Armchair Adventure in Yosemite

“Yosemite” (Rand McNally VideoTrips, 50 minutes, 1989).

This is another well-photographed and well-narrated video, illustrated with maps and early photos and offering bits of history and geology along with the influences of naturalist John Muir.

The film covers a reconstructed early Indian village and informs viewers how to get around the area, utilizing such transportation as trams, shuttle buses, bikes and automobiles. Tours, highlighted by spectacular domes, waterfalls, the Merced River, meadows and the animal life of the peak, plus a hike to Mirror Lake, are also reviewed.

Accommodations in the valley include the cabins and tents of Curry Village, the luxurious and historical Ahwahnee Hotel and Yosemite Lodge, in addition to their related shops, restaurants, galleries and activities.

Some spectacular footage views Yosemite from Glacier Point, extending from the crests of the Sierra to the floor of the valley.

A drive to the Wawona Hotel and its facilities includes the Pioneer Yosemite History Center and an early 1800s village, complete with stagecoach rides and a covered bridge.

Side-trips take viewers to Mariposa Grover, the Tuolumne Meadows high country and White Wolf Lodge, Tioga Road mountaineering school and John Muir Trail.

The video winds up with detailed information on horseback riding and stables, biking trials and rentals, fishing, pet regulations, a list of public services--laundry, medical, religious, plus disabled facilities--and cautions on wildlife.

There are also addresses and phone numbers for additional information and reservations.

Tapes are available from VCRI, P.O. Box 1179, Gillette, Wyo. 82717, (800) 248-7477. Price: $19.99.

“Singapore” (Fodor’s Video Travel Guide, 1989, 45 minutes).

Singapore is a major city and gateway to Asia where commercial life revolves around shipping and finance and its 2.5 million people, mainly Malay, Indian and Chinese, live in harmony while keeping one foot in ancient traditions and the other in the modern world.

The first segment offers colorful street scenes, sidewalk vendors, fortune tellers and traffic and parades filmed against a background of high-rise and other buildings that reflect the early British influence.

There is a visit to Sentosa Island, an Asian version of Disneyland; the spacious Singapore zoo, and beautiful parks and gardens, including the famous Jurong Bird Park. Also seen are the nearby artificial islands that were built to provide recreation--fishing and swimming.

The film also takes the viewer to lunch with a Chinese family in a high-rise apartment, where behind a modern facade the old life style is still observed.

Religious sequences include ceremonies in mosques and temples, including examples of the use of Chinese joss paper and the incredible Hindu ceremony of walking on hot coals.

The historical role of the Malaysians is illustrated on visits to an old cemetery and to the old-style village of Palau Seking, where homes are built on stilts. The narration describes the treatment of the Malays and the role of Sir Stamford Raffles in the development of Singapore. There’s also a trip to the archeological digs at Ft. Canning.

Nightlife is featured, including the Singapore symphony, ballet, Chinese opera and the historic Raffles Hotel, where viewers get the recipe for the potent “Singapore Sling.”

A second segment discusses the care of money and valuables, telecommunications, customs regulations, trip planning and photography, plus information on how to travel to and in Singapore.

The video is accompanied with maps, travel tips and an index that corresponds with numbers on the screen to help viewers find subjects discussed.

Tapes are available from International Video Network, 2242 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, Calif. 94583, (800) 443-0100. Price $29.95.