Join ornithologist and nature enthusiast Ken Dial as he travels to several birding hot spots filled with the most spectacular species of birds imaginable!

ORDER DIRECT FROM JANSON MEDIA: SPECIAL PRICE $19.95

LENGTH: 144 Minutes on 2 Discs
MSRP: $39.95
CATALOG #: 20284
UPC #: 6-4603202849-2
ISBN #: 1-56839-209-5
RELEASE YEAR: 2004
PRODUCER: Incandescent Entertainment

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Disc 1 - Florida Wading Birds: You’ll visit Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, Florida known for its glamorous wading birds such as Roseate Spoonbills, Great Blue Herons, Double Crested Cormorants, and Red-shouldered Hawks. Massachusetts Songbirds: Tour the Mount Auburn Cemetery to catch a glimpse of the songbirds flit about the trees in morning song. Washington Predators: Get a close-up look at predators ranging from Hawks and Eagles to Gulls and the American Crow at the Northwest Raptor Rehab Center.

Disc 2 – Arizona Hummingbirds: Hike through the Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon Preserve and see the Broad-billed, Allen’s and the Violet-crowned hummingbirds. Rare Birds of Costa Rica: A birdwatcher’s paradise, Costa Rica is the land bridge for some of the most rare and elusive birds, such as the Bare-necked Umbrellabird. Prime Tropical Real Estate: Visit some of the avian residents of Costa Rica to see how they are faring in this beautiful and rapidly developing place.

Reviews

“Picture a mellow, laid-back version of Bill Nye. Now picture him a little older, a little wiser, and a little… bald. Voila! You’ve got Ken Dial, an Associate Professor of Zoology and Biology at the University of Montana, and a very cool, very funny science guy who loves his work, and can’t help but share the news…. Throughout, the camerawork in tracking these tiny birds is excellent, the onscreen species identification is extremely helpful, Dial is a superb host…. Highly recommended. Editor’s Choice. Four Stars.” – Video Librarian

“… this slightly offbeat ode to the joys of bird watching. Hosted by colorful ornithologist Ken Dial, this three-part birdwatching series surveys a wide range of birds in such far flung locales as Costa Rican jungles and Pacific Northwest forests… the informative series is sure to find a comfortable perch in public library collections where bird watching is popular.” -Booklist

“This peppy video is adapted from the All Bird TV series and hosted by Ken Dial, a biology professor at the University of Montana and an associate of Harvard’s Museum of Comparitive Zoology. Dial, in contrast to many saccharin, dull nature-show hosts, is expressive and entertaining, a bit of a wild man but also informed, interesting, and occasionally irreverent. The background music, another nonentity in many of these shows, is varied and delightful. The content is excellent: great photography with super action shots of the birds, accented by their clear vocalizations. Eminently sensible in limiting its subjects, Adventures in Birdwatching offers six segments that do not try to cover too much. There are in-depth looks at wading birds in Florida, spring landbirds in Massachusetts, predators in the Pacific Northwest, and hummingbirds in Arizona and several takes of tropical species in Costa Rica. Interspersed are lessons in ecology, behavior, breeding habits, feeding, and general biological principles. The viewer is also treated to looks at mammals, butterflies, plant life, and varied scenery, including onsite footage and interviews with field biologists at work. Highly recommended.” -Henry T. Armistead, Free Library of Philadelphia

Related Titles:

1. Travel With Kids: Costa Rica
2. Endangered Mermaids: The Manatees Of Florida

Almost everyone is fascinated by the awesome power of tornadoes and hurricanes.

ORDER DIRECT FROM JANSON MEDIA: SPECIAL PRICE $19.95

LENGTH: 44 Minutes
MSRP: $24.95
CATALOG #: 20294
UPC #: 6-4603202949-9
ISBN #: 1-56839-219-2
RELEASE YEAR: 2005
PRODUCER: Langbein & Skalnik Media

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But some scientists and adventure-seekers will do everything possible to experience the “birth” of a tornado, or to look directly into the eye of a hurricane. They fear the destructive force of these natural phenomenon and at the same time are inexorably drawn to them.

