This was quite an interesting movie. Although it is quite short (less that 1 hour) it was still good. The actors weren't bad, and the narrator (Ed Markmann) sounded uncannily like William Shatner (Captain Kirk). It isn't exactly a documentary, but it didn't exactly have a traditional plot like a film either. It was more like a number of stories revolving around the area that is now Zion national park. Some of the scenery was absolutely stunning - and I was only watching it on normal TV, on IMAX it would be amazing! Just thought I'd also point out it must now be available outside Zion National Park (as I just watched it on TV). You can also find a few listings of it on eBay.
5 Reviews
Somewhat disappointing
jack-26028 June 2002
in that the film is less about the National Park than it is about some isolated incidents in the Park's history. The 'treasure' (from the film's content) is a gold cross...lost thrice, but found only twice.
A better use of the title would have been to show how the Park came to be...both geologically and by development. The physical features of Zion Canyon and its surroundings are the REAL treasure.
A better use of the title would have been to show how the Park came to be...both geologically and by development. The physical features of Zion Canyon and its surroundings are the REAL treasure.
A Worthy Portrayal of the Earth's Splendor
Spoon-516 April 2000
As far as I know, this film is only available for viewing at Zion National Park itself in the IMAX theater. (No wonder there haven't been too many votes.) As far as I remember, Jason Robards narrates the film, full of beautiful photography. If you ever happen to be traveling up 1-15 north from Las Vegas, plan an extra 4-5 hours and make the loop through Zion's and see this film. It's worth the time and money.
Watch it with the sound turned off
kms2626224 August 2008
I don't really know what the filmmakers were trying to achieve here. Instead of a documentary about Zion, we are presented with a series of useless "reenacted" made up stories. You learn nothing specific about the geological or human history of the region. Real history is rewritten and fiction is presented as fact: there are no kivas in Zion; the photographer is fictional; and the Pueblo uprising depicted here actually took place in New Mexico!
Furthermore, it seems like half of the movie was not even filmed in Zion!! I'm no expert, but I have been to Zion twice, and I've also visited numerous other parks out west. Off the top of my head, I recognized Monument Valley, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Dead Horse Point, and Mesa Verde (which is not even in Utah!). The shots of these outside parks are integrated in the film with no explanation that they are not Zion.
I find all of this to be quite a shame, because it was beautifully filmed and there was so much potential here. So watch it for the scenery if you want, but don't expect to learn anything.
Furthermore, it seems like half of the movie was not even filmed in Zion!! I'm no expert, but I have been to Zion twice, and I've also visited numerous other parks out west. Off the top of my head, I recognized Monument Valley, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Dead Horse Point, and Mesa Verde (which is not even in Utah!). The shots of these outside parks are integrated in the film with no explanation that they are not Zion.
I find all of this to be quite a shame, because it was beautifully filmed and there was so much potential here. So watch it for the scenery if you want, but don't expect to learn anything.
I was in it
burson-599748 August 2020
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