Ken Burns: The National Parks - America's Best Idea

Ken Burns: The National Parks - America's Best Idea

Ken Burns: The National Parks - America's Best Idea

  • Genre: Nonfiction
  • Release Date: 2009-05-24
  • Advisory Rating: TV-PG
  • Episodes: 6
  • iTunes Price: USD 39.99
  • iTunes HD Price: USD 39.99

Description

THE NATIONAL PARKS is the story of an idea as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence: that the most special places in the nation should be preserved for everyone. The series traces the birth of the national park idea in the mid-1800s and follows its evolution for nearly 150 years, chronicling the addition of new parks through the stories of the people who helped create them.

Episodes

Title Time Price
1 The Scripture of Nature (1851 - 1890) 1:53:53 USD 6.99 Buy on iTunes
2 The Last Refuge (1890 - 1915) 2:11:39 USD 6.99 Buy on iTunes
3 The Empire of Grandeur (1915 - 1919) 1:50:47 USD 6.99 Buy on iTunes
4 Going Home (1920 - 1933) 1:54:55 USD 6.99 Buy on iTunes
5 Great Nature (1933 - 1945) 1:53:55 USD 6.99 Buy on iTunes
6 The Morning of Creation (1946 - 1980) 1:53:54 USD 6.99 Buy on iTunes

Trailer

Reviews

  • Scriptures of Nature

    5
    By nosreteP cirE
    This program truly is an inspirational piece of high-quality work! Every child and adult of this nation should watch this program.
  • See, learn & appreciate "Our" National Parks!

    5
    By Walts Worker
    This series brings you back to learn and hopefully give you a new appreciation for "Our" National Parks. Definately the best of its kind - Ever! Hopefully 'they' get HD, because that's the way to watch this! There is/was a preview of this show, take a look :)
  • Fabuloso

    5
    By canrijo
    Simplemente espectaculares paisajes and great historias. Fabuloso
  • Breathtaking

    5
    By 4th Horseman
    Gregg, your very eloquent review is spot on. This much anticipated series certainly lives up to the hype and most certainly has been worth the wait. As only he can do, Burns paints a living, breathing entity, then interlaces historical tapestries which dance and float throughout each defining moment, never in excess, always in perfect balance. Sequence after sequence of riveting, hypnotic camera work mated with the inclusion of "old-time" black and white photos and stills leaves the viewer breathless, constantly wanting more. What i have found, however, that has proven to be of a slight annoyance (at least to me, maybe no one else) is the somewhat mundane, dry, and at times montone nature of Peter Coyote's narration. It seems at times he is reading directly from a script, certain wonderous points passing by that are described with a lack of emotion or feeling. Imagine the possibilities this series could have reached had, say, David Attenborough been behind the microphone. Or even David McCullough, who has provided narration on several Ken Burns specials. However, even with that being said, again, its a personal opinion and certainly does not warrant me giving this series anything but a solid 5 rating. Well Done Mr. Burns...well done indeed.....as an addendum to this origional review..in parallel with this series, and surpassing it by the inclusion of David Attenborough as the narrator, is the single episode under the series called "Great Natural Wonders of the World"..available on itunes...the camera work certainly rivals that of this series and is certain to please those who find this Ken Burns masterpiece amazing..
  • Intriguing Cast of Characters & Breathtaking Beauty

    5
    By GeorgiaPat
    There's never been a time that a Ken Burns masterpiece was more needed. I watched the entire series, and the dedication of generations of people who fought to preserve these places brought tears to my eyes. The stories of these people entwined with the stunning beauty of the mountains, waters, and monuments, reminded me of the unique country this is. I wish I had written down some of the quotations (I will go back and revisit), but I like the idea that we should make any policy decision in this country based on how it is compatible with the greatness of Yosemite and Yellowstone Parks. Is there another country as diverse and beautiful as this?
  • Inspiring

    5
    By Coolhand1155
    This series really makes me want to be a better person. To see the direct environmental impact that individuals like John Muir had on making an ignorate American culture see things differently... WOW. I will be starting a new endeavor myself to try to save my local wildness here in Southern Oregon.
  • National Parks

    3
    By fortuneL
    Absolutely stunning photography, and good music. Content is a bit stale though. Incredibly overpriced as well.
  • Absolutely Stunning!!

    5
    By Sngbook
    Ken Burns has done it again!! I'm watching it on TV and one episode I missed online on PBS' website. I've visited a few and seeing those I've visited on the series just reminds me of what we Americans should always protect and how lucky we are to have such a beautiful, wonderful country!! John Muir had a vision and should be honored in memory by us every time we visit a National Park. As I watch it, I hope our teachers are using this to teach our children how beautiful our country is and to respect and protect the land our forefathers founded. I'm a history "nut" and am learning something new each night! Thank you, Ken Burns!
  • Beautiful!!!!!

    5
    By crictic101
    I haven't had the pleasure of going to many of the National Parks but, I have been lucky enough to visit a rare few. Ken Burn's once again captures all the majestic qualities of his subject in complete control. Enveloping you in the scene and allowing you to live (vicariously) through the the camera lens. The beauty is astounding! Please visit these grand sites of wonder and share them with your families!!!!!
  • Ken Burns is a National Treasure Along with our National Parks

    5
    By Gregg Chadwick
    In 1872 the United States Government created the first National Park on the globe: Yellowstone National Park. "The Scripture of Nature" tells the history of Yellowstone and the inspiration for a National Parks system that sprung out of the collection of "artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and tourists" that found beauty and worth in the stunning natural world of Yosemite in California and Yellowstone in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. John Muir was inspired by the majesty of the American landscape and became the voice for the preservation of our spectacular wilderness. Ken Burns series on the National Parks is ever so timely as cynicism seems to be our new national voice. I highly recommend this series of documentaries and am convinced that those who pay attention to Burns' films will come away changed and inspired. Ken Burns is an American treasure. My son and I were fortunate to meet him and thank him for the amazing work he has done to bring history to the forefront of public consciousness. We are lucky to have him and his art.

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