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.

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.

Cinematography is fantastic, but narration isn't my favourite. It's a little childish, of course they've likely done that on purpose, but I really don't like all the animals being constantly referred to as 'heroes', feels corny. But all in all an enjoyable nature series.

Micheal B Jordan's voice over is so dry and mono tone and sometimes incomprehensible it ruins an otherwise stunning documentary. Why put so much effort to capture these amazing visuals and ruin it with a terrible voice over ? The person who thought his voice suited this documentary should be fired for ruining this otherwise amazing documentary.