Customer Reviews

National Geographic's Shark Encounters [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A very entertaining look at a wide range of sharks, showing how varied in size, shape and habit they can be. While not discounting the fact that some sharks can be dangerous in some circumstances, this is a much more interesting presentation than the usual "eating machine" view usually presented in most documentaries. Lots of beautiful footage, narrated by the film maker, who has a marine biology background. An excellent companion to the earlier (also National Geo) "The Sharks" -- get both if you can find them.

Yes, I agree with the "not just jaws" reviewer. This is a very engaging and informative documentary. I can't believe I just said "engaging" concerning the subject of sharks, but that was what came for me from the patience and care of the film maker as he tried to show us a much more multi-dimensional view of these animals in their natural environment, simply going about their lives. They really are beautiful and complex animals, some of which are formidable hunters to be sure, but, of course, as he helps to remind us, none of which are monsters to be unduly feared or pigeon-holed. (Another nice companion piece beyond the NG "Sharks" video the other reviewer mentioned is the one released this year (2000) on great whites, which includes Peter Benchley researching a new take on the animal now that 25 years has passed since *Jaws* was first released, as well as the trevails of a long-time ocean photographer trying to gain new and truly defining shots of the animal, this film also a National Geographic piece.)