REVIEW: The Midwest Book Review
Beautifully shot in high definition, the Discoveries America National Parks DVD series now features three new captivating DVDs that bring the majesty and wonder of striking natural landscapes into one's own living room. "Grand Canyon" is a scenic tour of Grand Canyon National Park, home to one of America's most famous landmarks; scenes from the reintroduction of the California condor, one of the rarest birds of the world, as well as historic footage of river-running guide Georgie White Clark (1911-1992), who was the first woman to row the full length of Marble and Grand Canyons in 1952.
"Yosemite: Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Devils Postpile and Carrizo Plain" is an eye-opening portrait of Yosemite National Park, land of gigantic, near-immortal trees, the 60-foot columnar basalt formations of Devils Postpile National Monument, and the National Monument of Carrizo Plain where one can see surface fractures of the San Andreas Fault. "Glacier and Craters of the Moon and other National Park Service Sites and Attractions in Montana and Idaho" explores Glacier National Park and its incredible hiking and wildlife viewing options, the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in which one can witness three types of pahoehoe lava with islets of cinder cones and sagebrush, and much more. All three DVDs are spectacular, highly recommended especially for armchair travelers and choice picks for public library collections.
REVIEW: Booklist
Discoveries America National Parks: Grand Canyon. 2013. 50min. Bennett-Watt, DVD, $24.95 (9781604901696). REVIEW. First published April 8, 2013 (Booklist Online). The Grand Canyon is 18 miles wide, 1 mile deep, 277 river-miles long, and among the best-known tourist sites in the U.S. This entry in the ongoing national parks travel series, filled with panoramic views of the Grand Canyon, includes information on accommodations, nature centers, and available programs. An interviewed biologist describes the California condor reintroduction program.
Footage of the huge birds in flight is accompanied by soothing background music. Another segment includes historic footage of river guide Georgie White Clark (1911-92), the first woman to row the full length of Marble and Grand Canyons, in 1952, and scenes of whitewater rafters preparing for a river trip. Smooth voice-over narration points out landmark features at the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon. For other views of California condors, see Anna, Emma and the Condors, the 2013 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video winner, distributed by Green Planet Films. Armchair travelers and potential visitors will enjoy this lovely introduction to the Grand Canyon. - Candace Smith