Notes on the Corryvreckan DVD:
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General: CORRYVRECKAN has become well known originally through the Powell-Pressburger film I Know Where I'm Going [aka IKWIG] a post-war production which has become a cult movie, subject to a great deal of writing, some of it erroneous, even from authorities on the film. The huge tidal flow which runs between the islands of Jura and Scarba provides a crisis climax of the film and has become inseparable from it in association, although the Corryvreckan was already distinguished in its region centuries previously by its local name Coire Bhrecain [Bhreacain's Cauldron] embodying both another story and a concisely accurate description of what it is. Unfortunately the status of the film has inspired a number of writers to romanticize and subsequent television programmes such as the Open University / BBC Coast and Equinox 'Whirlpool' documentaries contain repetitions of previous errors of fact |
 Whirlpool Photo Above Courtesy Of Enthusiast Jim McHardy |
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Although the description of the Corryvreckan in IKWIG is concise and accurate as recounted by Torquil McNeil to Joan Webster in the Tobermory coastguard office scene, thereafter the viewers are subjected to Michael Powell's apparent desire to turn the Corryvreckan into something quite different, culminating in a grotesque re-creation complete with vortices with solid gelatinous cores. Corryvreckan is nothing like this. This is probably why such a large part of the film's budget was used in trying to artificially recreate Corryvreckan to correspond with some Edgar Allan Poe fantasy. |
 Wild Goats Stranded By The Tide |
The Murray-Philip DVD gives the first authoritative account, either written or visual describing Corryvreckan and the immediate area exactly as it is, in Mike Murray's words maelstrom being a better description than whirlpool. Corryvreckan is shown working in various conditions from placid to strongly active and in both fine weather conditions, and in the wet. The underlying hydrographics are demonstrated by a series of excellent computer graphic modelling, and evident from the surface photography.
Picture:
Given the numerous difficulties of representing this phenomenon, at which all previous efforts have failed, the photography within the DVD is quite outstanding, revealing the Corryvreckan in a range of its ever-changing manifestations. Included are breathtaking views of surrounding scenes, including some superb sequences around north Jura.
Resolution detail will stand up to the very exacting high definition standards [1080i], so that it is possible to make out a building on Mull. Probably near the famous IKWIG quay site at Carsaig, almost 16 miles distant.
Many of the images on this website are stills taken from the DVD.
Sound:
The background is an excellent and very informative commentary by Mike Murray, otherwise a music sound track takes over. The question of appropriate music is always difficult; most of the obvious candidates may not be more suitable, compared with natural sound.
The reputation of Corryvreckan for great noise, distantly heard presents almost insurmountable difficulties, powerful boat engines, wind, etc, generally mask sea noise. This is certainly impossible unless recorded from a ground location on Jura or Scarba in storm conditions, or at a distance from Craignish Point.
Summary:
This DVD combines evocative and revealing landscape photography of a very high order, and fine picture quality combined with an authoritative commentary and analysis of what Bhreacain's Cauldron actually is and does. At last.
The DVD is no longer available to purchase by post through this website. If you would like to purchase one of the few remaining copies online please visit - largschandlers.co.uk - and search for 'DVD' in the search box, then you can purchase by debit or credit card.
The Corryvreckan DVD was made by David Philip and Mike Murray while on board 'Gemini', along with some footage from 'Sea Leopard' and an overnight camping trip to Scarba [small island just to the north of Jura].
As well as offering the DVD so that you can see this beautiful part of the Scottish coastline from the comfort of your home, this website aims to provide a comprehensive information resource about the Corryvreckan Whirlpool in Argyll.
The DVD footage is compiled from several different days filming, so the weather and sea conditions are quite varied. Additional material kindly provided by David Ainsley of Seafari Adventure.
The rough weather sequences were really exciting - but it should be made clear that the boat was being held just outside the worst areas.. the boat was not actually inside the wildest bits and not in any danger!
Customers' Feedback About The Corryvreckan DVD
Feedback from the USA
'Dear Mike,
I wanted to let you know that I play your video over and over again, for myself and for my friends, and we just never get tired of it. It is such an infinite source of pleasure, and a wonderful
escape from The Usual. I must compliment you on the composition of this work, that is, the way the images unfold, the story line. And I have come to really appreciate the music now. At first, I was
intent on hearing the ocean itself, so I ignored the music, but now I just love it. I especially like the composer's use of fourths later in the film, when the ocean becomes rough. He really captured
the feel of the ocean.
Thank you again, and warmest wishes for the new year.
Sincerely,
Milicent, Chicago'
European Feedback
The DVD is a very popular purchase and the feedback received has been really good:
'Thank you for the DVD which I watched this afternoon. It is a fascinating piece of work and long overdue as a correct representation of the phenomenon. May I say that I particularily appreciated
the commentary which is suitably informative and understated without nonsensical dramatics.
I have only passed through the Gulf once (in the Waverley!) in benign conditions but even then one was aware of the immense power of natural forces even in a large vessel. I must return soon to visit
in a smaller craft perhaps this summer.
