Michael Palin - Himalaya [DVD]

Absolute fabulous DVD of Michael Palin in Himalaya. Very well presented & excellent photography. Bought for My husband - who is a Michael Palin fan - & who adores the Himalaya's. I have had a sneak preview of DVD & know he will be delighted to get this!

Michael Palin has always been a hero of mine who is totally responsible for lighting the spark that set off my love of travel. Sitting down to watch Full Circle with my grandfather as a kid is probably my first memory of him, and then getting hooked with his shows after that. Everyone talks about Around the World in 80 days as his greatest travel documentary, but in all honesty, Himalaya is probably his greatest achievement. Michael would have just turned 60 when this was filmed in 2004, and testimony to the man that he can go on such a extreme trek in Asia taking in the worlds highest mountain rage. This documentary takes place in the fall out of 9/11, so Michael does seem to tread carefully in places, but as always his attention for detail shines through and he gives a great account of his time in the Himalaya's. This is easily ranked 1 or 2 along with 80 days in his best series, and ahead of Pole to Pole and Full Circle. No mater how many times I have watched this over the years, I still find myself coming back to watch it again.

I recall watching the tv series when it was first aired, but only by reading the book do you get the full experience. Michael is a wonderful raconteur, permitting the reader to almost enjoy the experience of being there with him. His dry wit and humorous delivery brings a frequent smile and you can hear his narration and delivery in your head as you devour the pages. A timeless book that is still immensely enjoyable to read two decades after it was written.

I love the Himalaya's, the peaceful tranquility, vibrant cultures, bright colours , stunning views and chai. In 2007 I traveled to Nepal, taking in a view of Everest from the air and travelling on the top of a bus to Pokhara. I was enchanted by the mountain range. We hiked to the the peace pagoda and I was gobsmacked by the views. In 2014 I saw the mountains again from the Indian side, stopping at Dharamshala the home of the Dalai Lama. I also visited the locations of the British Raj's winter retreat. Michael Palin exudes a quiet enthusiasm for travel, and his curiosity and humor are still very watchable. This really brought back the memories of my travels and whilst starting to look a little dated this doesn't detract from the quality, as it has stood the test of time. Palin always generates a desire to explore and discover the world.

Before I ordered this DVD set, I had heard of Michael Palin 'adventures' across the Himalayas and was expecting something exciting. I wasn't disappointed. After a brief introduction, where Michael Palin informs us that he celebrated his 60th birthday before the actual filming for the series began, the journey begins at the Khyber Pass with some spectacular photography: the videos have been edited with finesse, but then one expects that from the BBC. However, I did notice that like in all such presentations - especially "New Europe by Michael Palin", there is always an appropriate guide, an assistant, an expert waiting patiently to help Michael as he travels. Although, I can understand it is essential that these arrangements be made beforehand to increase our 'viewing pleasure', but I feel spontaneity might have added to the charm of the presentation. Moreever, I do feel that the connection between episodes is not very subtle and one feels that one is actually watching individual episodes rather a continuous "journey across the Himalayas" as is actually the case. The DVDs are held firmy in a sturdy jewel-case, which is easy to add to a DVD collection, since it is the same size albeit slightly fatter than a normal DVD case. So, sit back, switch on your TV (a large LED/LCD/Plasma display is needed to fully appreciate the photography)and travel 'along' the Himalayas with Michael Palin. Go for it, worth the money. My only regret is that this is not available in Blu-ray!!

Another masterpiece and so well presented by Michael, I think this is my favorite that he has done, so many great places visited

This is a superb piece of work that I can heartily recommend to all buyers. In fact this DVD is in the area of required acquisition. An excellent product.

Enjoyed the series.

Get serious Palin & BBC - how does this series go out without subtitles? Look, I can understand Palin because I have been listening to him for years, but for a lot of folks outside of the U.K. - the vast majority of the English speaking world, by the way - it is easy to lose many of the words as he moves along at his quick pace. Do I even have to mention all of the people from the various countries along the way who are speaking to Palin in his native tongue? Do you think that they might have some tough accents for us to understand as they struggle to speak a second language? You can hardly understand what the Dalai Lama is saying, let alone the various guides and drivers we meet along the way. Just stupid and cheap. That said and out of my system, I have to say that this is one of my favorites of all the Palin travel series. I really loved the journey, great writing, great photography and places that were more interesting than I would have ever imagined. In fact I delayed getting this series for a while because I really didn't think that I'd dig it as much as I do. Great stuff, great series. Give us subtitles you lazy dopes!

Prompter Versand. Alles i.O.

Permette un comodo viaggio attraverso strade e paesi che sembrano (e sono) un'altro mondo, non irraggiungibile ma certo peculiare e da rispettere

I like this adventure program Michel shows beautiful Himalayan mountains all areas in few hours plus showing Himalayan country too

Excelentes documentales con un Michael Palin fabuloso, ocurrente y amistoso, capaz de adaptarse a situaciones bien duras. La única pega es que carece de subtítulos y en las escenas que tienen sonido de fondo apenas se oye lo que dicen.