In this action-packed program, filmmaker Udo Maurer accompanies these tornado hunters, as they stalk their prey across the great plains of America’s Midwest. With laptop computers and video cameras at their disposal, these adventurers race after storm clouds for weeks on end while their scientist colleagues, equipped with the latest in radar technology, attempt to record the first twisting clouds as they develop into one of the most powerful forces in the world.

Maurer’s documentary team is also on board as crack meteorologists, in specially equipped military aircraft, penetrate to the eye of Hurricane Bertha in an attempt to predict when and where this massive storm will reach landfall. A second camera team remains on land, following the frantic evacuation attempts in North Carolina and witnessing the arrival of the tremendous gale. Researchers and insurance companies have recorded an increase in the number and strength of these catastrophic storms over the last few years. Many believe this is yet another manifestation of the ominous climate changes brought about by global warming.

Maurer’s team also tries to discover why, in recent years, these “killer storms” have become more common and more destructive in Europe. Again, experts warn that it is a result of the “Greenhouse Effect.” Climatologists predict that in the years to come, heavier winter storms can be expected and tornadoes, until now a rarity on the European continent, will become more and more common.

Reviews

“Chasing Killer Storms begins by following a team of tornado hunters across the Midwest, … then quickly meanders into a story about meteorologists flying into the eye of Hurricane Bertha… Three and a half Stars.” – Video Librarian

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Recent discoveries of dinosaur eggs, nests, and even embryos, are providing new evidence to unlock the mysteries of dinosaur reproductive behavior.

ORDER DIRECT FROM JANSON MEDIA: SPECIAL PRICE $12.50

LENGTH: 57 Minutes
MSRP: $24.95
CATALOG #: 20250
UPC #: 6-4603202509-5
ISBN #: 1-56839-148-X
RELEASE YEAR: 2004
PRODUCER: Centre Communications, Inc.

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This educational program explores the mysteries of dinosaur reproduction with animation and interviews with renowned dinosaur experts including Robert Bakker, Philip Currie, Mark Norell, and others.

Were dinosaurs social animals?

Did they care for their young?

What was life like for baby dinosaurs?

These are some of the intriguing questions addressed in this informative program.

Reviews

“Among other cool things viewers will see here is actual dinosaur skin (yes, it’s scaly) found within broken eggs. Combining insightful interviews and illustrative animation, this fascinating title on the perennially popular subject of dinosaurs is highly recommended. Three and a half Stars.” – Video Librarian

“The video quality is excellent, with stunning computer generated visual images of dinosaurs highlighting the program, and backed by a good music soundtrack. This educational program is suitable for classroom use as well as family viewing for anyone interested in dinosaurs. This should be particularly appealing for younger children who are fascinated by dinosaurs (isn’t that all children?). Extremely Highly Recommended.” – Educational Media Reviews Online

“In this educational program that seeks to uncover the mystery of dinosaur reproductive behavior, animation and interviews with experts Robert Bakker, Phillip Currie, Mark Nordell and others scrutinize the latest scientific discovery and ponder just how dinosaur parents birthed and cared for their offspring.” -From All Movie Guide

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Manatees, slow-moving and harmless plant-eating marine mammals, frequent the shallows of Florida’s rivers and coastal ocean.

ORDER DIRECT FROM JANSON MEDIA: SUMMER SPECIAL $19.95

LENGTH: 48 Minutes
MSRP: $24.95
CATALOG #: 20155
UPC #: 6-4603201559-1
ISBN #: 1-56839-109-9
RELEASE YEAR: 2001
PRODUCER: Oceanic Research Group
NOTES: Bonus Features Behind the scenes featruettes. A gallery of 25 production photographs. Dirctor’s commentary with film makers Art Cohen and Jonathan Bird,

