Smithsonian museums are known to educate us with entertainment, and to entertain us with education. We can certainly say the exact same about this DVD by Smithsonian Networks.
 
360° bird's-eye views of big cities such as London, Rome and Paris, green countrysides and coastal lines of Ireland, cathedrals and churches in Florence, the famous leaning tower of Pisa, less known hilltop towns and farms in Tuscany, solar furnaces and medieval castles in the French Pyrenees, fancy Monaco, and other historic landmarks, cultural sites and natural sceneries are well captured and described. Even though you may have used google map to view some of these areas, the google version of course is no comparison to this DVD. Sky View shows more than just views from above. These outstanding panoramic views are definitely the main attraction, and some of them are certainly only possible from the sky. The viewers will unquestionably learn something new about England, Ireland, Italy and France. 
 
For each of the four episodes (“Southern Britain”, “Emerald Isle”, “Heart of Italy” and “French Riviera”), the narrator gives easy-to-follow, insightful and informative background information of magnificent landscapes and prominent buildings from ancient and modern times. For instance, did you know that Montacute House, an Elizabethan mansion in Somerset, England, is so big that the owner and his family members used a long room (172 feet) for exercise during bad weather? Or that Mont Louis Fort, a stronghold located 5,000ft high in the French Pyrenees, is the highest fort in Europe? The program shows not only historical facts, but also fun facts like the remote Clew Bay islands in Ireland where John Lennon wanted to build a house, or Donegal city, famous for its carpets, some of which are being used in Buckingham Palace, the Vatican, and even the White House. In fact, the narrator has very interesting tidbits and stories to share for all the locations presented, and I bet that however knowledgeable you think you are in geography and history, you will learn some new facts here.
 
Sky View makes it possible for the viewers to take a helicopter or airplane tour without leaving their comfy couch. An animated red line tracing each location on a map (as seen on the Indiana Jones movies) is also very helpful. If you are interested in at least one of the following: history, travel, science, or culture, you will find Sky View educational and fun, and this DVD tempts you to visit the featured places. I feel a little bit smarter already after watching this show!