Ken Burns new series: The National Parks

[NYadgal]

Posted: 9/20/09 at 9:03am

I was able to see a preview of this series last week, and it is utterly breathtaking!
Not only is the cinematography stunning, but the history and stories are captivating.

I am SO looking forward to watching.

And, am remembering many happy visits to various National Parks around the US.
That sense of absolute wonder! It's so special.

How fortunate we are to have these national treasures!

...just thought I'd start a thread about not only the series, but a discussion of our Parks. And any stories you want to share.
PBS National Paks

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/20/09 at 10:17am

Can't wait to see this!

[adamgreer]

Posted: 9/20/09 at 11:22am

This will probably look great in HD!

[Estrella]

Posted: 9/21/09 at 12:31pm

I live within 10 miles of two National Parks. That's why I chose this for my base. Seeing the a park year round affords experiences you don't get as a tourist, such as a lunar rainbow over Lake Crescent, and you often see the parks without tourists. Even though I work in Vancouver, B.C. and schlep to L.A. at times, this is my home.

My first "real job" (non-arts, non-self-employed) was at a National Park. As an artist one often has to work as a server (waitress/waitor) to fill in gaps and a National Park is a good place to get the initial experience. It provided a good reference to other things. I rose to management in just a couple seasons. I doubt if I'll ever need to work at a National Park again, but I have the skills to do so and it's work I enjoy if I ever should. You meet all sorts of interesting people.

If anyone is interested, this website gives job listings at National Parks. These jobs are easy to get.

I'm sorry I did not see a pre-order listing for Blu-ray of this series. I hope this series comes out on Blu-ray.


Work at a National Park

[clever name]

Posted: 9/21/09 at 12:44pm

David Letterman was raving about this series. I'm looking forward to it.

[Q]

Posted: 9/21/09 at 12:49pm

I've had the start date for this series marked in our calendar for weeks - I can't wait!

On a slightly related note, if you're a Facebook user, there is a petition available to send to Congress about the possibility of closing some parks.
Facebook petition link.

[Q]

Posted: 9/21/09 at 12:59pm

I second what Estrella said, and add another link - Jobs in Paradise - listing National Park jobs (as well as other non-traditional ones.)
JobsInParadise link.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 9/25/09 at 12:14pm

Ken Burns was on the Today Show this morning.

SO looking forward to this.

Sunday!!

[Q]

Posted: 9/26/09 at 8:24pm

For those interested who can't arrange or commit to the TV airing, each episode will be available online the day after it airs through October 9th. And, it will be available as a DVD set, of course (mine is already ordered )

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/26/09 at 8:58pm

They are showing the 1st part 3 times tomorrow, which is nice. The first showing is at 2:00 in the afternoon so I will watch it then. That way I can watch The Amazing Race" in the evening which is at the same time the second showing is. We get a 3rd at 10:00pm.

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/27/09 at 4:33pm

Watching it now. Needless to say the cinematography is pretty stunning already. It is starting with kind of a "history lesson" on the National Parks and how politics played a part. It also makes a comment on American Greed way back when.

[Jane2]

Posted: 9/27/09 at 4:35pm

I saw the show today - breathtaking photography with fascinating stories. Well worth watching. Good tv for a change!

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/27/09 at 5:12pm

The stories are quite interesting. This, so far, is more in depth than most of the other documentaries, if not all, I have seen on the parks.

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/27/09 at 5:24pm

A good amount of time is spent on the National Parks in the Teddy Roosevelt documentary. I already own that on DVD (and most of the PBS docs).

That was such a fascinating time, and he was such a fascinating man for bulldozing through the political red tape and designating so much land for our national parks.

And at the same time he was being so very "green" and environmentally aware, he was also going on extended safari hunts and turning rhinoceros hoofs into end tables in his house.

Fascinating indeed.

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/27/09 at 5:51pm

This first 2 hours focuses on the 1800's and John Muir(sp). It is really interesting.

A CD is available with the music. I will have to own it!

Updated On: 9/27/09 at 05:51 PM

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/27/09 at 10:18pm

DVR'ing it!

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 10:04pm

Just watched the first 2 hours.

Spectacular.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 10:07pm

The Teddy Roosevelt/National Park PBS program (also produced by Ken Burns) is on right now. I actually prefer this one a bit more than the program last night for some reason, but in either case, these programs are a wonder to behold.

Updated On: 9/28/09 at 10:07 PM

[Bluemoon]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 10:17pm

I also prefer the Roosevelt program to the current documentary, although this is certainly very enjoyable. I just find TR a very compelling person, so that particular piece feeds my interst more.
Updated On: 9/28/09 at 10:17 PM

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 10:23pm

He really was ahead of his time. In terms of the politics involved with that dam, my how things haven't changed!!

[Q]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 10:45pm

Just remember there's lots more of the Burns' doc to come

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 10:49pm

It's 12 hours long.

[misschung]

Posted: 9/29/09 at 9:22am

And at the same time he was being so very "green" and environmentally aware, he was also going on extended safari hunts and turning rhinoceros hoofs into end tables in his house.

Very true. Same with the Rockefellers.

Sunday's show was beautiful. My only criticism is the music - sometimes it was a little repetitive and distracting.

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/29/09 at 10:08am

I missed the first hour of the second installment. Will have to watch it online.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 9/29/09 at 10:10am

I'm recording it so I can watch in shorter installments. I want to savor the beauty of it.

Fascinating history and gorgeous scenery.