a reason for hope. Much world attention has focused on Venice and in this travelog Doug Jones shows you some of the interesting restoration projects that are underway as the city struggles not only to survive but preserve her glorious past. See the grandeur of St. Mark's Square, the Basilica, the Campanile, the bronze horses, the Doge's Palace and magnificent mosaics and art. Ride a gondola past hundreds of palaces on the Grand Canal, visit Murano and watch glass being blown. The fishermen of Chiogga, the lace makers of Burano, the factories of Mestre, the markets in the piazzas all join together to form a rich tapestry of one of the world's most beloved cities.

DVD. Globe Trekker. 60 Minutes. Venice, arguably the world's most stunning city, is situated in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea off mainland Italy. Built on water, this 'car-free' city is a maze of over 100 tiny islands linked together by a network of bridges. Join traveller Justine Shapiro as she explores Venice by boat and on foot, through the romantic canals by pin-up gondolier Gianbattista into a maze of labyrinthine alleyways where she stumbles upon hidden treasures. Along the way... $_$_START_LIST ? Marvel at the ornate mosaics of the Basilica. ? Watch for Hollywood film stars at the Venice Film Festival in the Lido. ? Learn about the precarious future of Venice from a local scientist. ? Attend the Annual Rowing Regatta - one of the city's most colorful and joyful festivals. ? Take an unusual night tour with the city's most infamous lover and libertine, Casanova. $_$_END_LIST

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. The historic lagoon city of Venice stands on several islands joined together by a multitude of bridges, and a canal system in place of streets. The palaces that lie along the Grand Canal represent Venetian power and influence over the centuries. Gothic building artistry and Baroque affluence meet head-on in this grand and noble city which overflows with nostalgia. Less than an hour by boat from Venice and a visit to Burano, where fishing and lace-making prevail and Murano, famous for its glass-blowers. Three golden centuries of peace and prosperity made Venice into a glamorous, fairytale city like no other. 120 churches, 400 bridges - this watery landscape is without equal. The 11th century Basilica Di San Marco, known as the `Golden Basilica', is supported by 2,500 granite and marble pillars and, lined by buildings of many different eras, the Piazzi Di San Marco is surely one of the most famous squares in the world. And there's Carnival, too?a chance to wear a mask of Casanova, as well a good excuse for food and wine. Napoleon described Venice as `Europe's most beautiful meeting place'. He was right!

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. The `city of lagoons', Venice became the capital of romance, the dream of honeymooners, and destination for millions because of the Saint Mark's Cathedral, the St. Mark's Clock, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of the Sighs and the tower of Campanile. The city living under the wing of the lion is a capital of Byzantian, Gothic and Renessaince architecture. Almost a hundred palaces on the bank of the Canale Grande are like a living exhibition. From a gondola we can take a look at the Santa Maria Della Salute church, the Rialto Bridge, while taking the narrow calles instead of the canals, one can also see the birthplace of Marco Polo, the Zanipolo temple and the statue of Colleoni. Let us take a boat trip to the island of lagoons, to the Lido, to Murano, which is famous for its glass makers and to the colorful Burano.

DVD. Luxury Trains of the World. 169 Minutes.

Travel Video. DVD. Extravaganza. It is in the winter months that Venice is particularly fascinating, when carnival masks blend perfectly with the architecture of the lagoon city as though on a magnificent stage which has been created by an ingenious set designer. Everything is play, disguise and admiration. Masks are closely associated with the history of Venice. They were first mentioned in a law which was passed in 1268. As in earlier times, St. Marks Square is the centre of today's' carnival. Under the five domes of St. Marks Cathedral, a colorful spectacle develops when masked forms stroll under the arches and arcades of the grand buildings. The Carnival is a unique catwalk on which vanity can be unashamedly displayed. Where just a simple cardboard mask isn't good enough, and where the inspiration for dressing up, disguise and enchantment is essential. Here, everyone is a performer looking for the admiration of the crowd. At carnival time, only a lack of imagination is forbidden. As the hours tick away, reality turns to fantasy until, in the early hours of the morning, exhausted, bed is the final destination!

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Almost every city possesses a special street but for Venice it's the Canal Grande, the most beautiful `street' in the world, a thoroughfare of water that contains opulent palaces and religious buildings, such as Santa Maria Della Salute of which the foundation is built on more than a million wooden supports. The Canale Grande is the lagoon city's main street and winds its way over almost 4 kilometres. It is its bridges that give Venice its distinctive character. Built on 12,000 posts, the Rialto Bridge has always been the city's centre of commerce. In the 5th century, the Hun invaded and destroyed the fishing villages along the Adriatic coast, their inhabitants seeking refuge on the islands of the lagoon. Built on 118 islands, the `City On The Sea' gradually began to develop. Trade flourished and Venice eventually became the Mediterranean's leading sea power. Its merchants became incredibly rich and well knew how to display their wealth. A Sea Republic developed and the Piazza San Marco became the centre of the lagoon city. The first Doge was elected, and today his palace is evidence of the power and magnificence of this bygone era. Nearly 2,500 pillars of granite and marble support the walls of the city's largest and most famous cathedral, the Basilica Di San Marco and the many palaces that are located on the banks of the Canale Grande are further examples of Venetian power and influence. Venice is a city made of stone and water, a powerful, old and proud city that has withstood the test of time.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. During the Middle Ages, Venice was the most powerful trading metropolis in the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean and also a mystical place with a fascinating charisma. Several times a year the sea penetrates the city and overflows onto the Piazza San Marco in which the Basilica, with its Oriental and Byzantine influences, is an impressive sight. Famous personalities such as Casanova and Cagliostro lived in Venice and their decadent lives made a unique contribution to the city's historic reputation. Standing proudly above the Grand Canal is the world famous Rialto Bridge that is supported by 12,000 pillars and measures 48 metres long and 22 metres wide. The most prosperous of the city's families erected their palaces on the city's canal banks and the foundations of these buildings are supported by thousands of pillars. They also donated lavishly furnished churches and promoted the arts, thus artists such as Giorgione and Tizian became world famous. In earlier times, gravediggers traveled on black veiled gondolas to the small island of San Michele. Flickering lights on wooden poles still illuminate the way to the island cemetery. The humidity of the soil forced the Venetians to bury their dead in the honeycombed alcoves of cemetery walls. During carnival time, the city takes on a special charm when, for ten days prior to Lent, enchanting, colourful costumes and masks dominate the lagoon city. During carnival the melancholic splendour of past centuries awakes and each year the extravagant spectacle attracts large numbers of tourists from all over the world. For mystical delight with a good serving of history, Venice is without equal!

