38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant biography of Adams, August 11, 2003
This review is from: Ansel Adams - A Documentary Film (DVD)
I purchased this as a birthday gift for my wife, who has recently picked up photography as a hobby. We both feel like we've spent 90 minutes in the presence of a brilliant, fascinating, passionate visionary. We are amazed at his life and work. In short, this documentary does what any good, short documentary should do: It makes you want to know Adams and his work better.
PROS:
* Nice biography of Adams' life, highlighting the role his father played in facilitating Ansel's self-directed learning as a youth, his introduction to photography, his marriage (with its ups and downs), etc. We were able to see what drove Ansel Adams.
* Need I say anything about his work? There has never been and never will be another photographer like Adams. This documentary just makes me want to sit in front of his photos for hours!
* Insights into how his photography and extensive time in the wilderness shaped his philosophy/worldview.
* Insights into how he exposed and developed photographs to reveal what he saw as he took the pictures--his embrace of realism.
CONS:
* The television screen is not an ideal place to view Adams' photos. Ric Burns did a great job of panning and zooming to allow us to experience Adams' work, but if you're really interested in Adams, you need to buy some of his prints or a coffee table book or find a museum with a collection of Adams photos. This is not Ric Burns fault--he did an amazing job telling this story.
PURCHASING RECOMMENDATION:
If you are interested in Ansel Adams, photography, or even just interested in art and the creative process, this is an excellent film. Highly recommended.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ansel Adams - American Treasure, February 6, 2005
I saw this program on PBS .. it was breath taking; this documentary reveals an interesting chronology of the life of the man along with the growth and development of his genius. It is not a technical critique of his works. Rather, it takes the viewer on a beautiful photographic journey through his life and gives one a appreciation of our American heritage and the precious beauty of our country.
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth every penny..., May 20, 2003
This review is from: Ansel Adams - A Documentary Film (DVD)
The photo documentary for which all others should be based upon. Whether you like, love or hate AA, this is a well make, moving and informative Biography of AA. Of course is was done by one of the Burns brothers so it has to be great.
Covers the life of AA, is trial and tribulations, his highs and lows. It also covers some of his greatest accomplishments as well as is personal achievements.
MUST HAVE IN YOUR DVD COLLECTION!!!
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