Dark Island
List Price:
Our Price: $13.35
You Save: $5.59 (29%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $11.89 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD releases
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD Cover Information
Artist: Black WatchDVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
DVD Release Date: 2005-04-12
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Scotdisc
Movie Reviews of Dark Island
Movie Review: Gallent Forty Twa' Pipes & Drums & Dancers
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the DVD issue of the earlier VHS version. The sound and picture quality are certainly better than the original VHS, and there seems to be a bit more music selections as well. So those who only have the earlier copy might want to order this release. Like the Scot's DGs DVD, the music is pre-recoreded. Not live. The format is similier as well with the pipes & drums featured in variety of famous locales throughout Scotia.
The highlight of this video is no dounbt the regimental dancers who perform the "Highland Fling" and the "Ghillie Callum"sword dance. For those who are sick of seeing the lasses today do Riverdance versions of Scottish dancing at Tattoos etc., these perfomances here by the regimental dancers of the Black Watch should provide some remedy. Sure they are not as cute as the lasses, but these are performed with the strength and agility and grace that the old dances require. Women just can't look martial the way thats required here. Sorry ladies, but you can learn something from watching this video!
The Pipes & Drums are acconpanied by a mysterious military band which we never get to see. In the credits we learn its the band of the Light Division under Graham Jones. Too bad they are not included in the video. Too bad again this was not made before 1994 when the regimental band of the Black Watch could also have been included. Like the Scots DGs, the Black Watch have learned to soldier on piping without their old military bands, but symthezised background does not always cut it.
Graham Jones helped to produced this video and the Scots DGs one as well. He is now the Director of Music of the Band of the Coldstream Guards and in early 2008 toured the USA with the Scots DGs.
For those who consider the Black Watch to be the only true Scottish regiment this video should be a joy to own. Unlike the older VHS copy it is without any verbal commentary which makes keeping track of the various locales difficult at times. These days the Black Watch are now the 3rd battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland after recent amalgamations in the British Army. Their story lives on in this new formation, but one wonders how much longer that might be in a fast changing world.
This video should appeal to all who enjoy Scottish music, and locale scenary. It combines history with tourism, much as the Scots DGs video does. Highly recommended.
Summary of Dark Island
The Black Watch is the most famous Scottish regiment. The unit?s tradition and history are embodied in the sounds, uniform and deportment of its pipes & drums. Take a beautiful journey with the Black Watch to Glamis Castle, Fort George, St. Andrews, Huntingtower Castle, Elgin Cathedral, Falkland Palace, Blackwater Falls, Blair Castle, Glen Moray Distillery, Culross, Dunfermline Abbey, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle.This recording features pipes & drums accompanied by a military band playing popular Scottish music that includes marches, reels, jigs and highland dances.
Similar DVD Movies
Pipes & Drums, Spirit of the Highlands - Scots GuardsRelease date: 2008-08-05; Music CD
Best price: $9.49
Price in other shops:
Bagpipes: A National Collection of a National Treasureby Hugh Cheape
National Museums Of Scotland; Published: 2011-04-16; Paperback; Book
Best price: $15.55
Price in other shops:
Various - 2008 Edinburgh Military TattooRelease date: 2008-12-09; DVD
Best price: $39.95
Price in other shops:
Artist Not Provided - Honor and Glory - America's Elite Military Honor Guards (History Channel)A&E; Release date: 2005-09-27; DVD
Best price: $2.84
Price in other shops:
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards - Spirit Of The GlenRelease date: 2008-02-12; Published: 2008-05-01; Music CD
Best price: $9.99
Price in other shops:
Various - Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2009Release date: 2009-11-10; DVD
Best price: $39.94
Price in other shops:
Various - 2010 Edinburgh Military TattooRelease date: 2010-12-28; DVD
Best price: $29.95
Price in other shops:
Follow Me... I'm Right Behind YouRelease date: 2010-12-17; DVD
Best price: $25.00
Artist Not Provided - Military Tattoos and TournamentsRelease date: 2006-03-14; DVD
Best price: $10.93
Price in other shops:
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards - Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards: Highland CathedralRelease date: 2003-05-06; DVD
Best price: $13.48
Price in other shops: