Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure

For those who are well versed in Shackleton's journey, this film may not be as powerful as you are hoping. This is a great film for introducing people to the reality of Shackleton's experience, but due to a lack of time (the real story would be a triple feature epic) and the need to cover all the important events, it is not a film that you could write an accurate book report on.

I loved the film; the cinematography is astounding (as expected), the narration by Kevin Spacey is well toned, and the real core of this courageous endeavor was more than just touched upon. It is a good film and definitely worth viewing for anyone interested in Antarctica, history, great expeditions, etc.

For anyone who is looking to understand the truly detailed harships that these men endured and to know the background of the expedition and to feel the foundation that makes this story one of history's greatest - do not get your hopes up. Read the books about Shackleton and learn why Endurance was more than just a prophetic name given to his ship.

However, if you just want to get the general overview of the journey while enjoying an impressive cinematic experience, then this film will surely exceed your expectations. It is a tribute to the story as well as to the IMAX experience.

The two previous comments have pretty well said it all except for one thing. This IMAX movie is really two separate concepts, quite cleverly woven together. One is the Shackleton story, which taken as it is from 1930s technology-of-the-day (still photos and jerky movies, all of course in black and white) gains no advantage from the IMAX presentation. And indeed one of the previous commentators is quite correct: if what you are after is an in-depth explanation of Shackleton's trip, then this is not the place to obtain it, because this is only a very "lightweight" treatment. Although, please trust me and read on, that's not necessarily taking anything away from it.

The second concept is the interleaving throughout the Shackleton story of modern IMAX-quality views of Antarctic et al scenery. This is truly "breathtaking" it the literal sense. The wide-screen format gives this a true "you are there" feeling, like no ordinary TV or other movie documentary has given so far. Never again will I be able to look at an icecube in a martini glass the same way again :-)

The most important thing that the second concept adds to the first is that without actually going there to see for oneself, it gives the viewer a tiny glimpse - and that's all that it ever can be - of what the conditions must be like that Shackleton actually had to endure. Put it all together,and it's a most thought-provoking and stimulating movie. And THAT is where this movie gives that "little something" that a "mere" book will not be able to do.

Although the title makes it sound like an Enid Blyton book, if you've seen the Channel Four film covering the same story, don't be afraid to watch this as well. The documentary approach, helped along by some stunning landscapes, original footage and modern reconstruction makes this well worth seeing, filling in the gaps which the drama did not cover in full. It would be worth watching even if it wasn't an IMAX presentation.

I seen the documentary of Shackleton's Adventure in an IMAX Theatre in Seattle in 2001. I'm surprised it wasn't listed on this site. It was a very good story of a man and crew, the hardships and freezing weather they went through. It was quite a feat especially back then without all the technology we have now. Very good story.

Excellent story, excellent interpretation of the story and an excellent choice for narrator...who doesn't love Kevin Spacey?!?!?! (We can all excuse him for the horror that was American Beauty) Anyway--bottom line...see this movie it's excellent. ;)