Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

I’ve been trying to find something Canadian to review for epinionator elvisdo’s write-off and finally I discovered this 1992 DVD in my public library called The Great Canadian Train Ride. It’s filmed and narrated by America’s premier travelog producer Doug Jones, presented by International Travel Films, and features one of the world’s most glorious trains, the Canadian. Built for Canada's first transcontinental railway that was finished in 1885 and which helped to create and sustain the huge country just north of the U.S., it was restored in 1955 to allow passengers a trip into the past with its original domed observation, lounge and sleeping cars. The eighty-minute film discussed how it was updated as well as some history of the fourteen-year construction of its silver tracks.

We started out in Toronto where passengers boarded and for three days and almost 3000 miles (I think) we headed west for stops in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Banff (not remembering a stop there), Lake Louise, Canadian Rockies and Jasper, Kamloops, Vancouver and Victoria (train didn’t go to this very English island). Since I’m so unfamiliar with Canada, I learned my geography and admired the magnificent beauty of Canada seen from the train and as a tourist in the cities, but I had to wonder how much things have changed since 1992.

I’m also unfamiliar with riding a vintage luxury train and cannot compare the Canadian with other trains. I was amused to watch the porters (is that their name?) going through the complicated process of putting the beds down in the compartments and later putting them away or the other way around each day. I watched the engineers who needed to watch the speed constantly, the conductor who has a lot of crucial jobs, and the passengers who entertained themselves quietly (too quietly I thought). There was jazzy music for me to listen to, but not for them. Nor television, computers or movies. Of course it was filmed in the early 90s so maybe it’s different today with cellphones, laptops and such.

If you’re unfamiliar with Canada’s stunning vistas, her cities or the Canadian, Doug Jones gives you a good, pleasant introduction. He speaks with a cultured voice that is not that exciting, but not boring either (unless it’s your bedtime!). Surprisingly I was left wondering if Canada has any museums, opera houses, nightclubs, theaters and interesting cuisine. He did take me to the gigantic West Edmonton Mall, show me the ornate hotels built by the railroad, treat me to some street musicians, amuse me with a bicycle-driving delivery person and explain why totem poles are built (not to worship gods), but I didn’t meet any Canadians (not even the passengers). It was a voyeuristic experience and a clean-cut one at that.

The best part of The Great Canadian Train Ride is undoubtedly the lush, striking landscapes that Jones filmed so beautifully. He captured Canada at its best in the summertime, but unfortunately I didn’t see a single moose or any animal and neither do I remember seeing a dawn or sunset. It was fun when some passengers went white water rafting, but nobody hiked or camped out. They were on a schedule, only once delayed by a forest fire, I think, and couldn’t have had much sightseeing time. I’m going to give it 3.5 stars because it’s the only film about the Canadian I’ve found which is a valuable part of Canada’s history, making the film worthwhile to tourists, history enthusiasts and luxury train lovers. It definitely made me want to visit lovely Canada, especially British Columbia, and so it did its job, eh?

This has been an entry in epinionator elvisdo's Canadian write-off. See http://www.epinions.com/user-elvisdo for more info.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD