VIDEOS : Films From San Francisco to the South Pacific

SAN FRANCISCO, CITY AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW ( International Travel Films, 80 minutes, 1991 ).

From impressive aerial panoramas of the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay and the city skyline to the cable cars, gingerbread Victorian homes, Union Square and various ethnic districts, viewers are given a grand tour of San Francisco and some of its satellite communities.

The video is beautifully filmed by Doug Jones, who provides a colorful narration filled with historical background, enhanced by early film clips of the 1906 earthquake (with references to the 1989 quake), the building of the Golden Gate Bridge and the prison isle of Alcatraz.

The foot-tapping musical score is a plus that accompanies viewers as they tour Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square.

Street scenes and festivals are featured on tours of Chinatown, Japantown, the Hispanic Mission District and Little Italy, with scenes of the Columbus Day Parade.

There are also visits to chic Nob Hill and Grace Cathedral, and a trip across the Oakland Bay Bridge to visit Oakland and Berkeley.

Other highlights include a day trip to the Napa Valley wine country, a tour of the attractions of Golden Gate Park and scenes of city night life, including a raucous Halloween party in North Beach and the huge Chinese New Year celebration.

Tapes are available from International Travel Films, Box 310, San Fernando 91341, (800) 622-0067. Price: $29.95.

BALI (Wish You Were Here Productions, 80 minutes, 1991) .

How much longer can Bali withstand the onslaught of tourism? is the question producer Rick Ray ponders in this thought-provoking video study of the fascinating Indonesian island.

Viewers are offered a disheartening introduction to Bali at Kuta Beach, a crowded, touristy beachhead popular with Australian vacationers that was a former hippie haven of the ‘60s.

However, Ray chose the inland town of Ubud as his base, and from there explores the “real” Bali, where traditional ways still prevail. Few automobiles are seen, most goods are carried on heads or backs, and lakes and rivers are still used for laundry and bathing.

The centerpiece of Balinese life is rice cultivation and religion, and scenes highlight how both are celebrated in numerous colorful rituals and festivals that Ray was permitted to film.

The film and narration examines various stages of life as observed by the Balinese: their zealous care of children, the rite of filing teeth at puberty, a lively wedding and an elaborate cremation ritual.

Arts and crafts are also highlighted, including the traditional barong dance, plus the work of painters, woodcarvers, mask-makers and musicians.

The video is worthwhile viewing for anyone planning a visit to Bali. Tapes are available from Wish You Were Here Productions, 1455 Royal Blvd., Glendale 91207, (818) 243-7043. Price: $29.95.

NEW ZEALAND (Rand McNally Video Traveler Collection, 30 minutes, 1992) .

This is one of a selection of videos that has been condensed and updated by International Video Network for distribution aimed at the budget traveler. It was previously released as “New Zealand Coast to Coast.”

Beginning on the North Island’s Bay of Islands, the video offers scenes of big game fishing; the old Stone Store at Kerikeri; the tranquil town of Russell, once a lawless whaling port, and the resort town of Paihia.

There are panoramic views of the harbor at Auckland and a visit to the thermal wonderlands of Rotorua, Lake Tarawera and Urewera National Park.

Outdoor activities are highlighted on the beach at Tauranga. In addition, there’s skiing on Mt. Ruapehu and trout fishing at Lake Taupo and Huka Falls on the Waikato River, plus a tour of Wellington.

On South Island, visits include “the most English city” of Christchurch, Queenstown for a gondola-ride view of the city, scenes of Lake Wakatipu, and a jet-boat ride on the Kawarau River.

There are also views of Mt. Cook and Lake Pukaki, an air tour over the Southern Alps and Tasman Glacier, a visit to west coast glaciers, and a side trip to the preserved gold-mining town of Shantytown, near Hokitika.

Final scenes are of the wondrous Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, with spectacular views of Mitre Peak, waterfalls and wilderness trails.

Tapes are available from International Video Network, 2242 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, Calif. 94583, (800) 669-4486, Ext. 301. Price: $9.95.