A Year in Italy is a travelogue through the country. Divided into three sections, the sights and people of Italy are uncovered for viewers to understand the true heart of Italy, and not just the tourist stops of which most people are already aware.
My Private Italy
In this section McCurdy takes viewers to Bologna where they are collecting old home movies from visitors through the years to make a complete archive. It is through these old home movies that people can see the changes in the country through the years. Before DVDs and video cameras, people had big, heavy cameras which took reels of film. At the archive they are restoring the films and collecting the memories of past tourists. It is an interesting project and something very useful to historians who want to see how the people, culture, and country has changed through the years.
McCurdy also takes a look at an Italian wedding, which in truth is not much different from an American wedding. This American travel journalist admits he has a fondness for Italy and in this segment shows not only the big cities but also the small towns. He also illustrates how tourism has been an economic savior but also responsible for the cultural demise of the country. While the people of Italy are much better off financially now than they were before tourists discovered the many things to do and places to see, much of their traditions have gone by the wayside in the name of progress.
Bringing Home Sardinia
In this section McCurdy travels through the island of Sardinia, which he says is a “world of contrasts.” Looking at the cracked, withered and worn faces of the old women and men is like looking back in time. Unlike the modern culture which embraces plastic surgery and make-up, these people are the real people of Sardinia.
It is interesting to see the scenery in this land which has also been changed by tourism.
Postcards from Italy
McCurdy shares all kinds of photos and videos from the country that look at the different ways of life of the people of Italy. It’s funny in that the people living in the south think they are the real Italians, and the people living in the north think they are the real Italians. Either way, the sights of this beautiful country unfold before the eyes of viewers who not only get a tour of the country on these DVDs, but also a little history lesson as well.
Bonus Features
The two bonus features are a music video titled, “Every Time I Come to Rome,” with a montage of scenes from the eternal city, and also a “Montage of Venice” set to music.
With visions of Rome, Venice, Pisa, Sicily, Naples, Siena and more, A Year in Italy is a remarkable video journey through the country and just might have viewers calling their travel agents.
- Studio: Questar
- Running Time: 260 minutes
- Number of Discs: 2
