Showing posts with label Ken Burns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ken Burns. Show all posts

Sunday, September 27, 2009

"The National Parks: America's Best Idea"


There are few moments in television I look forward to more than a new series by Ken Burns. This is not to say that all of his documentaries have been satisfying to the soul, brain or heart, but he always attempts to do justice to his topics and, he usually succeeds.

Ken Burns' "The Civil War" remains to this day the single greatest television series ever produced. It was artistic beyond belief and it was poetic from start to finish. Of course, as a history buff it was as close as those of us living in this time and age would know what that generation lived through and fought for. This even still bests the beautiful, stunning and superbly crafted piece of artistry that was the BBC's "Planet Earth."

Tonight, Ken Burns' newest entry "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" premiered. Two hours of sheer bliss. Everything is perfect! Obviously, it is physically beautiful, but as always, the writing, the casting of actors reading roles, the Peter Coyote narration, the historians/assorted other knowledgeable folks, the music is all spot-on brilliant.

Nothing is missed. Tonight, Burns and his team took us to Yosemite (the dreams of John Muir came to life) and Yellowstone (one of my favorite places on planet earth). I am looking forward to the next episode. I almost can't wait.

This is one of those glorious reasons why television matters! God's most mighty, majestic and monumental creation's are on display on my nice HD television set!

This is worth watching and clearly it will be worth watching over and over again.

(Flaming Nose note: Check out Jane's post about this amazing series, too! PBS' excellent website for the production is here.)

Monday, August 31, 2009

The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Mark your calenders for the next fantastic PBS miniseries which is coming on September 27, 2009. Check your local guides for times. Documentary film maker extraordinaire Ken Burns has produced a magnificent six part series for public broadcasting, with The National Parks.

Mr. Burns has established himself as an artist who paints unique video portraits of all things "American". Past series have included baseball, jazz and the city of New York. Some critics (not me!) find the pace of his specials a bit too leisurely, but various media outlets including Entertainment Weekly, have said that this latest effort will knock the hiking boot socks right off your feet. If the economic down turn caused you to have a "Stay-cation" this summer, National Parks might be the next best thing to being out there on the road. Segments will bring you to U.S. treasures such as Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and the Everglades. This is one holiday that won't require a trip through the security line at the airport or maxing out your already depleted credit card. We can't wait!

Here's a taste of this wonderful special: the cliff dwelling ruins in Mesa Verde, Colorado. Abandoned one thousand years ago by the original inhabitants, and still absolutely magic.