Departures

I don't think I've watched any other TV show or movie that has impacted me or left me with as many thoughts as Departures, and I think that's testament to the brilliance of this show.

Across 40+ episodes and three seasons, you are taken on a journey of 3 men who love travelling and are living their dream. The way the show is shot and the exposure to their up close and tight experiences in different countries makes you feel as if you're on their journey too, and with them.

The chemistry between Justin and Scott is to be admired and both add so much to the show I feel, contrary to other reviews. Scott provides more of a sophisticated lens, providing context and history to places whereas Justin's true personality comes across to add humour and laughs to each episode.

Having just finished watching Departures, it has left me with an urge and desire to take a year to go travel the world. I can see myself looking back in the future as this being a show that changed my life.

When it comes to Tv shows and especially travel shows, I can be super hard to please. Most seem fake and scripted, and it's painfully obvious that the presenters have a massive crew of staff behind the camera.

Departures is one of the few exceptions. This is a show about two normal guys and their cameraman (who is also one of their friends). They aren't massive Hollywood stars or comedians, feeling pressured to make jokes at every point. Their reactions are genuine and the relationship between Justin and Scott feels so natural. This show makes it abundantly clear that these are real people.

I have never seen a show that so perfectly captures the experience of traveling. They don't just concentrate on the good things, but instead will present to you the problems alongside them, which makes the whole thing feel more genuine.

It kind of reminds me of a travel vlog, but Departures was created before the whole YouTube travel scene took off (to the best of my knowledge). Maybe it partly inspired it. I'm not sure.

Anyway, I don't have much more to say about this show except that you should watch it and experience it for yourself. This could easily be my favourite tv show of all time and I would recommend it to everyone I know.

This is one of the best shows on t.v. You get to travel the world without leaving your house. It is one of the best ideas for a show. Travel it is a simple thing to think about, but as it has been seen in this you have to sacrifice a lot to do it. Scott, Justin, and Andre are all have very good personalities. These people make you want to come back and watch them travel the world. There are shows sort of like this that I have seen an episode for and couldn't even sit through it. The camera work in this show are some of the best I have seen on t.v. Their great work has even given them a couple Gemini nominations. This is a great accomplishment for any show. Two of my favourite episodes are when they go to Antartica and Madagascar. Great images and places I will probably never get to see. Definitely would like to go there though.

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'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!