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These huge animals, which can be fifteen feet long and weigh 3,000 pounds, eat only aquatic plants. As the number of people living in Florida grows, the number of manatees shrinks, as a result of the development necessary to support the growing population. Many manatees fall victim to dwindling habitats, while others are struck and injured or killed by speedboats. Hundreds of Floridians have joined in an effort to save this captivating animal from extinction. Endangered Mermaids tells the story of the manatee in Florida through the eyes of the many people who study, care for, and rescue them. The film follows the rescue of two manatees stuck in a Cocoa Beach storm drain. Though most animals caught in storm drains do not survive, after a heroic rescue, these manatees were transferred to Sea World for treatment and rehabilitation, then released. This is a powerful film about the animals Columbus once mistook for mermaids, but more importantly, a story about people who are working together towards a common goal to save a species from extinction.

Reviews

“Filmmaker, nature photographer, and manatee-lover Jonathan Bird documents this utterly lovable creature and the current efforts underway to save it, from nail-biting neighborhood rescues from black widow-infested storm drains and rehabilitation at Sea World to scientific research and Floridians’ efforts to educate tourists. Warmly recommended. Three Stars.” – Video Librarian

“Plenty of close-up underwater cinematography captures the adult species interacting with each other and their offspring, and dramatic footage of a successful rescue of two manatees from a Florida storm drain illustrates the efforts of determined preservationists. For both school and public library collections.” – Booklist

“Endangered Mermaids is highly recommended for older children and adults.” – Florida Wildlife

Related Titles:

1. Travel With Kids: Florida
2. Fabulous Animals: Myths & Legends

This 2-disc collection celebrates the animals who play an important role in the myth, legend and folklore of diverse peoples and cultures, from the Inuit to the Aborigines.

ORDER DIRECT FROM JANSON MEDIA: SPECIAL PRICE $19.95

LENGTH: 156 Minutes
MSRP: $39.95
CATALOG #: 20300
UPC #: 6-4603203009-9
ISBN #: 1-56839-250-8
RELEASE YEAR: 2005
PRODUCER: Gruppe 5 Filmproduktion

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The sea monster, the unicorn and the vampire are not merely creature of fantasy; they all have their origins in real, living animals.

The highest quality animal behavior footage is combined with amusing tales recounted by natives from all over the world. State of the art graphics and dramatized re-enactment give powerful and realistic insight into the relationship between animals and the people they live among.

Disc 1:

Champion of the Prairie – The Bison
The bison were everything to the Native Americans of the plains. Not only were they a source of food and clothing, they were an important part of their spirituality.

Mermaids and Sirens — The Sea Cow
Gentle creatures that swim leisurely through warm, clear waters, Sea Cows were often mistaken for sirens, mermaids, and water spirits, which created countless myths about them.

Sacred Bird of the Maya – The Quetzal
The red markings on the Quetzal represents their slain king who died valiantly trying to save his people.

Disc 2:

Jaws of Fire – The Komodo Dragon
On ancient maps at the edge of the world was printed a warning…go no further for here is the home of the dragons. Many travelers have been killed by the Komodo dragon yet natives of Komodo Island coexist with these giant lizards.

Man of the Forest – The Orangutan
The legend of the Orangutan tells of one young man too perfect for this world and his grandmother who tries to save him by giving him a coat of red hair that transforms him into the man of the forest.

Monster of the Deep – The Giant Octopus
In the foggy waters of the Pacific Northwest lurks a beast of mythical proportions. On the coast tales are told of men and ships lost to an eight-legged monster – The Octopus.

Reviews

“Viewers will see fascinating footage . . . While the content is consistently interesting, it’s the photography that really steals the show here . . . Recommended. Three Stars.” – Video Librarian

“Extraordinary videography of bison, sea cows, giant octopus, Komodo dragons, orangutan, and the Quetzal bird in their natural habitats are a delight to viewers… Patrick Galligan superbly narrates the excellent, well-researched script off-screen, accompanied by well-chosen background music and sounds. The stunning scenery and animal footage are expertly mixed with stills of museum artwork. Each animal showcased is shown in its stunning natural habitat… This series is an excellent purchase for school curriculums and for public libraries.” – School Library Journal

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A spectacular documentary on the history of lighthouses, filmed on location in France, Great Britain, Canada and the United States.

