Customer Reviews

North To Katahdin on the Appalachian Trail [VHS]

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

 

 

This is a very quiet, gentle movie with some beautiful photography. Obviously the intended audience is limited to those who have done the Appalachian trai (or portions thereof), or those who dream of one day doing it. I am in the latter category and enjoy viewing the film because of the gorgeous imagery and quiet manner throughout. It's somehow quite calming to watch the hikers traverse the landscape, wade through streams and watch the leaves blow in the trees.

However, a word of caution: if you expect this film to give detailed information about the Appalachian trail, its history, equipment needed, maps, or physical fitness required, then please look elsewhere. The narration is spare and succinct and mostly consists of hikers briefly telling about their experiences with insects, eating and finally reaching Mt. Katahdin. The final sequences show various thru-hikers reaching Katahdin and it's a moving experience. One can vicariously thrill to their adventure and their achievement. In short, an interesting film with lush images but scant narration.

This film took me to places that I have never been, but wish to visit someday. The technical and artistic quality of the filmmaking is striking. Its original 16mm format is really unique for the subject and the "film quality" of the print is not lost in the transfer to video. It is beautiful to watch. This is more of a documentary style film than a "how-to" video. It studies both the people who are drawn to thru-hike the A.T. and the trail itself. Viewing North to Katahdin is to share in the sensory experience of hiking the Appalachian Trail.

I am a prospective thru-hiker for 2003. I was a little disappointed on the information factor for this video since anyone buying it is (or has ) already considering spending time on the trail. There are a lot of beautiful images but very little information on the trail. I was hoping to see some more of the White Mountains, maybe some fun things to do when blue blazing, shelter areas and other landmarks on the trail. There are many 10 seconds macro shots of flowers blowing in the breeze and wildlife looking at the camera. That's nice but it tells me nothing about the trail. I guess I'll try "Trailside: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail" and let you know if it is better for a good overview of the trail. Happy Hiking!

Tim Hogeboom's video gives the viewer an accurate assessment of the wonders and the trials of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. Hogeboom carried the camera the entire length of the trail and filmed wildlife, sunsets and a view of hiker comraderie not normally seen by the arm chair or day hiker. The aerial views of Katahdin State Park in Maine are superb.