Must See Places of the World - Mystic Lands 6 pk.

With brilliant cinematography, Mystic Lands chronicles a diverse array of sacred sites around the world. The idyllic places where man communes with the sacred are as varied as they are fascinating. Viewers can explore the vibrant mystic traces from ancient cultures-from tantric meditation amidst the Shangri-La beauty of Bhutan, to the never photographed Zoroastrian eternal flame glowing bright for 2,500 years in Iran, and from the wonder of the Taj Mahal in India to the seemingly sinister sights of Voodoo in Haiti, and the trance-like shamanistic dances of Australia's aboriginal people. These lands are shrouded in mystery, your ticket to adventure. Narrated by Best Actor Oscar-nominee Edward James Olmos. Best Actress Oscar-nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo narrates the stories of her homeland in Mystic Iran.

DVD 1:

Greece: Isle of Revelation - In this land of great beauty, the spirit of the past still rules, and the gods of old are part of the culture, and a part of life.  Yet, devotion to Othodox Christianity is a constant in the lives of nearly all Greek people.

Egypt: Cycle of Life - Egypt is a collage of conflicting sights and sounds, but an affirming belief in the Muslim god, Allah, unites the majority of people.  Within lavish tombs buried beneath the desert, we discover ancient secrets of a great civilization, and the pharaoh's quest for immortality.

Jerusalem: Mosaic of Faith - Three great faiths of the modern world converge in the holy city of Jerusalem.  This place of pilgrimage and passion is a spiritual crossroads for the devout, and a wellspring of all that is sacred to Christians, Muslims, and Jews.  This moving program explores each religion's claim on this ancient city of faith.

Mystic Iran - Academy Award-Nominee Shohreh Aghadashloo (House of Sand and Fog, 24) narrates this award-winning documentary that chronicles filmmaker Aryana Farshad's soul-stirring spiritual odyssey deep into the heart of her native Iran after a twenty-five year absence. At the risk of confiscation of film equipment and the threat of drug traffickers, Farshad embarked on a courageous and unprecedented cinematic tour to capture on film rites and rituals hidden for centuries. From the women's chamber of the Great Mosque, to the temple-caves in the land of Zarathustra, to the sacred dance of the Dervishes in Kurdistan, she gained access to religious ceremonies and locations never before seen by the outside world. Winner: Audience Favorite Award-Noor Film Festival.

Extra Feature: Inside Iran Today - A companion film to Mystic Iran etches a fascinating portrait of a contemporary Iran little seen by the outside world. This program reveals a country of diverse landscapes and dramatic contrasts. Archival footage, artwork, and artifacts chronicle Iran's tumultuous past, while recent footage reveals how ancient traditions and modern ways coexist.

DVD 2:

The Taj Mahal: Heaven on Earth - In India, the search for life's meaning takes many paths.  The symbol of this intensely spiritual country is the Taj Mahal, considered by many to be "the most beautiful building in the world."  This exquisitely photographed program also explores the ghost city Fatehpur Sikri.

Varanasi: City of Light - The teeming nation of India is a land of religious diversity and conflict.  This fascinating program explores the Hindu odyssey from birth to death to rebirth, and the beliefs, rituals, and ceremonies observed in the Hindu's journey toward enlightenment.

DVD 3:

Peru: Kingdom of the Clouds - In Andean communities, the ghosts of the Inca still haunt the valleys and snow-capped peaks.  Discover the secrets of an ancient nation among the ruins of Machu Picchu, and observe Inca ceremonies that link present and past, and provide insights into their beliefs and culture.

Maya: Messages in Stone - To understand the Maya, one must understand their universe: the upper world, the middle world, and the underworld.  This powerful program unearths the grand ruins and spiritual beliefs of the Maya in Central America, and explores the Mayan beliefs in human sacrifice, deities, and forces of nature.

DVD 4:

Australia: Dreamtime - In the world's most isolated continent, Australia's aboriginal people have survived an austere landscape by banding into hundreds of tribes, each with its own language, traditions, and celebrations.  This fascinating program explores their spiritual bond with the land that is based on myths, legends, mystical rites, and exotic ceremonies.

Bali: Isle of 1,000 Temples - The Balinese Hindu faithful express their devotion through music, dance, and processions of beauty, but they do not take their faith lightly.  Religion influences every aspect of Balinese daily life.  This compelling program observes sacred ceremonies and rites with which the Balinese honor the powerful forces that govern life.

DVD 5:

Myanmar (Burma): Triumph of the Spirit - Faith and quite devotion is a way of life in this reclusive nation, once known as Burma, shackled by military dictatorship and repression.  More than 85 percent of the population practice Buddhism.  On the path to enlightenment, they make daily visits to such historic religious sites as the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon - The image of Bhutan as a mythical Shangri-La still exists.  Here, Buddhism is more than a religion, it's a lifestyle.  From fluttering prayer flags to prayer wheels, worship to Lord Buddha permeates every aspect of life in an ancient world of magic and mystery that is nearly untouched by the modern age.

DVD 6:

Anasazi: The Ancient Ones - In a desolate region of the North American southwest was a civilization that rivaled the Mayan and Inca cultures.  Through oral traditions and the discovery and exploration of crumbled cities and villages, the story of the Anasazi is only beginning to unfold.

Haiti: Dance of the Spirit - This provocative program reveals the truth behind the mystical practice of Voodoo.  Stereotyped as "sinister and bizarre," Voodoo is a blend of west African beliefs and Roman Catholicism.  Visually arresting dance and drumming ceremonies demonstrate the intricacies of this religion.

Bonus Program: Director's Commentary - Series director Mr. Chip Duncan reflects on the inspiration behind Mystic Lands, and the challenges and rewards of creating the series.