Review for Monty Halls' Great Escapes

Introduction

Monty Halls is a former Royal Marines officer - he left in 1996 to pursue a career in leading expeditions, using his degree in marine biology along the way. He got into television after winning Channel Four's Superhuman competition in 2004, competing in a series of tasks testing fearlessness, endurance, memory etc. Since then he has presented series and documentaries for the Discovery Channel, The National Geographic Channel and three series of "Great Escapes" for BBC Two.

Those three series are presented here.



Monty Halls' Great Escape (five 60 minute episodes)

Monty turns his back on city life to become a 21st century beachcomber and crofter in Applecross on the west coast of Scotland alongside his newly adopted rescue dog Reuben. He moves into a dilapidated old cattle shed, transforming it into a basic home, whilst indulging in his passion for marine biology and trying to become as self-sufficient as possible. He goes fishing, raises pigs, sheep and hens and grows his own vegetables.



Monty Halls' Great Hebridean Escape (six 60 minute episodes)

After a winter back in the city of Bristol, Monty has itchy feet and wants to get back to nature again. This time he takes Reuben to the Hebridean Islands of Uist and Barra. And they have a job to do - resurrecting the wildlife ranger post that disappeared six years ago due to a lack of funding. And there's plenty of wildlife activity to observe too - eleven species of whale and dolphin, thousands of grey seals and countless wading birds.



Series 3: Monty Halls Escapes to Ireland (six 60 minute episodes)

Broadcast in summer 2011, we now follow Monty and Reuben on their latest adventure - living on an island near the fishing village of Roundstone off the west coast of Ireland around Connemara for six months. Lots more marine life to observe here, including whales, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and blue sharks.

Video, Audio, Extra Features

All looks and sounds fine. Sadly no extra features, but the main content is certainly interesting enough.

Conclusion

Three fascinating series of great escapes. Monty Halls is an excellent presenter, knowledgeable yet not patronising, interesting and articulate.



I caught the initial 2 series on first broadcast but it's interesting to watch them again, and it was good to watch the new series which I missed over the summer.

If you have an interest in marine biology, nature, the outdoors, life on a remote island or self-sufficiency, then this is the DVD set for you. They are also available as separate releases if you prefer

Recommended, and I'm sure this will be in a few stockings come December...