Alaska: Spirit of the Wild

This is one of those 40 minute nature specials probably meant for the science center IMAX theaters. It looks perfectly fine and it has narration from Charlton Heston. The one thing that I can never deny the man is his great authoritative voice. The opening has him describing how the ice age lowered the sea level and allowing the first humans to cross the land bridge to the New World. At this point, I'm thinking that he has just described the reverse mechanics of climate change. Ice piled up and the sea level lowered. I guess some people just read the script without actually understanding it. Next, there is a few minutes of a group of early man following a herd of caribou and there is nice stampede into the camera. Most of the rest is animals and landscapes. It's all very standard. It's good but nothing new. It was nominated for an Oscar.

'Alaska Spirit of the Wild' immediately appealed first hearing about it. The subject sounded very interesting, as did the location of Alaska which doesn't feature enough in documentaries. Also like a lot of Charlton Heston's work and he always did have a great authoritative voice and presence. That it was nominated for an Oscar added further to the interest and there are some very good and more IMAX documentary films and short subjects.

While not one of my all time favourite documentaries or one that is ground breaking (naming them would be unfair though due to the approach being very different), 'Alaska Spirit of the Wild' does a great job with its subject and location and of all the IMAX documentaries it's one of the best and most educational. It's also one of the better narrated and scored ones and one of not enough that feature humans to not feel disjointed or unbalanced.

The only major debit to me was the too short length, many of the IMAX documentaries would have benefitted from being 10-15 minutes longer and 'Alaska Spirit of the Wild' is one of those.

However, it looks absolutely beautiful with some truly stunning shots and great expansive use of the varied location that is both beautiful and unforgiving. This is also one of the few IMAX 3D nature documentaries where the 3D actually doesn't look cheap, too gimmicky or/and too reliant upon. The wildlife absolutely dazzle, having an otherworldly alien-like effect in the early stages which was fascinating to watch.

Moreover, the music is accessible in style that has appeal for all ages and suits the theme and content very well. It is also absolutely beautiful on its own terms in its own right. It is relaxing in some parts, but also has edge and a not too intrusive sweep in others. The wildlife are a great mix of adorable, menacing and exotic, as well as beautifully varied in size and whether they are prey or predator. Cannot get enough of the bears and the whales.

Also learnt such a lot from the information given. It is not only educational and brings a fresh slant on familiar material, it is also entertaining and emotionally investable without any dumbing down or over-complicated terminology. Nothing should disturb younger viewers, yet it's not cookie cutter or sugar coated, it isn't afraid to show that daily life in the habitat is not easy and very comprehensively shows why. Heston delivers this information very authoritatively and with gravitas.

Very good overall. 8/10.

A world far away from other world on this planet...

A world were very few privilege will be able to go....

A very beautiful place on planet Earth...

It is a world worth visiting while your stay on planet Earth.

Thanks and Regards.

Sam Rupani

Houston, Texas, United States of America.

In the present political climate, where some hope to drill for oil in the Alaskan wilderness, this funny and gorgeous documentary on the natural creatures of the region should force them to reconsider. Narrated by Charlton Heston, it shows the viewer just how explosive and pure this vast empty land is. It is virtually untouched by human hands, and has been for centuries. The movie is highlighted by stunning helicopter shots and plenty of Discovery Channel-like images of animal interactions. The scenes with the bears and the whales are priceless. This documentary (which was nominated for best short in 97) is a testament to all the reasons why natural parks should be kept free from human hands so that their beauty can be experienced by the next generation.