Like many Hanson fans, I own a copy of "Tulsa, Tokyo, and the Middle of Nowhere." For those of you who don't have the video, whatever the reason, the following is a semi-brief overview of it as well as my thoughts and opinions.

The video includes footage from the Beacon Theatre, home videos, Hanson's journey through Europe and the US, and the "Mmmbop" and "Where's the Love" videos. Throughout the video connecting the segments are Ike's, Taylor's, and Zac's commentaries.
The video opens with a performance of "Thinking of You" at the Beacon. Remember those 3-second clips from TGIF? Well, on the video you can see the whole thing.

Next up is Paramus Park. This has to be my FAVORITE segment! (For several reasons.) I just LOVE the way they describe the whole event. You can tell they're still in awe, showing their innocence. They show Zac on the stage yelling into the mic, "Please stop screaming!" TOO CUTE!! It also shows them being escorted out of the mall. Poor Zac is clutching the back of Ike's and Tay's shirts for dear life. Next, they're in the car leaving and fans are running up to the vehicle, pounding on the windows. (Control those hormones girls!)

Then we are given a sneak peek at the making of the "Mmmbop" video. Taylor informs us that they are going to "walk, catch a cab, then a bus, rollerblade, and then ride bikes in a park." (This was obviously before the anit-bike campaign.) The video is played. It's the minus-the- bootlegged-Einstein version. (Believe it or not, this is the first I've seen this version.)

Following the video, we get a looksie inside the Hanson garage. Yes, it is covered with artwok. Taylor, at the time of shooting, is working on a mural.

Next is Europe. Footage is from France (Ike does a mean French accent here), Italy, England, and Germany. For the most part, it's all the same: photo shoots, interviews, snip-its of performances, and fans with high estrogen levels. Plus, some cultural aspects of each country are shown as well. In England, we see Zac buy those yellow boots he often sports. Here, we are also treated to a sample of Tay's British accent. It's good (INCREDIBLY good as a matter of fact), and funny too! The guys' take on photo shoots is also a hoot. Ike does some wicked impressions of the photographers. These are just TOO FUNNY!! (In fact, I've pretty much wore out the rewind button on the remote from playing that part over and over again.)

This is followed by the performance of "Man From Milwaulkee" at Psychoblast in Canada. Then, in one their commentaries, they talk about playing live. Next it shows them around the US signing autographs and stuff.

We're also given a look inside the recording studio. The segment includes bits and pieces of "With You in Your Dreams" and "Look at You."

Up next, a candid Hanson moment. It's Zac's documentary on Redwoods. (I think a little more credit should be given to Ike here. He apparently filmed it, and he narrates it as well. He got a couple of shots of Zac, one of Tay, and one of the back of Mackie.)

"Where's the Love." That's what Zac asks the camera at the beginning of the new version of this video. Quite a few of the cuts and angles are different. However, it happens so fast that there's really no way to describe it. Overall, looks much cleaner. The most obvious difference though is during the bridge (Ike's guitar solo). They show Ike playing the guitar, with the occasional shot of Zac and Tay, instead of the three guys galavanting through Trafalgar Square.

More Hanson home footage. This includes amusement parks and rides. One is of this thing at what looks like King's Dominion. (I call it the human pendulum.) They (Ike, Tay, and Zac) are lifted up VERY high off the ground (I forget the actual height), dropped, and then swing back and forth above the ground. Taylor pretty much summed it up before they did this: "We're about to do the most insane thing we've ever done." Conversation starts out about harmony, and migrates to Cindy Crawford. (Down boys!)

Then we get a look at Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia. You get the same feel as you did from the footage of Europe; interviews, culture, yadda yadda. We are also treated to an Indonesian version of Paramus, this time at the Hard Rock. It was supposed to be a press conference| with a small performance. The estrogen levels in the fans skyrocket, and the boys are swiftly escorted out for fear of their lives, or at the very least their safety. Australia and Bali are visited next. It's the same-o same-o.

This brings us back to the Beacon for a mini-concert. After spraying the audience with silly string, the guys play "Where's the Love," "A Minute Without You," and close with "Mmmbop."

Just before the video ends, the guys take turns telling the camera that despite the fact that they are brothers, they get along quite well and rarely fight. (First Ike, then Tay, and finally Zac.) Behind whoever is talking to the camera are the remaining Hansons jokingly beating the crap out of one another. It's funny and cute, especially at the end when Ike and Tay send Zac sailing over the couch.

And that, my friends, is my summary of "Tulsa,Tokyo, and the Middle of Nowhere." I would also like to take this time to tell you my overall feelings of the brothers (as a result of this video).

Zac--This kid is funny. He is NOT the animal that fan fiction likes to depict him as though. He has a serious side too. He's also quite mature for his age, in his own unique way. But at the same time, he's managed to retain some of his innocence. That's what makes you say "how cute!" Also, LOVE THE BRAIDS!!

Taylor--He seems to have a sincere appreciation for all that's around him. Also, I don't know which side of the brain is the artistic side, but whichever it is, Taylor completely lives in it. Between his music, artwork, and accents, he's about as artistic as they come. I don't know if he speaks any foreign languages, but I imagine he would have no problem picking up any of the romance ones (ie French, Italian, Spanish).

Ike--He's been dubbed the "serious one" or "the most business-like." This is somewhat true. He takes his music seriously, and his professionalism comes through in the interviews. On the other side of the coin, he's an absolute RIOT!!! TOO FUNNY FOR WORDS!!! But it's not always impressions mind you. He has an intelligent humor too. (This can be seen when he talks about Paramus.) He's serious, sweet, and funny; his potential for making a great boyfriend is, without a doubt, immeasurable.

Written By Karen Scheeler. :)