Amazon.com: How did we turn thousands of square miles of the American Southwest into fertile farmland and thriving cities? How do we intend to sustain the life now dependent on our engineering? These and many other thoughtful questions are raised by the Cadillac Desert series, based on the book by Marc Reisner and on Last Oasis by Sandra Postel. Extensive interviews with the authors, dam builders, environmentalists, and those directly effected (for better and worse) by the water works are enlightening, sometimes funny, and sometimes maddening. The photography is brilliant, contrasting the natural beauty of the wetlands and deserts with the artificial beauty of the dams, waterways, and agricultural lands. Absorbing, engaging, and entertaining, Cadillac Desert is an excellent introduction to the recent history of our "invisible resource." This set also includes the Jack Nicholson movie Chinatown, which illuminates many of the issues brought to light in this series--Rob Lightner
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - good companion
Marc Reisner's book is certainly superior, packed with eye-opening information about the evolution of water policy. Read that first.
Having said that, this video series is a fine companion, and shows a lot that just can't be illustrated in the book. Among the real treasures is footage of the profoundly beautiful Glen Canyon before it was flooded, and footage of a dam burst in action. And after reading about the larger-than-life Floyd Dominy, it's an absurd hoot to hear him declare in an interview, "Those Indians treated me with more reverance than the Buddha!"
Rating: - A must for people in the West
I have seen this video 3 or 4 times during and since college and it amazes me every time I veiw it. Man's arrogance towards nature is very saddening. This is a very good example from both sides of the board on water conservation. It shows what there views were then and what they are now are and how they have changed. I would reccomend this to anyone especailly those who think that water/power is a never ending resource, and those who take conservation lightly.
Rating: - Amazing and Vital History!!
This series is entertaining, dramtic, smart, important and true! The boxed set even comes with the feature film "Chinatown"
Rating: - Essential information for understanding western politics.
Essential information for understanding western politics. Essential information for anyone interested in agriculture and/or environmental problems in the western United States.
Gives a concise history of water resource development in the west. Describes how water projects became epitome of what we know as pork barrel politics.
This series is based on a book of the same name by Mark Reisner. The film is a good synopsis of the book but for any one who enjoys the film I strongly suggest also reading the book. The book covers so much more information and gives many more ... Read More
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