Best of Aerial America

Best of Aerial America is an intriguing documentary series presented on Smithsonian Channel. Premiering in 2016, the show takes viewers on a breath-taking, panoramic journey across the vast and diverse landscapes of the United States of America, providing a unique perspective of the nation from a bird's eye view.

The series offers exclusive, unfiltered access to some of the country's most iconic cities and landmarks, natural and manmade - all from a vantage point most of us will never have the opportunity to experience in person. The show leverages the power of high-resolution cinematography and aerial photography to showcase captivating spectacles, from towering skyscrapers and bustling cityscapes to sprawling parks and tranquil coastlines.

Each episode of Best of Aerial America unravels the visual story of a different state or a pivotal period in the history of the United States. The show’s narrative is dynamically woven to capture the viewer’s interest - revealing hidden nooks and crannies, unseen perspectives, and underscoring historical significance with the engaging narration. Not merely content to show stunning visual imagery, the show employs the help of historians, professionals, and local experts to convey insightful information about the geographical regions and their history.

The show's documentary style does away with typical interpretive voiceovers. Instead, the narrators set up each location's history in context, engaging viewers with a fascinating blend of facts, anecdotes, and local legends. The information is comprehensive, covering the full range of a locale's culture, including its architecture, geology, history, and art.

The appeal of Best of Aerial America isn't limited only to those with a love for travel or history. It extends to anyone with an appreciation for stunning visuals and transformative storytelling. The beauty of America unfurls before the viewer’s eyes, featuring sweeping views of expansive valleys, rugged mountains, vibrant cities, pastoral countryside, and surreal desert landscapes. Every frame of the series is saturated with a depth of detail that invites viewers to engage and explore further.

Through the series, Smithsonian Channel seamlessly interweaves geography, history, and culture into a journey that traverses through time and across borders. For instance, the episode dedicated to California explores its panoramic coastal highways, celebrity-filled cityscapes, and viticultural valleys, while detailing the narrative of the 1849 Gold Rush. Likewise, the episode about New York City uncovers the architectural wonders, the city's creation, historical landmarks, and illuminates the vibrant tapestry of the cultures that call this city home.

Be it marveling at the Grand Canyon in Arizona or exploring the serene landscapes of Alaska, every episode leaves the audience with a sense of wonder and newfound appreciation for America's grandeur and diversity. It’s a spectacular voyage, bringing to life the myriad landscapes, historical milestones, and cultural nuances peppering America's 50 states.

The production of Best of Aerial America is impressive in itself. The footage, captured using state-of-the-art aerial equipment, renders majestic panoramas, while the editing strategically introduces geographic transitions to maintain the narrative flow and coherence. The result is a television experience that resembles a cinematic documentary.

Importantly, Best of Aerial America from Smithsonian Channel isn’t limited to acting as a visual carnival or a crash course in geography and history of America. It also indirectly encourages conservation and respect for the nation's diverse environment. The footage is a potent reminder of the natural beauty that needs to be preserved, and the man-made structures that serve as a testament to human capability and creativity.

Whether you are a history buff, a geography enthusiast, a traveller, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys a well-made documentary, Best of Aerial America undoubtedly provides a unique perspective on the U.S. The series reflects the heart and soul of the Smithsonian ethos - increasing knowledge and inspiring lifelong learning. As the viewer journeys with the series, the show not only conveys the grandeur and charm of America in rich detail, but encapsulates the spirit of a nation forged by history, geographic marvel, and cultural vibrancy.