The National Parks Of Utah

The National Praks of southern Utah (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce, and Zion) are the subject of this nicely filmed historical/travel video. Backed by the stirring sounds of Mussourgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," the camera sweeps across the canyons, spires, domes, and arches of southern Utah's arid but gorgeously sculpted landscape. In the Arches, we see a sampling of the 1500 natural rock formations with interesting names like "Cowboy Chaps" and "Old Maid's Bloomers," while at Capitol Reef we visit "Cassidy Arch," the legendary hideout of Butch Cassidy and his outlaw gang. At Bryce, the beautiful hoodoo sculptures are highlighted, and Zion features the cool, clear water of the lovely Virgin River. This is a good program, that also carries a strangely nostalgic sense with it. Virtually interchangeable with documentaries filmed two decades ago, The National Parks of Utah uses the uplifting narration, classical music, and beautiful natural filming style of bygone days--no flashy edits, no "new age" soundtrack, no functional and/or "hip" narration. Watching this program is like slipping into a time warp, and one doesn't know whether to admire Kaw Valley for their adherence to the old-style professionalism or admonish them for failing to keep pace with the times. While smaller libraries may be able to qualify for a discount off the substantial list price for this video, it's really questionable whether this type of programming can successfully compete with $30 and under programs that cover virtually the same subject matter. Recommended, with the above reservations. (Available from: Kaw Valley Films & Video, P.O. Box 3900, Shawnee, KS 66203; 1-800-332-5060.)