John Denver: A Portrait

This 1994 documentary is haunted by the memory of Denver's tragic death shortly after production. That loss to his many fans and admirers makes many a moment in this production especially poignant, juxtaposing the singer/songwriter's artistic legacy with his other great passion in life: nature. There is lively footage of Denver on the Colorado River along with his children, and a campside scene in which his son and daughter witness him composing a song (the last one of his life, as it turned out). Denver also pays a visit to Alaska and spends quality time among eagles, wolves, and--with a certain drama--a huge herd of caribou. But this is also a look back on the man's career, through recollection and old footage. Even those with the most casual appreciation of Denver's body of warm, folksy songs can't help but be touched by this special.