ORDER DIRECT FROM JANSON MEDIA: SPECIAL PRICE $9.95

LENGTH: 52 Minutes
MSRP: $24.95
CATALOG #: 20321
UPC #: 6-4603203219-2
ISBN #: 1-56839-271-0
RELEASE YEAR: 2005
PRODUCER: Sofidoc Productions

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The golden age of the lighthouse is over. Most lighthouses have been already automated or are scheduled to be automated sometime over the next few years. The golden age of the lighthouse dates from the 19th century. The expansion of trade, the birth of colonial empires, and the transportation of millions of immigrants all called for a better system of identifying coastlines.

The lighthouses, solitary and beautiful, will survive, but lighthouse keepers are another matter. Victims of the electronic age, they are no longer needed when the lighthouse can so easily be maintained by automation in the modern era of technology.

The documentary was filmed at the lighthouses of Ar-Men, Cordouan, Kereon, and Le Creac’h in France; Bonavista, Cape Race, Sable Island, and Pointe Amour in Canada; Bell Rock and Longstone in Great Britain; and, in the United States, Boston, Portland, Maine, and the Statue of Liberty, in New York City.

Reviews

“Today, however, the lighthouse keeper is more likely to be a machine than a man, and Guardians of the Night is ultimately more of a nicely filmed retrospective of an age which has passed. Recommended.” – Video Librarian

“Lighthouses, long a tourist attraction and symbol of isolation, receive their due in this interesting video…. The history of the construction of lighthouses, the way they were kept staffed and operational,and the perils of lighthouse duty are explored…. A fascinating history, recommended to students of architecture, social and marine sciences, as well as the general public.” – Library Journal

“Using historic prints and magic lantern slides, as well as clips from Charles Chaplin’s film THE IMMIGRANT,the program illustrates the enduring fascination and romantic appeal that these beacons of warning have held for sailors and landlubbers alike over the decades.” – Video Shopper

“Artistically photographed….Smooth voice over accompanied by a stately musical background relates the history of these structures.” -Booklist

“… This remarkable video belongs in every public library…. The video takes you on some perilous trips to many isolated lighthouses and shows you the life of the people who operate these facilities… There is a lot to commend in this video, but I believe it’s enough to say that it covers a highly popular subject about which there is a dearth of information. Expect this one to be a fast-moving item in your collection.” – Video Rating Guide for Libraries

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Finally, all of our favorite cats – on one DVD! This indispensable “visual guidebook” is not just for prospective cat owners, but for cat lovers in general.

ORDER DIRECT FROM JANSON MEDIA: SPECIAL PRICE $19.95

LENGTH: 60 Minutes
MSRP: $24.95
CATALOG #: 20253
UPC #: 6-4603202539-2
ISBN #: 1-56839-175-7
RELEASE YEAR: 2004
PRODUCER: Videoframe Communications. Ltd.

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Produced in cooperation with North America’s top breeders, The Ideal Companion provides insights into the history, temperament, sociability and life span of twenty different breeds of cats. In addition, you’ll find colorful charts that indicate brushing requirements and detail how active and vocal each breed tends to be. The DVD also includes a special section with valuable tips on what to look for when choosing a kitten. Look for the following breeds in this terrific DVD: • Abyssinian • Balinese • Bengal • Birman • British shorthair • Burmilla • Colorpoint shorthair • Cornish Rex • Exotic • Foreign Burmese • Himalayan • Manx • Ocicat • Persian • Ragdoll • Russian Blue • Scottish Fold • Siamese • Somali • Sphynx

Reviews

“Designed to help viewers pick their perfect pet, this topnotch production features a breakdown of 20 breeds of felines… Three and a half stars.” – Video Librarian

“Very well done, great pictures of the breeds! And the DVD makes it easy for people to navigate to their favorite breed.” – Dr. Joy Micale, DMV

“Equally useful to those searching for the perfect breed as an addition to their family and the all-purpose cat fanatic, Ideal Companion: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Cat is, just as its title suggests, the perfect tool in learning about different breeds. Detailing the history, temperament, and personality traits of 20 popular breeds of cat, this visual guide also provides care and grooming tips.” ~ Amanda Van Keuren, All Movie Guide

Related Titles:

1. Right Companion, The

In this four-DVD set, Dr. David Suzuki leads a group of children on twelve field trips to discover different aspects of the environment and learn how we are all “connected” to nature.

