Departures

Departures is a television series that turns the traditional approach of the travel-show genre into a cinematic adventure. The show follows the two interesting, comedic and charming hosts Justin Lukach and Scott Wilson as they take a year off of their average lives to travel to exotic locations around the world in search of unique experiences. The cinematography is absolutely inspirational,(courtesy of the brilliant creator and camera operator Andre Depuis) and has won the series a Gemini award for best photography in an information program or series. The experiences that these three friends encounter during their adventures enthrall viewers and encourage them to visit the thousands of amazing "off-the-path" locations that are all over the world. This series is definitely worth watching.

I thought this was a refreshing change to your typical travel documentary. I originally just watched the New Zealand and Australia episodes because I am planning a trip there, but I ended up going back and watching the rest of the episodes because I enjoyed it so much. I think a lot of people are quick to criticize because they don't understand that this is about experiencing new cultures from the outsiders point of view. There was a lot of growth throughout the seasons and I thought Justin, Scott, and Andre had great chemistry, traveling together can be exhausting unless you have that. The drinking was shared with the locals and sometimes encouraged, so I think some of the other reviews exaggerate that a bit. Overall, very entertaining!

One of the reviews of this show has so much misplaced hate for one the hosts in it, that I figure I should give my two cents about Departures. First of all, this is an amazing travel show. Three friends traveling around the world and going to the most unexpected places to find history, culture and incredible beauty. Scott, one of the hosts, is the creator behind the show (with Andre the cameraman) and as you expect he is the more serious, well-educated and very interested about the country's culture and history. On the other hand, Justin is an outgoing dude, sometimes silly, not the brightest individual, but also very likable, real and funny. The dude is looking to have a good time everywhere, but you can see he is also enjoying and interested in everything they see, regardless if they have a beer on their hands or not.

Scott's choice of Justin as his travel mate was extremely smart. Not only you can actually see that they are best friends, but their personal characteristics balance each other very well and make this show even more entertaining. Also, throughout all three seasons you can see Justin's amazing growth as he becomes a seasoned traveler, and that shows how much you can learn just from getting out of your comfort zone. That is one of the most remarkable things about the show.

The real star of this show, however, is behind the camera. Andre's award-winning photography is one of the most artistic and beautiful I have ever seen on a show like this. Every fantastic moment of their travels, every person, every place, every view, is captured with perfection and there is no way you would not want to visit some of this places after watching this show. The way every location is put on camera is truly inspirational. Go watch Departures!

The hosts, the way they present it, the direction of photography. Everything about this show is perfect.

For those who aren't familiar with this show, here's a little summary.

Three guy crew, best of friends, running around the world, going places just because they want to the world before it loses it's beauty. Two of these guys, Scott and Justin are on camera while Andre is behind the camera. They don't travel on a remarkably high budget. They just take the paths that most people wouldn't and end up showing the most beautiful sights that I've ever seen on TV.

This show should've been on for longer. It simply made me love the world more.

I've been actively watching this show for a few years now. There is no other show that even comes close (in this genre). I really hope this series gets 'big' and well-known. Justin and Scott are just a great match on screen, and a great traveling duo (along with their cameraman, Andre).

What really sets this show apart from other shows is the cinematography. Andre has a gift. Of course he has a nice camera, but the shots are so well-exposed and composed. I think the 'look' of a show is very important; I'm not sure what other productions are doing or using, but Andre is doing it right.

When you watch this show, you always feels as though you're with friends. If you want to travel, but don't have the means, this show is perfect. Personally, I would prefer if they went to more well-known areas... as that is equally interesting for me; I found the Japan trip to be one of the best episodes.

As well, I have to mention North Korea. This episode is educating... throw out everything you already know about this country.

Also it should be mentioned that their editing is really great too. The small and clean logos and animation work is quite good and well defined. Editing and synchronization with the music really sets the right mood.

To conclude, the photography/cinematography is well-above most television shows, and the content is extremely engaging. The most important thing though, is that when you watch this show, you feel a certain familiarity and begin to latch onto the characters.

I wish this show was on more often!