Thanks again
Lindsay Carrick'
'Over the winter our 15 year old TV started to lose functions, so we invested in a small but widescreen HD-ready version and at the same time acquired a new dvd player which via HDMI cable
delivers virtual HD. The first test we submitted it to was the Corry DVD.
We had previously played this a number of times so ought to have been familiar, but this was absolutely stunning: David's excellent pictures aren't done justice by ordinary DVD or TV - it's
awesome... the definition is so good we were just able to make out a building on Mull, from Jura. Do pass on our congratulations.
David Tolman'
'The DVD arrived safely and I have watched it several times - without feeling seasick.
It is a magnificent piece of work. I heard of Corrvrechan in the old film 'I know where I'm going'. I understand that they stayed well clear of the real thing!
The explanation on your DVD is very good. The science tells us how it happens and the legend tells us why.
Many thanks. All the best,
Colin Pounder'.
'Hi Mike,
Your DVD arrived today 1st May, so mail was very quick. The content - absolutely bloody amazing!!! I sat enthralled!
I hail from Scottish parents but spent my younger years living in Wolverhampton, and emigrated to Australia in 1960. Prior to that, I used to visit Scotland each year for summer holidays. From 1955
to 1959, I spent time on Jura, having been attracted to that island so that I could view the whirlpool. I was inspired by the film 'I know where I am going'. I thought Jura the most magical place - a
place where time kind of stood still. I still have many colour slides taken all those years ago.
I have enjoyed your filming immensely – it is just spectacular. Thank you for what has been quite an experience. Being into my seventies now, I don’t know whether I will ever make such a
visit again, but if I do, I will endeavour to make that trip to the Gulf!'
Jim, from Victoria, Australia.
'Dear Mike Murray!
A few days ago I recieved the DVD purchased from the Whirlpool Scotland website. I really enjoyed it, it has got some quite amazing footage! It must have been hard to keep the camera still. The
website gives a good overview of the Corryvreckan in the menues- location, facts etc. It is user friendly, and it is easy to navigate around. I visited Scotland a few weeks ago and wanted to go and
see Corryvreckan. But unfortunately there were not enough bookings on the Gemini, so I did not get to see it. At that time I was not aware of any other boats going there. I found the Whirlpool
Scotland website after I had returned home. But at least I can enjoy the DVD, now that I did not see it with my own eyes! But then there is something to look forward to when I visit Scotland next
time!
Best wishes,
Thomas from Denmark'
'Mike,
I bought 5 copies of the 'MK2' Corrievreckan DVD yesterday when I was up at Craobh checking my boat. The revamped DVD is excellent....the copies are for a few friends who were out in Gemini with
Hamish a few months ago. We were on Jura for some mountain biking/ doing the paps. Thanks, it's a great effort....the underwater footage must have been difficult to shoot!
Best Regards
Dennis O'Hare'
American Feedback
The paragraphs below are extracted from email messages that were exchanged between Mike and a customer who bought the DVD in the NTSC format [rather than PAL format]. The editing is done mainly for reasons of brevity and no important information has been removed.
Initial Query / Complaint:
'Hi a few week back I ordered the DVD 'Corryvreckan' - no problems with delivery, arrived in just two days, because I knew I was leaving the UK in September to go and live in the USA, I ordered the DVD in the NTSC format, rather than PAL. I am now living here in California and I have tried to play the DVD here on an American DVD player but am told there is an error with the disc, the player plays only Region 1 any ideas would be appreciated.'
Mike's Response:
'We have had Very few failures of the dvd as we have them replicated by a proper commercial replicator. The problem with American players is that although we produce a NTSC version for the American
market, there are a few players over there which do not appear to like the code. We have been unable to establish why this is, but we have found another coding which seems to work with these few
players. The players we know have a problem are:
Panasonic DMR-E30
Panasonic DMR E75V
Panasonic PV-D4745S
Phillips DVD750VR/17
Samsung DVD-R120
Sony DVP NS55P
Sony RDR-HXD710
Sylvania DVC840G
Toshiba SD-120E
Toshiba SD 3990
Toshiba SQPB
If your player is one of these then I hope the new disc [which I will forward asap] will solve the problem. If yours is a different player from the above please let me have the model make and number so I can add it to our list.'
Additional Comments From Customer:
'I have recently brought with me a number of other DVDs that was bought from the Tourist Office, with the promise that they would all work in the USA. £220 to be exact, and none of them play so
you can imagine, my disappointment, when I tried to play yours. Unfortunately my DVD is a Sylvania DVC840G which is on your list.'
Mike's Response:
'You are quite right to be cheesed off, particularly as you bought all those dvds on the presumption they would work in the US.
DVD coding is a nightmare!! We have worked very hard at trying to establish what the problem is in conjunction with a friend in the US who has discovered another code which these problem players
appear to accept. I will forward a copy asap. I have to order it specially through my partner, so please bear with us and rest assured that we will do our best to resolve the issue.'
Further Customer Comments:
'Hi Mike, DVD arrived today, have tried it and 10 out of 10 for everything you have done to make this happen. Thanks also for the photos you kindly sent with this DVD, they will be much appreciated.
Thanks again Mike'.