Country Roads: The Heartbeat of America

German filmmaker Marieke Schroeder's travelogue documentary Country Roads celebrates roots-oriented country music of the past and present, with singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle serving as onscreen host, and fellow musician Timothy Touchton providing narration. Aside from Earle's music, Schroeder also includes songs from his father, Steve Earle—with whom he shares influences, including his Texas namesake, Townes Van Sant. Justin splits the difference between embracing his father's legacy and distancing himself from it; although both enjoyed wild years as youths, Justin tends to stick to the music in concert, whereas “my father's shows have gotten very political.” The director also solicits commentary from Caitlin Rose, Nora Guthrie (the daughter of Woody Guthrie), John Carter Cash (the son of Johnny Cash), and historian Dr. John Rumble of the Country Music Hall of Fame. An instantly recognizable actor-director here initially seems like an odd choice, especially since he's identified as “Kevin Costner, Country Musician,” but Costner does have a band, Modern West (his daughter, Lily, ably handles vocals). Schroeder also travels around the South, interviewing regular folks whose professions include maid, shopkeeper, pastor, journalist, and even a lawyer who represents fishermen affected by the BP oil spill, but these segments don't work as well as the music-specific interviews and performances. Presented in PCM stereo on DVD and Blu-ray, extras include an hour-long concert by Justin Townes Earle at a Pace University tribute to Woody Guthrie. A strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)