Created for divers, snorkelers, aquarists and all marine enthusiasts, this "V.I.D" (Video ID) Guide covers the incredible marine biodiversity of this fantastic corner of the South Pacific.
It's an comprehensive identification guide to 1272 animal and plant species -- except that instead of being a book full of pictures, it's a video with gorgeous real-life footage of each species, and each of the 1739 video clips is labeled with the common and scientific names of each species.
Beautifully filmed and visually engaging, Marine Life of Fiji and Tonga contains pretty much everything you are likely to see, catch or hear about when getting wet in this part of the world. The box contains 2 DVD videos that you can play on your TV or computer PLUS a 14-page reference booklet with line drawings, descriptions and helpful information. Three years and more than 3000 dives in the making, Marine Life of Fiji and Tonga is both an essential tool and exotic entertainment.
FEATURES: 3.5 hours of beautiful underwater footage; 77 intuitive and easy-to-navigate DVD chapters; Juveniles, males, females -- plus endemic species and local colour variations; Video allows you to study behaviour: how species swim, feed, court, fight, clean, hunt; Tight macro shots show fine details, markings and texture normally impossible to see; Soothing ambient music by award-winning composer Bjorn Lynne; Filmed with utmost care and respect for the underwater environment.
FEATURES: 3.5 hours of beautiful underwater footage; 77 intuitive and easy-to-navigate DVD chapters; Juveniles, males, females -- plus endemic species and local colour variations; Video allows you to study behaviour: how species swim, feed, court, fight, clean, hunt; Tight macro shots show fine details, markings and texture normally impossible to see; Soothing ambient music by award-winning composer Bjorn Lynne; Filmed with utmost care and respect for the underwater environment.
Review
An innovative dimension to creature identification and appreciation, Created by two professional videographers and experts who spent several years studying the marine life in Fiji and Tonga, this "guidemovie" is fascinating and beautifully filmed. While I have many of the classic Reef Identification series, watching this DVD set made the images in these kinds of books come alive. It was refreshing to be able to study behavior and environment - interesting and important aspects of marine life that can't properly be depicted in words or still photos.
The set includes a quick reference guide and two DVDs - one focuses on fish species and the other on "everything else" such as invertebrates, mammals, corals and algaes. Both DVDs can be played either in sequence or by chapter selection targeting groups of critters (e.g. sharks, nudibranchs, soft corals, cowries, seahorses). The reference guide is helpful for those who want to find a particular critter by its general body shape and size but don't remember its name.
When I received the set, I first looked up all of my favorites but after a while, I just let it play through in sequence. It is amazing that the authors have captured so many rare and camera-shy species and I have a new respect and interest in the diversity at one of my favorite places to dive - Fiji.
This DVD set is very reasonably priced given the craftsmanship and range of species documented. And it travels well - much lighter and compact than multiple fish and coral ID guidebooks that cover the same types of marine life. Have your friend haul the laptop and bring it along on your next vacation. Or simply enjoy it from home on your HDTV or PC. Highly recommended!
The set includes a quick reference guide and two DVDs - one focuses on fish species and the other on "everything else" such as invertebrates, mammals, corals and algaes. Both DVDs can be played either in sequence or by chapter selection targeting groups of critters (e.g. sharks, nudibranchs, soft corals, cowries, seahorses). The reference guide is helpful for those who want to find a particular critter by its general body shape and size but don't remember its name.
When I received the set, I first looked up all of my favorites but after a while, I just let it play through in sequence. It is amazing that the authors have captured so many rare and camera-shy species and I have a new respect and interest in the diversity at one of my favorite places to dive - Fiji.
This DVD set is very reasonably priced given the craftsmanship and range of species documented. And it travels well - much lighter and compact than multiple fish and coral ID guidebooks that cover the same types of marine life. Have your friend haul the laptop and bring it along on your next vacation. Or simply enjoy it from home on your HDTV or PC. Highly recommended!
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