European Vacation (1985) Reviewed

National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) . Review Archive: # | A-C | D-F | G-I | J-L | M-O | P-R | S-U | V-Z | Viewer Ratings | Main WARNER BROS. MOVIE INFO Director: Amy Heckerling Cast: Chevy Chase , Beverly D'Angelo, Dana Hill, Jason Lively Screenplay: John Hughes, Robert Klane Tagline: For over two thousand years, Europe has survived many great disasters. Now for the real test. Chevy Chase & his family are coming from America! MPAA: Rated PG-13. DVD DETAILS Presentation: Widescreen 1.85:1/16x9 Audio: English Monoraul French Monoraul Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese Closed-captioned Runtime: 94 min. Price: $19.98 Release Date: 4/2/2002 Bonus: • Audio Commentary With Actor Chevy Chase • Theatrical Trailer PURCHASE • DVD Search Products: EQUIPMENT Sony 36" WEGA KV-36FS12 Monitor; Sony DA333ES Processor/Receiver; Panasonic CV-50 DVD Player using component outputs; Michael Green Revolution Cinema 6i Speakers (all five); Sony SA-WM40 Subwoofer. RELATED REVIEWS National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) Reviewed by Colin Jacobson If you look at a short list of Chevy Chases hit films, youll indeed discover its a very short list. Itd include 1980s Caddyshack , 1983s National Lampoons Vacation , and 1985s Fletch . Interestingly, Chase went on to appear in sequels to all three of these. He was the only original castmember of Caddyshack to come back for its flop 1988 sequel, and he also returned for 1989s Fletch Lives . Neither of those franchises made it past a second iteration, though it appears that Kevin Smiths leading a third Fletch flick that wont star Chase. His most enduring chain is definitely Vacation , which has so far offered three sequels. None of these enjoyed the success or fan popularity of the original. First out of the hopper came 1985s National Lampoons European Vacation . European Vacation assumes you saw the original flick, as it provides very little exposition to establish the characters. At the very start of the film, we re-encounter the Griswald family from the first movie: father Clark (Chase), mother Ellen (Beverly DAngelo), and teen children Audrey (Dana Hill) and Rusty (Jason Lively). They appear on a TV game show called Pig in a Poke where they win the grand prize: an all-expenses-paid two-week trek across Europe. And theres your plot! Essentially, European features no real storyline; it just plops the Griswalds in Europe as an excuse to show them encounter various wacky scenarios. They begin in London and then move to Paris, Germany and Rome before they finally come home. The closest thing to a plot relates to Clarks continued obsessiveness; he wants to complete a happily family vacation no matter what the cost. However, European s Clark lacks the same drive and fervor found in the first film. Sure, he expresses his intent to get his own way and move forward despite many setbacks - and persistent disinterest from his family - but these elements felt lackluster and forced. In Vacation , Chase made Clark a man possessed, but this one did little more than pay lip service to that original attitude. That lackadaisical tone spread to the whole movie. For the most part, European seemed to exist just to be a sequel. The first film had some spark and originality, but European felt obvious and forced. Really, Clarks obsession influenced and united the original movie as he worked toward a nervous breakdown as various societal elements ruined his big family trip. In the sequel, Clark essentially becomes little more than the ugly American. Very few of the problems occur due to external forces; Clark causes most of them, as he seems more and more like a bumbling fool. Despite the lack of focus, European had some entertaining moments. The satirical view of British politeness could be mildly funny, and a case of mistaken identity in Germany also generates a few laughs. However, most of the humor really didnt go anywhere. The gags didnt seem overtly bad for the most part, but they just fell flat. Part of the problem related to the acting. As noted, Chase came across with little of the spark or energy he displayed in the first flick, and that left a big hole at the center. DAngelo was adequate but left without much to do, while the kids created substantial concerns. We found neither of the original actors; Anthony Michael Hall played Rusty the first time, while Dana Barron portrayed Audrey. (Apparently the filmmakers wanted to keep the kids the same age for all the Vacation flicks even as Clark and Ellen aged.) Lively appeared