Product Description

The National Parks (six episodes, twelve hours) tells the human history of five of the nation’s most important and most heavily visited National Parks (Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Acadia, and Great Smoky Mountains) and the unforgettable Americans who made them possible. Set against some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, each park’s story is filled with incidents and characters as gripping and fascinating as American history has to offer. Woven into the series will also be a broader, evolving story of the very idea of National Parks, as uniquely an American concept as jazz, baseball, and the Declaration of Independence as well as the expanding, constantly changing National Parks system (encompassing stories from other parks) and the growing role they all have come to play in our nation's sense of itself, its past, and its future.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #803 in DVD
• Released on: 2009-10-06
• Format: NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 6
• Running time: 720 minutes

Customer Reviews

Great Ideas Are Often Hard Fought
I have always been in awe when visiting America's National Parks. Like most people, I take these wonders for granted, never had a good understanding of how they came to being. This documentary, though it contains breathtaking scenes, isn't all about the ooohhhs and aaahhhhhs of the National Parks. As the title suggests it's America's Best Idea, the documentary builds on how hard fought the idea was, like many great ideas. Most of us know very little about our national treasures. We may know that John Muir fought hard as a conservationist but many may not know that trying to prevent Hetch Hetchy valley from being dammed and flooded took the life out of him. I remember learning Teddy Roosevelt was a Rough Rider in school but never knew the major role he played at conservation and that even he and all his powers as President could only made the Grand Canyon a National Monument. Those of us who enjoy the great outdoors owe it to Muir and Roosevelt and others such as Stephen Mather and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The idea didn't come easy or free and some people put their lives and/or fortunes into making sure that Nature's Majesties are conserved for all to enjoy. Besides the beautiful scenes, the documentary is very informative and educational and a must for those who enjoy America's National Parks. This series would make a very nice addition to one's video collection and a must for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

Burns' Best
This is quite simply the most spectacular creative production I've seen. It is my considered opinion that this is Mr. Burns' best work to date. If you like nature, you'll be in awe of the cinematography; if you like history, you'll be fascinated with the tale of a uniquely American process that brought the parks into being and transformed them into national shrines that they are for so many. Most of all, if you love our country, you'll be inspired by the stories of selfless sacrifice and devotion to a dream that have succeeded in preserving that dream for many genrations to come. Not only is it a must see for you; I believe it will be a treasure for those future generations. This one will stand the test of time just as it's subject matter has done. A Masterpiece on a grand scale, but told in a lyrical, conversational manner. Outstanding. Bravo!

Breathtaking scenes and great tales of triumph and sacrifice
An earlier reviewer states "You will not be seeing much of the actual National Parks here". The Ken Burns series I just saw in the high def PBS-TV showing had hours of breathtaking and spectacular scenes of National Parks, scenes I've never seen before. The scenes ranged from small detailed views to grand majestic panoramas, and everything in between.

Yes the earlier reviewer is partially correct in stating "it is really about the people and politics of making National Parks". Much of it is a tale of individuals, starting with John Muir, and followed by many more, who fought against all kinds of adversity and obstacles, and won! They won their individual battles to preseve these beautiful places. It is a tale of human beings who made a difference, a story of triumph and sacrifice. The stories are of famous people and of little known people. The stories unwind in a fascinating way, little by little, as the series progresses.

But the most prominent part of the series is the high def, wide screen, visual presentation of the incredible beauty of our National Parks. In my estimation this is Ken Burns best so far.