ORDER DIRECT FROM JANSON MEDIA: SPECIAL PRICE $29.95

LENGTH: 360 Minutes
MSRP: $59.95
CATALOG #: 20269
UPC #: 6-4603202699-3
ISBN #: 1-56839-194-3
RELEASE YEAR: 2004
PRODUCER: Loten Media

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Through their adventures, the children learn to appreciate their relationship with the environment and what they can do to protect it. The collection is designed to inform, stimulate and motivate parents and their children to take up an environmental project. It encourages the natural instinct children have for discovery, and increases their awareness of the beautiful and complex web of life and our place in it.

DISC I: Episode #1 Buying a Rainforest Episode #2 Urban Ecology Episode #3 Fishing the Ocean
DISC II: Episode #4 Where Our Food Comes From Episode #5 Merv’s Forest Episode #6 Water Works
DISC III: Episode #7 The Badlands Episode #8 A Winter Walk Episode #9 Carmanah
DISC IV: Episode #10 Grasslands Episode #11 Tide Pools Episode #12 Cattail Country

Reviews

“The series was designed to teach children to appreciate the environment and inspire them to take up an environmental project of their own…. he (Dr. Suzuki) does a good job engaging the kids in the film. …. the documentary deserves kudos for its empowering message: children really can do something about the world around them…. this episode not only has a terrific message –that a fun filled nature expedition lies just outside the doorstep — but also it’s chock-full of interesting tidbits about the insects and plants that are found in a typical urban environment. This program is sure to inspire children to go exploring in their own backyards.” – Children’s Video Report

“As a parent I’m certain that children have a natural affinity with nature. They are thrilled and enchanted by plants and animals. And as a biologist I’m sure that this makes sense. This new series is designed to stimulate a child to carry out projects after viewing.” – Dr. David Suzuki

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Now, in an inspiring HDTV film, we probe the secrets of Niagara Falls. From helicopter and speedboat, at high-tech labs and at rope’s end, we join earth scientists as they struggle to piece together the epic life story of North America’s most celebrated natural wonder.

ORDER DIRECT FROM JANSON MEDIA: SPECIAL PRICE $12.95

LENGTH: 54 Minutes
MSRP: $24.95
CATALOG #: 20291
UPC #: 6-4603202919-2
ISBN #: 1-56893-216-8
RELEASE YEAR: 2004
PRODUCER: Jonathan Grupper Productions

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Dowload from iTunes – Niagara Falls: Raging Rapids

We experience the Falls that daredevils and stunters could never tame — the Niagara that is a vertical battleground between water and rock.

Most think of it as a vision eternal, but in fact, Niagara’s life has been a geological blink of the eye. Only a hundred and twenty five centuries ago it was unleashed, born of the last glacial surge that swept the continent. Since then, it has traveled more than seven miles upriver, cutting the Earth’s crust like a knife. Its relentless procession has granted scientists a breathtaking window into the past. Soon enough, they’ve discovered, the Falls and its raging rapids will see to their own destruction. But not without leaving their lasting impression on the world, and on Niagara’s admirers.

