Iowa: An American Portrait

Someone once said that a "scenic route" in Iowa was a relative term, the equivalent of "a really, really good Bee Gees album." But after watching Iowa: An American Portrait, I was so moved that I eventually dried my eyes, sold my house, packed up the wife and kids and moved to the Hawkeye State. Then, halfway across Nebraska, I remembered, "wait a minute, I've been to Iowa. I was there last winter. It was -30 degrees F. My motel manager said that you could tell if the wind was from the north because you could smell the livestock and if it was from the south you could smell the grain mill. If it was perfectly still, you got the most delectable combination of both." So what? Who cares? This video is so beautiful, majestic, emotional and sensationally crafted that grim reality just doesn't matter. Written by Hugh Sidey, narrated by Tom Brokaw, lovingly scored by Peter Buffett, and chock-full of enough wholesome imagery to make Norman Rockwell into a cynic, this emotional promotional video feels like an elegant cross between a Ken Burns documentary and the best parts of a Coca Cola commercial. Just sit back and let it wash over you. Lap up Chip Duncan's luscious cinematography. Enjoy the historic testimonials read by Alex Karras, Cloris Leachman and Simon Estes. And if a seed of doubt creeps into your head saying "no place could be this good," just remember, you're right. This isn't Iowa, it's heaven. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: E, I, J, H, P. (R. Ray)