Helicopter Canada

I just watched this documentary on the Documentary Channel. It's an overview of Canada that is done using cameras on helicopters. As the 'copter soars, the narrator talks about his country. The images are all very nice and despite this being an older film, the color quality and condition of the film are very nice. My only gripes, and the are VERY minor, concern some of the voice-overs. Sometimes the narration is a bit quaint and antiquated. In addition, in a small portion near the beginning, someone thought it would be a nice idea to have kids talk a bit--and it was pretty annoying. Still, it's a lovely tribute to the nation that was sponsored to commemorate the nation's centenary. In many ways the film is very reminiscent of the "Oh Canada" film shown at the Canadian pavilion at Epcot--but far longer. Well worth watching.

I saw this film when I was in school shortly after it was released, in a school gym, on a 16 mm Bell and Howell projector. It was magical, this country of ours, revealed to us from the point of view of a bird. At least that's what it was to me, never mind the helicopter. Today I decided to view it again, to see how I would react over 50 years later.

This time, it was the beauty of our country that stood out to me, not the aerial photography. Wow! And the up-beat varied engaging narrative that went along with it. For example, the part about the men fishing for monsters of the deep had me going for a few seconds.

I was interested now as an adult in the director's choice of WHAT parts of Canada to feature, flying from coast to coast---a formidable task, indeed. But, even though the oil derricks and foothills cattle ranches of Alberta were not highlighted for me, I thought that the film brought out some of the most interesting and beautiful sights to behold in our great country, and would most likely make a fitting travelogue, even today.

It captured 60s history as well, in the fleeting clip of the gleaming silver Dayliner/ Budd car making its way along the CPR track in southern Alberta. The narrative inspired pride in our country, and that's what impressed me the most today.

A reviewer of this film did not enjoy the children's dialogue in parts of the film, but as a retired elementary teacher, I loved their thinking and observations. It gave the film 'interest' and relevance for children, I believe. All Alberta Grade Five students, I believe, should see this documentary as they study the regions of our great country.

So yes, I still love it, and believe that the film still has merit for what it set out to achieve.... IMHO of course. :)

Did seem like a good idea to watch the movie made for the 100th Anniversary of Canada 50 years later.

I sure don't regret it. The movie is absolutely beautiful. All those landscapes that are just breathtaking and a view of some of the animals.

We also get to see some major cities and it is indeed fun to see how they have changed since.

The movie also has a pretty good commentary. Some pretty corny jokes that were fun, and also some that would be very politically incorrect today. But I loved it, shows the simpler past.