Product Details

• Language: French (Dolby Digital 5.1), German (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1), Swedish (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Subtitles: English
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6305461821
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #73,106 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Alaska - Spirit of the Wild" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The majestic beauty of Alaska is displayed masterfully in this film, which was originally presented in IMAX theaters and received an Academy Award(r) nomination for Best Documentary in 1998. The landscape of Alaska is shown in magnificent aerial shots, and "white thunder," the spectacular sight when enormous icebergs break off from glaciers, is shown in exquisitely sharp footage. As might be expected, much of the film is devoted to Alaska's abundant wildlife, including moose, bears, seals, wolves, caribou, musk oxen, and whales. The narration, delivered by actor Charlton Heston, provides informative background on the animals, but the star of the film is always the stunning camera work. An underwater shot taken in the midst of dozens of diving seals is particularly memorable, and scenes of humpback whales breaching on the surface are simply spectacular. Bears fight each other over the best fishing spots, and even their prey, the salmon swimming upstream, are featured in an underwater montage showing their life cycle. Animals that actually welcome the Alaskan winter, polar bears, are shown as they search the snowy landscape for prey. And a traditional whale hunt by an Inuit tribe is shown. This film is intelligently produced, and the astounding quality of the photography makes it a true treat for the eyes. --Robert J. McNamara

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Visual masterpiece. Alaska gets to be explained and enjoyed., June 30, 2000

By	Eduardo Middleton K. (Santiago, A.M. Chile) - See all my reviews

Sometimes the impresive achievements of the Imax and dvd technologies exceed the quality of the content of a certain documentary. This is not the case. If any, this video keeps us longing for more, much more. Since the beginning of this highly entertaining video we feel commited to watch one of the untamed scenaries of our world. Virgin Landscapes (rivers and mountains that are yet to be named), wild and funny animals (such as the black bear taking a bath, the humpback whales bubblenetting, the wild polar bear cubs and the stubborn salmon) and an extreme weather that changes the sorrounding scenary on a daily basis are described and tought with either the lightness of humour, or the concern of a nature fan. If you like to watch beautiful images over and over, buy this dvd.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This was my first Imax purchase, March 9, 2001

By A Customer

and the film was so good I went out and bought more Imax films. Unfortunaley not all of the Imax films are as good as this one. This film has everything going for it the photography and naration are top notch. The film keeps moving and your never bored. DVD'S are expensive and it is easey to get hook when buy a good one. There are many good Imax films but not all of them are worth the price. This one and The Living Sea stand out above the rest in my opinion. The Adventures in Wild California is another one though it has not been release on DVD that I have seen are just excellent. On the other hand films like Niagrea,Yellowstone and The Grand Canyon are a big step down. In those films they try to tell a story and it comes off more like amatuer night. When I view an Imax film I look for spectacular images,fun and for it to be educational. The first three films I have mention fit the bill.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alaska is exceptional, August 20, 1999

By	Robert Rosenthal "roseyesq" (Calabasas, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This IMAX video in dvd format represents a cinematic masterpiece. The breathtaking video and haunting audio truly capture the vastness and serenity of this great land. For anyone who has lived the dream of having visited Alaska, or for anyone who yearns for this frontier, "IMAX Alaska" will captivate your imagination and inspire your soul.