America's Great Outdoors: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest In Arizona

The visuals in this opening volume in a series on national forests (produced in conjunction with the USDA Forest Service) are very nice indeed, as the camera captures sights in rivers, valleys, and mountains of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Unfortunately, the voiceover narration often strays into the stratosphere. Here's one of the opening remarks: "Throughout our journey within the magnificently compelling Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest of Arizona the sun will rise upon the mysteries of existence time and time again, skewing feelings everywhere." Ordinarily this kind of purple prose is more annoying than harmful, but the comment about the USDA Forest Service's "multiple use" policy arising out of "an enlightened patience with the winds of time" is some pretty strong horseradish as is the remark that "a balance has been struck between savage and reason--a kind of lumberjack magic has been achieved." This is the kind of hard-nosed, investigative, leave no stone unturned reportage that we normally only find in National Enquirer. Not recommended. (Available from: Image Communications, Inc., 5456 W. Crenshaw St., Tampa, FL 33634; (813) 885-7793; FAX (813) 886-3034.)