too goofy and grating, and I actively disliked Hill. Honestly, I never could stand her, and her presence remained emotive and fussy. With that dumpling face, she looked like a Cabbage Patch Kid come to life, and her acting followed suit, as she seemed broad and whiny. Frankly, European Vacation wasnt an unpleasant experience, but it appeared bland and unmemorable. The movie rambled through its 94 minutes with little spark or excitement, and some weak acting from the main cast didnt help matters. Ive seen many crummier films than European Vacation , but I still thought this one was lackluster and only sporadically entertaining. Casting note: as I watched European , I marveled at how good DAngelo looked for her age. As it happens, I didnt need to marvel; she was only 30 at the time! Surprisingly, Hill was less than a decade younger than DAngelo; only Chase - who was well into his forties in 1985 - actually could have sired the girl. The DVD Grades: Picture B / Audio B / Bonus C National Lampoons European Vacation appears in an aspect ratio of approximately 1.85:1 on this single-sided, single-layered DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. The picture showed a few signs of age, but overall I thought it looked very good. Sharpness consistently appeared solid. One or two wider shots came across as a little soft, but they werent a major issue. The vast majority of the movie seemed crisp and well defined. Jagged edges and moir effects caused no issues, and I saw no signs of edge enhancement. In regard to print flaws, some mild grain caused to most noticeable problem, as it reared its head to a moderate degree during the first half of the film. Most of the second part seemed pretty clean, however, and other defects appeared fairly insubstantial. The film offered a few nicks and occasional speckles, but these didnt provide any significant concerns. Colors usually looked quite good. They seemed generally clear and accurate, with some vivid and bright tones as display. On a few occasions, they came across as a bit heavy, especially when we saw colored lighting, but as a whole, I thought the hues were solid. Black levels appeared reasonably deep and dense, while shadow detail appeared a bit muddy at times, but for the most part, the low-light sequences remained fairly clean. Overall, European Vacation demonstrated some modest issues, but I felt it offered a pleasing image as a whole. Also fairly good was the monaural soundtrack of European Vacation . Speech occasionally came across as somewhat thin and flat, but the lines lacked any edginess and they showed no problems related to intelligibility. Effects also seemed somewhat tinny, but they retained acceptable fidelity and clarity, and they demonstrated no issues related to distortion. Music sounded quite strong, as the songs and score were bright and rich. They featured surprisingly positive bass response and seemed pretty dynamic considering their age. I heard a little hiss and hum at times, but those concerns werent excessive. Overall, I found the track to seem very nice for its period and the restrictions of the monaural format. European Vacation doesnt provide many extras, but we do find one substantial one. In addition to the films theatrical trailer , we get an audio commentary from actor Chevy Chase. He offers a running, screen-specific track, but dont expect much. For the most part, Chase does little more than offer general comments about how much he liked the cast and he tells us when he thinks somethings funny. We learn a few modestly interesting comments, such as which pieces of wardrobe Chase still owns, and at one point he indicates that he previously thought European was a bad movie but this screening changed his mind. Chases commentary isnt a total loss, but it provides little concrete information and features sporadic remarks with many gaps. At least he actually criticizes the film a few times, as he tells us his opinion of how Rusty was depicted. Ive heard worse commentaries, but this was still a rather dull piece. I felt the same about National Lampoons European Vacation as a film. It had a few decent moments and remained watchable for the most part, but it seemed fairly bland and uninvolving as a whole. The DVD offered moderately flawed but generally solid picture and sound plus a fairly flat audio commentary. Fans of the Vacation series should be happy with this release, but those less forgiving will probably prefer to stick with the original film alone. Viewer Film Ratings: 3.7878 Stars Number of Votes: 33 20 1 3 3 6 View Averages for all rated titles.

