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.

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.

Snapped my Achilles' tendon and was stuck on the couch for at least 6 weeks while it mended. I would have lost my mind if it wasn't for this incredibly entertaining series. Probably saved my marriage too! Haha. Loved it so much.

I travelled a ton in my younger years and thought it was a blast to see these three doing a lot of what I did (and so much more)!

Thanks Scott, Justin & Andre for saving my life. :)

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!