Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Product Description
Amazon.ca
Several films have documented or dramatized the incredible saga of Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated trans-Antarctic expedition, but The Endurance offers the most comprehensive one-source reference. Originally presented as a PBS Nova special and narrated by Liam Neeson, this excellent film--based on Caroline Alexander's acclaimed book, also titled after the ironic name of Shackleton's doomed ship--chronicles the astonishing events of 1914-16, when Shackleton and 27 crewmen survived against all odds after their ship was crushed in the polar ice floes. This is the only "Shackleton" film to incorporate new footage, expert interviews, dramatic recreations (without dialogue), and expedition photographer Frank Hurley's archival film and photographs. The cumulative effect of this extensive material gives the viewer an almost palpable sense of the expedition's hardship and unlikely survival, made possible in part by a man who had precisely the required experience and leadership skills, and in part by what can only be described as divine intervention. No matter how you interpret it, this is rightly called "the greatest survival story ever told." --Jeff Shannon
Product Description
A retelling of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated expedition to Antarctica in 1914-1916, featuring new footage of the actual locations and interviews with surviving relatives of key expedition members, plus archived audio interviews with expedition members and a generous helping of the footage and still photos shot on the expedition. Narrated by Liam Neeson.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition is a wonderful companion to the book of the same name. Each delivers a riveting true-life account of the bone-chilling deprivation suffered by Shackleton and his team during their ill-fated voyage to the Antarctic continent in 1914. Icebound in the Weddel Sea for the better part of two years, 28 men cling to iceflows, brave the icy Atlantic in small lifeboats, and traverse glaciers in an extreme effort to reach their homeland. Highly recommended for those who love adventure.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
'The Endurance' is a documentary originally aired as a 'Nova' special, and is one of the most amazing documentaries on any subject that I have ever seen. In the summer of 1914 Ernest Shackleton and his crew set sail on the 'Endurance' for Antarctica, with the goal of being the first expedition to cross the Antarctic continent. After becoming ensnared in ice their ship slowly disintegrated, and forced the survivors onto land, and eventually into their small wooden lifeboats in an attempt to make a perilous voyage back to civilization.
The crew endured for 635 days and nights without real shelter or sufficient rations, frequently eating seal blubber and even their beloved dogs. As an animal lover, I came to realize the true depths of their situation when they had to shoot their cat and dogs, and ultimately eat some of their true canine friends.
The story is one of tremendous hubris and heroism all wrapped up into one larger than life explorer. Shackleton's true gift was not in being a great explorer, but in being able to largely control the morale of the crew and provide leadership when it was most critical. Only thanks to that leadership did every man on the expedition survive.
The documentary itself is a brilliant mix of the film shot by expedition photographer Frank Hurley (including a lot of motion picture film) and modern film of the sites in question, along with a bit of reenactment footage of recreated lifeboats identical to the originals. The work is seamless, deeply moving, and will give anyone a new appreciation for the powers of ice and the human spirit.
In addition to the actual documentary the disc has several choice extras including a director's commentary track, interviews with children of survivors, and, best of all, a documentary on the making of the documentary, which I found absolutely fascinating. The most amazing thing that was revealed in the 'making of' documentary was the fate of the duplicate lifeboats, which under the control of the modern seamen ultimately sank in heavy seas, but seas far less than Shackleton encountered.
This is in every way a spectacular production, and I would recommend it highly to anyone. You will never forget this film.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Far, far and away superior to both the Branagh and the iMAX versions of the story. Put together as a documentary featuring the hundreds (thousands??) of photographs and actual movie footage filmed by a member of the actual expedition. An awe-inspiring, spine-tingling tale of survival simply beyond imagination. "Endurance" indeed.
Want to see more reviews on this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 67 reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
So-so
Such a great story, but I'm quite sure I saw a better version on PBS or CBC.
Published on Oct 2 2009 by Dianne Rabel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Captivating!
The fate of Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition is so unbelievable that in some ways many people are likely to shunt the memory of it into more remote corners of history than... Read more
Published on Dec 26 2003 by Michael Meredith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sooooooooooooo good
First of all, if you've read the book, either Lansing's or Alexander's, this is a must purchase. It is so haunting to see The Endurance floating, trapped in ice. Read more
Published on Dec 22 2003 by Weegee
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just Like going back to Antarctica!
Antarctica.. one of the things i can say.. "BEEN THERE DONT THAT" it was almost like going back, One of the best films on Antarctica.. Read more
Published on Dec 11 2003 by Chris Post
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Keeper for Shackleton fans
I first read (heard) Caroline Alexander's book in 2000. It was so engrossing, I listened to it twice while traveling. Read more
Published on Dec 7 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE GREATEST SURVIVAL STORY EVER TOLD...
This is an exemplary documentary, based upon author Caroline Alexander's critically acclaimed, best selling book of the doomed 1914 Antarctic expedition led by Sir Edward... Read more
Published on Dec 7 2003 by Lawyeraau
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tremendous documentary
When I saw The Endurance, I had no knowledge of Shackleton's expidition. The documentary not only held my interest, but did a superb job of conveying the thoughts and experiences... Read more
Published on Nov 29 2003 by George Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing...
Probably the most incredible story I've ever heard (true story).
This is a must buy, watch all the extras including the commentary (which I rarely do).
Published on Nov 10 2003 by Julie Woods
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of most moving documentaries I've seen
Brilliantly constructed, narrated and photographed and supplemented by truly astonishing black and white photos by Mr Hurley, this is one of the most moving tales of survival ever... Read more
Published on Oct 28 2003 by Ian Muldoon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unbelievable!
The Endurance is an unbelievable story of human spirit triumph and tragedy. The footage and photographs taken from the crews photographer give you a real sense of isolation and... Read more
Published on Oct 13 2003
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