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Asia Travel || Laos

TRAVEL LEISURE TOURS HOTELS RESORTS LAOS Map of Laos Laos Visa Requirement LAOS AT A GLANCE Official Name : State of LAO P.D.R. : Head of State : Head of Government : Official Language : Land Area : Population : Currency : GDP per Capita : Main Exports : Main Imports : Exports : Imports : Lao People's Democratic Republic People's Democratic State President Nouhak PHOUMSAVANH Minister Khamtay SIPHANDONE Lao 236,800 square kilometres 4,581,128 (1995) Kip US$350 (1994-1995) Electricity, timber and wood products, garments and texties, coffee, tin, Petroleum, machinery and raw materials, vehicles, cement, iron, fabrics US$209.40 (1994-1995) US$375.40 (1994-1995) The Lao People's Democratic Republic is located in South East Asia at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula between latitude 14-23 degrees north and longitude 100108 degrees east. Laos has an eastern border of 1,957 km with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a western border of 1,730 km with the Kingdom of Thailand, a southern border of 492 km with the Kingdom of Cambodia a northern border of 416 km with the People's Republic of China and a North Western border of 230 km with the Union of Myanmar. Total area of Laos is 236,800 square kilometres, three quarters of which is mountainous and forest-covered 40 % while the country is rich in natural resources, such as mineral deposits, including 1 billion tons of high quality iron are between 60-70%, lead, gold, tin and 8200-8232 calorie/gram coal. Although the Lao P.D.R. has no direct access to the sea, it has the Mekong River which is the main river of the country flowing north to south. In addition, there are many branch rivers which nourish agriculture. Laos people use it as a power source which supplies hydro-electric of over 18,000 MW from 57 dams. The Population of the Lao P.D.R. is estimated at 4,581,128 (1995) and population density remains one of the lowest in the region at 19 persons per square kilometre with a population increase rate of 2.64 %. The Lao population is ethnically diverse with up to 68 different ethnic groups identified inhabiting the country, with various languages, cultures and traditions which are classified into three groups: The Lao Loam, who occupy the lowlands plains and the Mekong River valley, and constitute about 56% of the total population; the Lao Thing, who occupy the mountain slopes, comprising about 34% of the population, and the high mountain Lao, constituting about 9% of the total population, and one per cent foreigners. LAOS VISA REQUIREMENT - Request for Laos Visa Approval should be emailed to asiatrav@asiatravel.com giving the following informations: Family Name and Giving Name and Sex Nationaltiy Passport Number - Date of Issued & Expiry Date of Birth Occupation Date of Arrival ** It takes another 2 working days to obtain Lao visa aproval Ater getting the Laos Visa Approval, travellers have to obtain Lao Visa Stamp at the Lao Embassy in their own country or in Bangkok with the following documents: 2 Visa Application Form (Photocopy accepted) 2 photos Original Passport **It takes another 2 working days to obtain Lao visa stamp FOR TRAVELLERS WHO WISH TO OBTAIN LAO VISA ONLY The Arrangement fees is US$95 HOW TO REACH LAO PDR One can arrive in Vientiane either by air or by land BY AIR - From Bangkok, Hanoi or Phnompenh to Vientiane BY TRAIN - From Bangkok to Nongkai **Train from Bangkok to Nongkai travels at night berth. Upon arrival at Nongkai in the morning, you will have to take taxi or rickshaw to Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge and cross the border. The guide will wait for you after Lao Immigration to transfer you to Vientiane. Asia Travel || Laos Hotels & Resorts

