America the Beautiful

As Episode 1 ("Land of Heroes") of "America The Beautiful" (2022 release; 6 episodes of about 45 min each) opens, we are in North Dakota, where a red squirrel is gathering food for the long winter ahead, only to be challenged by scavengers. What is the squirrel to do? We then go to the wetlands in Louisiana, where a 15 ft alligator is patrolling the neighborhood, ready to pounce at any time...

Couple of comments: there are so many nature documentaries out there, so how does this one compare? Actually not that good, I'm afraid to say. Let's start with the positives: there is some amazing footage in this 6 part series, and some of it is hard to watch (see how the grizzly bear hunts down a caribou calf that literally was born only hours before). But there is way too many aerial drone footage of massive landscapes that fly by in seconds, and the opening episode crisscrosses North America without any rhyme or reason (literally going from the Grand Canyon to the northern lights in Alaska within minutes. I couldn't make any heads or tails as to the overall direction or purpose of this. What it really felt like was a "greatest hits" collection of animals in the wild in North America. Perhaps for some viewers, this is more than enough, but I felt that the haphazard nature of the underlying script and its correlating editing didn't do this mini-series any favors, unfortunately.

"American The Beautiful" was released, appropriately enough, this past July 4 (2 weeks ago today). If you like nature documentaries, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Maybe the most creative, beautiful and dynamic aerial shots I've ever seen, not just in a nature documentary but in every media ever. The animal roster is fine, though a bit too much of the most famous species like grizzlies. Man, they are getting really boring now. Seeing a bear catch salmon was fun in the first 50 documentaries they are in, but after that, it gets repetitive whether the cinamtography is creative or not. It's a shame that the creators of nature shows like this don't think that fish, amphibians, reptiles or insects are just as (or more) interesting as a bear or a lion or an elephant. This series lacks these groups, focusing too much on mammals and birds (mostly mammals).

But it's okay, I can't judge a show by the animals it features, so the only negative point is because of the narration. It is just cringe. Especially the totally random "heroes". "This squirrel is hero because it exists. This bear is a hero because it has eaten a fish." - and this is not an exaggeration. The narration is so very far from the beautifully written Attenborough stuff. When I was a kid, I was inspired by his work in every possible way, so I just can't imagine that a goofy narration like the one in this series is needed to get the attention of children.

If this doesn't encourage people to dust off their hiking shoes and take full advantage of what this great country has to offer, then I don't know what will! Thank you for reminding us of the beauty that awaits us, just outside our front door. Although a stroll through the woods, walk along the beach or hike in the desert may not expose us to the intricate details of nature's "Heroes" as shown in this documentary, we can discover our own connection to nature, if we just pay attention.

As I watched the series, I was enchanted by the tiny creatures, respectful of the strength of the hierarchy animals and in awe of the landscape. The technically advanced way in which you chose to help us see this great country afforded the viewer a new and exciting experience. The subject matter was fascinating. What a wonderful world we have all around us!

The music created by your group of composers is the proverbial, "icing on the cake". Without the grace of the violin strings, plucking of the guitar/banjo or intense beat of the drums, the series would not have the power it holds. Music is the driving force behind most of what entertains us on the big screen. The musical talent, behind the scenes should take a bow. Bravo!

I applaud your entire crew of talented people behind your masterpiece! Congratulations!

Given that it's done by National Geographic and Disney, it's no wonder it comes off as a modern take on Disney True Life Adventures. The photography is flawless and stunning, but the narration is more anthropomorphized feel good aimed at elementary school kids than actual scientific education. That's not necessarily a bad thing if it gets kids interested in nature and caring for the planet.

What's with the "heroes" stuff?? I don't get it. It's such dumb dialogue.

As others have said, the narration is a bit corny and better for kids. But ironically, this documentary doesn't show up in kids profiles on Disney+.

It's still wonderful to look at. I think we've just all been spoiled by Attenborough. Michael D. Jordan is a talented actor but just an OK narrator.

Nevertheless, you'll enjoy this series, and it's fun to watch as a family. Just try not to tolle your eyes too much when Jordan describes every animal in existence as "hero."

These animals are not heroes. They are merely living their lives based on instinct.