Produced in High-Definition, Widescreen 16:9 Format

Reviews

“…Via helicopter, speedboat, high-tech lab, and rope’s end, and interviews with Falls historians, waterfall chasers, and search-and-rescue personal, we discover that Niagara has traveled more than seven miles upriver during its lifetime, and that the canyon etched in its wake provides a geological window into the Earth’s past. Filmed with high-definition cameras and formatted in widescreen, this tape was designed as a showcase for HDTV … , but it looks pretty darn good on regular TV, too. Three Stars.” – Video Librarian

“Filmed with ‘high definition cameras’ and shot in wide-screen format, this is an especially sharp vision of the famous natural wonder and frequent tourist destination. Chronicling the history, geology, and the eventual exploitation of the Niagara Falls and documenting the raging power of the falls through views of collapsing bridges and platforms, the production traces the evolution of this natural wonder. … As a tribute to one of America’s most impressive displays of nature, this program is awe-inspiring… The viewer is treated to a visual and informational celebration of North America’s most celebrated natural and geographical wonders. Highly recommended.” – Booklist

“One of the world’s most celebrated natural wonders, Niagara Falls, is the subject of this visually stunning video. Earth science and environmental studies classes can use this multifaceted video to study geology, hydrology, and tourism.” -School Library Journal

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Finally, all of our favorite dogs – on one DVD!

ORDER DIRECT FROM JANSON MEDIA: SPECIAL PRICE $19.95

LENGTH: 90 Minutes
MSRP: $24.95
CATALOG #: 20236
UPC #: 6-4603202369-5
ISBN #: 1-56839-132-3
RELEASE YEAR: 2003
PRODUCER: Videoframe Communications. Ltd.

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This indispensable “visual guidebook” is not just for prospective dog owners, but for dog lovers in general. Produced in cooperation with North America’s top breeders, The Right Companion provides insights into the histories, temperaments, dominant traits and lifespans of forty popular dog breeds. It is filled with practical information on the proper amount of grooming, training and exercise required by each breed.

The Right Companion is a perfect companion for anyone who loves dogs! Look for the following breeds in this terrific DVD: • Airedale Terrier Akita • American Staffordshire • Australian Sheperd • Belgian Sheepdog • Bernese Mountain Dog • Borzoi • Bouvier des Flandres • Boxer • Bull Terrier • Chow Chow • Collie • Dachshund • Doberman Pinscher • English Springer Spaniel • French Bulldog • German Shepherd • German Short-haired Pointer • Giant Schnauzer • Golden Retriever • Great Dane • Great Pyrenees • Italian Greyhound • Labrador Retriever • Mastiff • Miniature Schnauzer • Newfoundland • Old English Sheepdog • Papillon • Pointer • Pomeranian • Pug • Rottweiler • Sealyham Terrier • Scottish Terrier • Shetland Sheepdog • Soft-Coated Wheaton • Weimaraner • West Highland White Terrier • Yorkshire Terrier

Reviews

“This visual guidebook to choosing the perfect breed of dog finds various breeders shedding light on topics such as canine history, household requirements, and exercise and grooming needs, while also showing each type of dog at work, play, and rest – providing a slew of practical information. Highly recommended. Three and a half Stars.” – Video Librarian

“…clever morphing graphics and excellent video footage… …this is the only guide available in a DVD or video format which lets viewers see the dogs in action (rather than just a still photograph).

Users can choose to start the movie and view each breed in alphabetical order, or page through a multi-page alphabetical index to skip to a specific breed… The technical quality, however, is excellent, with rich, full-color video and clear spoken audio, although in the Great Pyrenees audio portion the sound seems somewhat muffled… The transitions between footage and graphic information, and between breeds, are smooth with interesting graphics… The sound track includes different types of music that, in some cases, is thematic with some of the dog breed names; for example, an accordion plays lilting music that brings to mind the French Riviera while watching the segment on the French Bulldog, and the German Shepherd segment features a snappy marching tune.” – Educational Media Reviews Online

“Very well done, great pictures of the breeds! And the DVD makes it easy for people to navigate to their favorite breed.” – Dr. Joy Micale, DMV

“From Dachshunds to Great Danes, this release from Janson Media covers several dog breeds for those viewers considering adding a canine companion to their home. Right Companion provides in-depth profiles of a total of 40 varieties of dogs.” ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

Related Titles:

1. Ideal Companion, The