Discoveries…America National Parks: Alaska's Katmai, Lake Clark & Alagnak

This beautifully shot high-def production from filmmakers Jim and Kelly Watt—part of the Discoveries…America National Parks series—showcases some of western Alaska's most striking natural wonders. The spectacular footage opens with the many attractions of Katmai National Park and Preserve, a four-million-acre domain that includes the Novarupta volcano, whose massive eruption in 1912 created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes; and Brooks Camp, one of the best places in the world to safely view and photograph brown bears as they fish for salmon, eat, and play. Rangers offer ursine guidance for shutterbugs, including how to read the bears' comfort level (they're dangerous!) and pointing out exactly how far 50 yards is (the minimum safe distance). Next, it's on to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, a remote wilderness covering two million square acres that relies on boats and small aircraft (mostly float planes) to bring in visitors, who marvel at craggy volcanic mountains reflected in gorgeous lakes and enjoy fishing for a variety of species in rushing streams. Angling receives lots of attention in sequences shot at the Alagnak Wild River, whose headwaters lie within Katmai (and here the camera crew step into the frame to do a little fly-fishing with friends). For those planning a trip or just up for some enjoyable armchair traveling, this is highly recommended. [Note: also newly available from Bennett-Watt is the companion title Fly Fishing Adventure: Fish & Bears on Alaska's Alagnak River.] Aud: P. (C. Block)