Russia Travel Division -

Google Directory - Regional > Europe > Russia > Travel and Tourism > Travel Services > Tour Operators Directory Help Search only in Tour Operators Search the Web Tour Operators Regional > Europe > Russia > Travel and Tourism > Travel Services > Tour Operators Go to Directory Home Categories Saint Petersburg (54) Vladivostok (2) Related Category: Regional > Europe > Travel and Tourism > Travel Services > Tour Operators (119) Web Pages Viewing in Google PageRank order View in alphabetical order Russian National Group - http://www.russia-travel.com/ Offers travel and visa services to Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries. Description of services, company information, information for tourists. Russia Experience - http://www.trans-siberian.co.uk Train travel and ecotourism trips in Siberia and Mongolia - including trekking and nature-study at Lake Baikal, and nomad trips in Mongolia. Ecological Travels Centre - http://www.ecotravel.ru/ Offers ecotours: expeditions, bird watching, wildlife viewing, rafting, mountaineering, horseback riding, filming and others. Description of services, company and contact information. Interactive Russia Travel Division - http://travel.in-russia.com/ Offers adventure and ecological tours to Russia. Includes description of tours, destinations, hotel and airfare booking service. Intel ServiceCenter - http://www.intelservice.ru/ Offers tours in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Descriptions of services, contact information. The Geographic Bureau - http://www.geographicbureau.com Organizes trips throughout the former Soviet Union, and specializes in the Caucasus and Mount Elbrus ascents. Intourist Joint Stock Company - http://www.intourist.ru/ Organise group, motor, individual and special interest tours to the former USSR. Lost World Tours - http://www.travelkamchatka.com/ Offers adventure tours to Kamchatka. Description of services, company information, information about the region. GW Travel Ltd - http://www.gwtravel.co.uk/ Offering guided hotel on wheels train travel on Russian rail routes. Details of forthcoming tours and contact information. Irkutsk Baikal Travel Inc. - http://www.irkutsk-baikal.com Offers individual and group tours, adventure tours, other travel services. Description of services, contact information. Sokol Tours - http://www.sokoltours.com/ Offers adventure and regular tours in Russia and Central Asia, including bookings for transport and accommodations, visa support, and a range of travel packages. Description of services, company and contact information. Russian Cycle Touring Club - http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/8640/ Adventure bicycle tours in Russia. Information about cycle touring in Russia. Supporting travelers. Exeter International - http://www.exeterinternational.com/ Organizing group and private tours to Russia and Eastern Europe. Red Star Travel - http://www.travel2russia.com Tour operator and travel agency providing travel services to Russia, including visa processing and visa support letter Voentour M - http://www.voentour.com/ Offers cultural, military-historical and educational tours in Russia. Description of services, company information. Russian Gateway (UK) - Ltd - http://www.russiangateway.co.uk/ Information about travelling to Russia, including details of obtaining a visa, and organised tours. Sweagent - http://www.sweagent.se/ Offers private, package and conference tours, visa services, and freight forwarding for Russia. Description of services, contact information. Premier-Voyage - http://travel.inc.ru/ Travel services in Russia, St. Petersburg: hotel reservation, guides, excursions, visa services. Description of services, contact information. Baikaler - http://www.Baikaler.com Local guide Jack Sheremetoff, MA offers tours to Baikal. Description of tour, information about the region. Adventures with Wild Russia - http://www.wildrussia.spb.ru Organise Mountain and adventure expeditions; guided ascents on Mt.Elbrus, wildlife safaries on Kamchatka and horse back trekking to the center of Siberia. Vostok-Express - http://www.vostexp.vl.ru/ Visa support, booking of air tickets, hotel reservations, organization of holidays and business visits. Tours to Vladivostok and Kamchatka, Primorsky region (Nikolaevka, Ussuriisk, Popov Island). Far East Russian Tours - http://www.fareastrussiantours.com Organizes tours to this beautiful part of the world. Offices in both the United States and Vladivostok. St. Petersburg Travel, Inc. - http://www.trips2russia.com/ Offer group and individual tours, transportation, and tour guide services. Glavs Travel USA - http://www.glavs.com/ Specialise in VIP travel to Russia and Eastern Europe. Site includes details of the tours available, current special offers, and contact details. Sibtravel Club - http://members.tripod.com/sibtravel/ Organise adventure travels and research expeditions, in Siberia. Tours Around Russia - http://www.aroundrussia.ru Tours Moscow, St. Petersburg, Velikiy Novgorod, Valaam, Kizhi islands with English-speaking guide. Safari tours: hunting, fishing, yachting. Hotels booking, transport, visa support, guiding and interpreter services. Forum. Mosco - http://www.mosco.ru Specializes in managing the requirements of business and leisure travelers within the former USSR. Travel Technology Group - http://www.welcome-russia.com/ Offers a range of services for tourists: visa services, ticketing and reservations, hotel reservations, rent a car. Description of services, contact information. Team Gorky - http://www.teamgorky.ru/index-e.html Provides adventure tours: whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, trekking, fishing, bicycling, outdoor activity in Russia, Siberia, Altai, Middle Asia, Nepal, Chile. Description of services, contact information. Charisma Travel Ltd. - http://www.charismatravel.net/ Offers custom tours to Russia. Description of tours, contact information. FOS Tours & Travel Inc. - http://www.fostours.com/ Provides escorted group travel, independent tours and customized itineraries to Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Baltics and Scandinavia. Description of services, booking request form, contact information. Russian Connection - http://www.rctours.com/ Specialises in arranging and conducting tours, travel and excursions to Russia and Eastern Europe. Description of services. Saint-Petersburg - Region - http://www.travel-company.spb.ru Provides services in St.Petersburg, Moscow and north-western region of Russia. Information about company and St.Petersburg, description of services. Top Sport Travel - http://www.tst.spb.ru/eng/index.html Specializes in active and sports tours: Alpine Ski, Mountain Climbing, Ski, Trekking. Description of services, contact information. Baikal-Safari - http://www.baikal-safari.ru/ Offers adventure tours in Siberia and the Far East. Description of services, company information. IntelService - http://www.russian-site.com/IntelPage.htm Russian tour operators. Site includes a summary of the services offered, and contact details. Nota Bene Co Ltd - http://nb.travel.spb.ru/ Russian tour company. Site includes information about the services offered including tours, learning Russian in Russia, transport, translation and guides. Travel Russia - http://www.travelrussia.net/ Offers tours to many cities and regions in Russia. Descriptions of tours, company information, Victoria Travel Co - http://kamchatka.al.ru Travel and Adventure trips in Kamchatka, Russia: outdoor, fishing, rafting, heli-skiing, climbing, trekking, volcano. Description of tours, contact information. Dersu Uzala - http://www.ecotours.ru/english/index1.htm Organizes ecotours which support Russian nature reserves and local communities. Description of services, contact information. Infinity Travel - http://www.infinity.ru/ American-Russian travel management company. Site includes online booking, details of hotels, and information on obtaining a visa and student travel. Help build the largest human-edited directory on the web. Submit a Site - Open Directory Project - Become an Editor Modified by Google - ©2004 Google Advertise with Us - Jobs, Press, Cool Stuff...

Central America Travel Destinations

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