DVD. Terra Mystica. 26 Minutes. The historic lagoon city of Venice stands on several islands joined together by a multitude of bridges and a canal system in place of streets. The palaces that lie along the Grand Canal represent Venetian power and influence over the centuries. Gothic building artistry and Baroque affluence meet head-on in this grand and noble city that overflows with nostalgia. It is during the winter months that Venice is particularly fascinating. Carnival masks blend perfectly with the architecture of the lagoon city as though on a magnificent stage which has been created by an ingenious set designer. Everything is play, disguise and admiration. Masks are closely associated with the city's history and were first mentioned in a law which was passed in 1268. As in earlier times, St. Marks Square is the centre of today's carnival. Under the five domes of St. Marks Cathedral, a colorful spectacle develops when masked forms stroll under the arches and arcades of the city's grand buildings. The Carnival is a unique catwalk on which vanity can be unashamedly displayed. Where just a simple cardboard mask is not good enough and where the inspiration for dressing up, disguise and enchantment is essential. Here, everyone is a performer looking for the admiration of the crowd. At carnival time, only a lack of imagination is forbidden. Nowhere else do mystique and majesty come together to create such atmospheric and harmonious forms, as here in this legendary and intriguing lagoon city.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The centre of the `Serenissima', as the inhabitants of Venice lovingly call their city, is the Piazza San Marco, a square that Napoleon referred to as, "The Largest Drawing Room In The World." It is the city's most visited square and is surrounded by numerous buildings and arcades. The Bridge Of Sighs connects the Doges Palace with the city's former prison, the legendary lead chambers, in which Casanova was imprisoned and from where he made his spectacular escape. The magnificent Palazzo Ducale was the residence of the Doge. In 1341, the Palace Of Palaces was completed, the military symbol of Venetian power. Built as a palace chapel for Venice's Doge, the city's largest and most famous church, the Basilica Di San Marco is also known as the `Golden Basilica' due to its outstanding opulence. Almost 2,500 granite and marble columns support the walls of this Byzantine-style building that contains five domes and halls. The main and side facades are decorated with sculptures that illustrate various tales of the city. Over 4,000 m? of golden mosaics form, after Sicily's Monreale Cathedral, the second largest mosaic surface in the world. Gothic marble statues and mosaics in Byzantine style decorate the fa?ades and in between are wonderful Moorish elements that indicate the Venetians' attraction to foreign influences. This harmonic connection of styles created a building that is unique in occidental architecture. The Carnevale Di Venezia has a long tradition and the amazing masked spectacle that takes place around the Piazza San Marco attracts countless tourists from around the world. The perfect setting for the perfect carnival!

DVD. Naxos Scenic Musical Journeys. 60 Minutes. The Places Venice is one of the most famous of all cities, its buildings reflecting its former commercial importance and wealth. Its canals and its position at the head of the Adriatic have given it a unique character that has continued to attract visitors. The Music The music here included is either associated directly with Venice or familiar there in the heyday of the Serenissima. It includes music by the Venetian composers Vivaldi and Marcello, and by Domenico Scarlatti, Neapolitan by birth, who was sent to study there by his father.

DVD. Naxos Scenic Musical Journeys. 60 Minutes. The Places A city built on an archipelago of 117 islets, Venice is remarkable in many ways. Unsullied by modern traffic, its buildings retain much of their historic character and something of the magic of the place is reflected in our tour which visits a number of the principal sites and reflects the changing light, which casts a spell of its own. Violinist, priest and most prolific composer, Antonio Vivaldi was born in Venice in 1678 and spent most of his life there, associated for much of the time with the Ospedale della Pietà, a charitable institution for girls, with a strong musical tradition. The Music The music for the tour is taken from his collection of twelve concertos, Il Cimento dell'Armonia e dell'Inventione (The Contest of Harmony and Invention), published in Paris in 1725.Venice is one of the most famous of all cities, its buildings reflecting its former commercial importance and wealth. Its canals and its position at the head of the Adriatic have given it a unique character that has continued to attract visitors. The music included here is either associated directly with Venice or familiar there in the heyday of the Serenissima. It includes music by the Venetian composers Vivaldi and Marcello, and by Domenico Scarlatti, Neapolitan by birth, who was sent to study there by his father.