Glimpsing Cajuns, Danes and Irish

NEW ORLEANS (Rand McNally Video Traveller Collection, 32 minutes, 1993).

The special essence of New Orleans can’t be captured on film--especially not in 32 minutes--but this video makes a worthy effort.

The emphasis is on the old French Quarter with its fortuitous mix of Cajun, Creole, African and American cultures. Viewers explore historic Jackson Square with its St. Louis Cathedral and French Market, then visit Pirate Alley and St. Peter Street. A stroll down Royal Street unveils distinctive architectural details and fine wrought-iron grillwork. There are scenes of homes where Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner lived and wrote.

The video provides background on Creole and Cajun cuisine and on voodoo religion, with stops at the Voodoo Museum and the grave of voodoo queen Marie Laveau.

Viewers drive down Canal Street, which divides the old quarter from the new, ride the St. Charles Streetcar through the Garden District and explore the antebellum Rosedown Plantation. Uptown, there are views of Tulane and Loyola universities and Audubon Park. In the Riverfront District, the video takes in Woldenberg Park and the Aquarium of the Americas, with panoramic scenes of the Mississippi River and the Greater New Orleans Bridge.

The “soul of the city,” of course, is its music--specifically Dixieland jazz. The video provides samples from Bourbon Street clubs and funeral processions to a steam calliope and sidewalk performers. Finally, viewers join the festivities of Mardi Gras, the pre-Lenten bacchanal of parades, costumes, parties and more music.

This is a condensed and edited version of International Video Networks’ “Video Visits: New Orleans.” Aimed at the budget-minded viewer, it is available through IVN at 2242 Camino Ramon, San Ramon 94583, (800) 669-4486. Price: $9.95.

SOLVANG (Point Lobos Productions, 60 minutes, 1992).

Beautiful aerial views show the California coast and surrounding hills before zeroing in on the Santa Ynez Valley and the charming town of Solvang, which thrives on the tourism exploiting its Danish heritage.

A tour of Solvang takes in quaint specialty shops with inviting souvenirs and Danish foods. Town sights include windmills, a replica of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue, and numerous other reminders of writer Hans Christian Andersen. There are visits to museums of Anderson memorabilia and Danish culture, as well as a Danish church.

Viewers drop by a Chumash Indian cultural center, hear the history of the Solvang area as related by early citizens and see the nearby missions of Santa Ines and La Purisima.

Side trips take in the towns of Lompoc, with its beautiful springtime flowers; Buellton; Los Olivos, and Lake Cachuma. Art galleries, wineries, horse ranches (including huge Alisal Ranch) and the annual Rancho Visitadores horseback trek are also featured.

Annual events highlighted include the Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tale Festival in April, Solvang Theaterfest in late summer and Danish Days in September.

Tapes are available from Point Lobos Productions, 20417 Califa St., Woodland Hills 91367, (818) 340-4201. Price: $25.00.

IRELAND AND YOUR IRISH ANCESTRY (International Video Network, 60 Minutes, 1993).

This is an informative supplement to the usual travelogue, produced especially for travelers interested in combining a visit to Ireland with a desire to trace their roots. According to the video, 70 million people worldwide claim Irish ancestry.

Against an impressive background of the Irish countryside, cities and historic ruins, viewers are told how to begin their search, where to go and whom to see.

Narration describes how history--through the Celtic, Norse and Christian eras, the Anglo-Irish struggle and migration--has influenced the development of Irish names, and how the use of such prefixes as Mc, Fitz and O’ has subdivided clan names. There’s also information on coats of arms, their significance and how the viewer can track one down.

This video is one in the International Video Network’s new “Heritage Series” that includes tapes on Scotland, England and Wales. Each tape is accompanied by an information booklet. All are available from IVN, 2242 Camino Ramon, San Ramon 94583, (800) 669-4486. Price: $29.95.