Watch Global Treasures - Balcony House - Colorado

Global Treasures - Balcony House - Colorado is a visually stunning documentary that takes viewers on a breathtaking journey into the heart of the ancient pueblo dwellings located within Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado. The documentary is part of the Global Treasures series, which explores some of the world's most fascinating and culturally significant landmarks.

Directed by Kevin Augello and narrated by Scott Osborne, the film tells the story of the Balcony House, a complex of stone structures built into a steep cliff face that dates back over 700 years. The site was first discovered by cowboys in the late 1800s and was later explored and excavated by archaeologists in the 20th century.

The film begins with sweeping aerial shots of the stunning landscape surrounding the Balcony House, as Osborne describes the history of the ancient pueblo people who once called this area home. We learn that the pueblo people were skilled farmers and builders who lived in the region for over 1,000 years before mysteriously disappearing in the late 13th century.

As we explore the ruins of the Balcony House, we're awestruck by the incredible architecture and engineering involved in its construction. The complex consists of dozens of rooms and kivas (ceremonial spaces) that are interconnected by narrow passageways and staircases that wind through the cliff face. The filmmakers do an excellent job of showing the scale and complexity of the site, with shots that provide a sense of the vertiginous heights that the inhabitants had to navigate on a daily basis.

Throughout the film, we're treated to beautiful shots of the surrounding landscape, from the rugged cliffs and canyons to the sweeping panoramas of the distant mountains. We also get to see some of the flora and fauna that are native to the area, including mountain lions, eagles, and wildflowers.

One of the most impressive aspects of the documentary is the way it captures the sense of history and mystery that surrounds the Balcony House. Osborne's narration is informative and engaging, but it's the visuals that really bring the site to life. The filmmakers use a variety of camera angles and techniques, including drone shots, time-lapse photography, and close-ups of individual structures, to create a sense of intimacy with the site.

We're also introduced to some of the fascinating artifacts that have been uncovered at the site, including pottery, tools, and even human remains. These artifacts give us a glimpse into the everyday lives of the pueblo people, while also raising questions about their sudden disappearance.

The film also touches on the conservation efforts that are underway to protect the Balcony House and other ancient pueblo sites in the region. We're shown the delicate process of repairing and stabilizing the site, as well as the challenges posed by erosion and weathering.

Overall, Global Treasures - Balcony House - Colorado is a beautifully crafted documentary that provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the ancient pueblo people. The stunning visuals and engaging narration make it a must-watch for anyone interested in archaeology, history, or the natural beauty of the American Southwest.