PBS Series: National Parks - America's Best Idea

[AustinBoston]

Anybody else watching?

Having visitied more than 25 of the great parks from Oregon to Florida and Maine to California, and numerous smaller parks, they mean a lot to me.  Although much of the history is review for me, I am learning things I never knew.  The images are spectacular.

I heard Ken Burns (or maybe it was another commentator) say something that many others have said about the Grand Canyon - that the pictures don't do it justice.  There is no substitute for being there.

Unfortunately, I will miss the Friday and Saturday episodes .  We will be buying the DVD set (at about $150).

There is one thing I have to disagree with - in part.  They keep making the statement to the effect that these parks didn't come from some rich nobleman deciding to set them aside.  While for the most part that is true, there are exceptions.  For example, Grand Teton National Park started when one of the Rockefellers was convinced to buy the whole valley to preserve it.  Another where the Rockefellers made huge donations is Acadia National Park, which would be almost nothing without the Rockefeller land (if it had existed at all).

However they came about, Ken Burns has applied his usual talent and care to the subject, and produced a masterpiece that is, as usual, way above any other film ever made on the subject.

http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/

Austin

[griffsmom]

Yes, we've been glued to each episode! I loved Ken Burns' baseball anthology, and this is no less fabulous. His cinematograpty is gorgeous but still no match for being there in person. :U

[SpeakEasy]

Watching, enjoying, and learning a lot. I've always felt that there is nothing like the National Parks. However, I have come to appreciate the National Forest Service as well. It's interesting the way they developed the contrast between Muir and Pinchot.

-Speak

[Hargus]

We are also watching and learning. Another great PBS series. Nothing like finding more information about what's in our big back yard here in the US.

[DiW]

I was disappointed they weren't running reruns, since I kept missing parts of each episode. SO many other shows keep airing reruns. Why can't this series be one of them? Probably so they can sell the DVD set. Looks like I'll be another one buying a set. Has anyone bought the set? I think I saw it at Costco today but forgot by the time I finished with food shopping.

[Tiffany]

amazon.com has the set of 6 DVDs plus the soundtrack CD for $88.98 and there's a set of 9 DVDs for $89.97  and of course you can find it on ebay too.

[tplife]

I reommend turning the sound to mute and listening to some good music instead...then you can enjoy the great cinematography without the PC lectures from folks who wouldn't know the great outdoors if it snuck up on them with a stick 'upside the head! :sombraro:

[cjpoppin]

Yes, we are recording them for our grandkids to enjoy when they come over...They are great....

[MotherNature]

I was disappointed they weren't running reruns, since I kept missing parts of each episode. SO many other shows keep airing reruns. Why can't this series be one of them? Probably so they can sell the DVD set. Looks like I'll be another one buying a set. Has anyone bought the set? I think I saw it at Costco today but forgot by the time I finished with food shopping.

Dear DiW -

If you are just interested in watching the series (and not owning for multiple views) your public library might be a good place to look.  Our township library has the entire set available for lending; if your local branch doesn't own the set, they may be able to borrow it from a library that does.  Good luck!