Customer Reviews

National Geographic's Tigers of the Snow

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

 

 

Superb footage of these very elusive, nearly extinct cats in the Siberian wilds. Typical National Geographic production, which is to say: well made movie, nice and clear narration, clear photography. For those of you who are into watching live chases of prey by predators, there isn't much here. But you won't be bored by the documentary at all. There are many riveting moments when you are holding your breath to see what's going to happen next. This is certainly a DVD to buy and keep.

At the end, I was in awe of the pioneering work being done by the Russian and American scientists portrayed in this movie. Also in despair about how man is destroying the last of the few remaining major jungles in the world, all in the name of lumber so that we can have nicer and nicer furniture, and more meat (by raising cattle on land that was previously forested) - but no fresh air or water.

This is an extremely emotional video that brings to life the heart breaking battle to save the Siberian tiger. The opening scene of the illegal poaching of a tiger is one I'll never forget. This video prompted me to become involved myself, in the fight to save the tiger. If you love animals, especially tigers, you must see "Tigers of the Snow".

This video is heart wrenching. All the effort that goes into saving these magnificant cats, and it's likely too late. Human greed is the worst enemy any species can face, and the Siberian Tiger is in the crosshairs now.

A world without these Tigers will be a poorer place indeed. Blake's words, once so potent, will only echo hollow in the ears of generations to come who can only see Tigers on TV, or in captivity. What that says about humankind is undeniable, we are truly inept (or uncaring) when managing the resources of this planet, myself included.

The biggest and most powerful of all cats, these Siberian beauties are so majestic. What gorgeous footage of these mammoth cats in action. Take a good, close look at your kitty and you will see the same fire smouldering in those attentive eyes. Lets save these magnificant animals!!

I have always had an interest in the big cats, and have had a particular interest in the Siberian tiger since reading the compelling book "Tigers in the Snow" by Peter Matthiessen and Maurice Hornocker, which I also recommend. These beautiful cats have been hunted to near extinction since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and are now extremely endangered by the twin perils of poaching and industrial deforestation.

This documentary is an absolute must see for anyone who cares about the potential extinction of these magnificent creatures: it is brilliantly made and photographed, well written and narrated, and emotionally compelling. The film documents the Siberian tiger, the biggest cat on earth (males are up to ten feet long and weight up to 660 pounds) and the perils it faces. Unfortunately the single biggest peril it faces is poaching. The pelt alone can bring over $10,000 on the black market, and various other parts are used in medical quackery. I was nearly moved to tears in the introduction as video of a poaching operation was shown. The fear on the cat's face is haunting, and while I wouldn't show it to a child, I think it's important to see the senseless violence for what it is. Sadly, the Russian agents must destroy the pelts and other items of contraband made from the tigers when they catch the poachers to ensure they never get to market and support further demand for tiger products. Watching the agents burn tiger pelts was one of the saddest things I have ever seen.

The bulk of the film follows Russian and American researchers working in tandem to track, study, and save these beautiful creatures. Their love for the animals is clear in the risks they take in their studies: rappelling from a helicopter into the forest with a partially sedated tiger, tagging the ear of a cub in his den while his mother hunts, giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to an adult male tiger with labored breathing, etc.: we can all be glad that they take these risks in the effort to conserve the Siberian tigers, and unravel the mysteries of their lives.

Also on the DVD are several bonus features including still photos and a very interesting documentary, "Tiger's Eye," about photographing tigers in India. I enjoyed all the extras immensely.

The Russians have an old proverb "Hope is the last to die." These researchers and filmmakers are doing everything in their power to keep hope alive for the Siberian tigers, and I wish them the best for us and all the future generations who deserve to know these beautiful, majestic, and endangered creatures.

One of the best video on tiger especially on the Siberian Tiger, the largest big cat of them all. Too bad they are extremely endangered. This is definitely the best tiger video. The DVD also include Tiger's Eyes, a half an hour show on Bengal Tigers.

This dvd has been filmed under very difficult circumstances but, still, can convey the feeling of geographical remoteness, resourceless cientific crusades and endangered wonders, such as the cats shown here. Nevertheless, the video quality, though not bad at all, might have been improved if done with IMAX cameras, such as it has been done with whales or sharks. Anyhow, the information provided and some shots, like the helicopter chases or the tiger cub at it's den, make this documentary worthwhile.

"Tigers of the Snow" is a great video for the classroom. It has an acceptable balance of scientific study with awesome footage of tigers. No question that my college-bound biology students saw the application of science occurring out in the field. Better yet though, my remedial 16 year old science students were totally captivated by most parts of this video, especially the experiment in tiger territorality. I rarely show videos in Biology; this one is worth the time.

It is a very interesting look at Siberian Tigers in Captivity,However I would have liked to have seen more Tiger Footage instead of Humans interacting with them,The saddest part would be the Mother Tiger Who did not groom or fed her Little Babies and one ended up dying,It is worth watching but it's not like the Usual Animal specials that have A Lot of Footage instead of one group or person's conservation efforts(which I applaud).I disagree that Human Greed have anything to do with it,more so Local Hunters in the area and people who are ignorant.

A magnificent, highly emotional experience which still almost brings me to tears after all these years. An experience like no other.

A nice one about the Siberian Tiger. It tells about the endangered tigers of Siberia and the efforts to save them. The videography is very good and all in all it is an interesting and educative movie for wildlife lovers.