Product: Extreme Trains: The Complete Season One (2009)
Rating: 4.0
It's very good but could have been better.
This two disk set shows a lot of different trains and train operations. But it sometimes seemed this series is more about the host than the topic. His face fills the screen constantly, with quick cuts to different train operations. I saw a lot of quick glimpses into how things are done, but would have really enjoyed longer, more detailed shots of the hardware and shorter shots of the host. One thing for sure, I know what the host looks like while riding and working around trains. I'm certainly no expert, but I did hear one bit of information about train line brakes that was backwards (applying air to the train brake line applies the brakes, which it doesn't). Later on in another segment the host seems to get the correct script and mentions the actual way train brakes work. There's some interesting shots in a major locomotive repair facility, and in the railroad control center. Just be ready to see the technical stuff once the host moves his face out of the way. Did we get to see how a locomotive is started? No. Why they are rarely shut down? No. Close-up shots of the instrument panel, especially the ones with computer screens? No. All in all it's enjoyable and worth the price. But the camera crew was RIGHT THERE! They could have captured so much more, but missed it. If you're not interested in the technical stuff, than you'll probably be 100% satisfied. Otherwise, get ready to join the host close up and ride the rails (while looking over his shoulder).