Product Details

• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Nat'l Geographic Vid
• VHS Release Date: July 8, 1997
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304475454
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #318,612 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Cute in Coke commercials and often playful when left on their own, polar bears are among the most deadly of carnivores. In the first few minutes of this early-1980s National Geographic episode, a bear avidly slaps and bumps a metal cage holding a photographer. If a polar bear can swim out and catch a seal with one grab, narrator Jason Robards reminds us, he can also outrun a man. Polar Bear Alert examines life for human and bear in Churchill, Manitoba, which cautiously celebrates itself as "the polar bear capital of the world" and where the animals converge on the icy climate for a stay of eight months a year. Interviews with residents who have encountered the bears, including a man who lost an arm to a few swipes of a paw, pepper the program's first half. However, "we also have to protect the bears from the people," reminds a town bear-patrol officer: a truth that's illustrated dramatically when a bear is shot nearly to death by a homeowner. (The patrol is forced to finish the job.) Focus also falls on research into bear patterns and habits and the impact of the environment--including, somewhat ominously, rising levels of mercury from industrial production--on these impressively majestic creatures. --Rickey Wright

Product Description

Narrated by Jason Robards, this National Geographic Special takes viewers on a journey to Churchill, Manitoba, where the residents have learned to live with a unique wildlife problem. Each fall the largest, most deadly carnivore in the Arctic migrates through this isolated Canadian village on an annual northward trek. For scientists, the migration presents a unique chance to observe the bears. For residents, it is a season of apprehension.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm "Bearing" it all, September 23, 2000

By 

"vanblundht" (New Castle, DE United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: National Geographic's Polar Bear Alert [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I first saw this program back in 1983 as a National Geographic special on PBS. As a nature/travel enthuesist - I was captivated by the incredible opportunity a traveler had to view these great bears so close, and the shear isolation of the little town of Churchill, Manitoba (Canada). Because of this video, and my desire to see the greatness and beauty before it was spoiled - I was forced to add "polar bear watching" to my list of "Things I Want to do Before I Die".

Well, my time has finally come (no, I'm not departing this world). I'M GOING TO CHURCHILL...! If it were not for this excellent program, I would never have known about this wonderful opportunity. I can hardly wait.....Thank you, National Geographic!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I think this documentary started the Churchill craze, February 28, 2004

By 

Scott Slotterbeck (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: National Geographic's Polar Bear Alert [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I vividly remember this documentary when it first was broadcast in the States. Churchill is perfectly placed to allow for human-bear interaction, if viewing from a safe distance qualifies as interaction! The bears wait around (and sometimes in) Churchill, Manitoba waiting for the sea in Hudson Bay to freeze, so they can go north to feed.

Unfortunately, when bear meets man, the bear often suffers tremendously for it. These days effective methods have been put into place to separate bears from people, ensuring the safety of the bears.

Recommended!