Rating: 
Summary: That of which men are capable...
Review: "The Endurance"--the saga of the struggle of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew to survive the Antarctic wastes--is more amazing than any plot Hollywood has ever devised, and every word of it is true. The closest real-life equivalent I can think of is the story of Apollo 13--and whereas that crisis lasted three days and involved three men, the story of the Endurance lasted two years and involved 28. The film footage and still photos by Frank Hurley, Shackleton's official photographer, add an eerie, you-are-there quality to the bleakly gorgeous, modern-day footage of Antarctica taken by director George Butler. (That so much of Hurley's film survived is in itself incredible.) While the courage and stamina of the crew were amazing, I also can't forget the tales of all-too-human pettiness among them. I'll always remember the snooty, aristocratic Col. Thomas Orde-Lee, who disdained rowing but eagerly bailed out his boat (rowing was for commoners, but bailing was heroic). I also can't forget Shackleton's total lack of forgiveness for mutinous ship's carpenter Chippy McNish, even after McNish repented of his rebellion and took actions which essentially saved the lives of all the crew. In showing both the grandeur and the pettiness of the human spirit--as well as the mercilessness of the perpetual Antarctic winter--"The Endurance" is one of the greatest stories of exploration, as well as one of the best movies of 2001.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing and Harrowing
Review: '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.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely incredible
Review: An amazing film of an unbelievably incredible true adventure. Be sure to go back to the special features and , after that, play the film again with the director's narration. Historical documentary filmaking doesn't get any better than this.
Rating:
Summary: Just Like going back to Antarctica!
Review: 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.. If you like this, check out 90 South.. The film about Capt Scotts Exp.
Rating:
Summary: Real raw day-to-day experience of Antarctic exploration
Review: Based on a recent book by Caroline Alexander, and directed by George Butler, this documentary certainly is done well. There were recent landscape shots and historical photos, a smooth voiced narrator (Liam Neeson) and interviews with the descendents of the original crew of 28 men from a wide variety of British social classes. This crew set sail in 1914 from the U.K., under the leadership of the Irish born Shackleton. Two years later, they all returned, having endured incredible hardships. The fact that they all survived is attributable to Shackleton's leadership and determination and this film is certainly a tribute to him for that. I can't resist films about the frozen north and was delighted to see this documentary playing at my local art film theater. Partially sponsored by a corporate giant, the production brought me close to the real raw day-by-day experience of the voyage itself. It seems as if I became acquainted with the entire crew as they experienced the turns and reversals of fortune over and over again. I felt the experience of their backbreaking labor when they were stranded on the ice. I felt the cold as they set off in small boats between the floating ice on an open sea. I saw them reach land and build shelter and survive on penguin meat. And I felt Shakleton's frustration, as he had to choose just three of his men to search out help by hiking nonstop in sub-zero temperatures for several days. There were so many times they almost didn't make it that I found myself holding my breath with the tension even though I knew the eventual outcome. Yes, I did love this film.
Rating:
Summary: One of most moving documentaries I've seen
Review: 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 told occurring as it does at the time of the carnage of World War One that was, unbeknown to them, engulfing the world. It is also in the context of knowing that these men (and, for quite a while, a cat) had none of the technology or sophisticated equipment which is commonplace now. The final voyage of a few of them in a row boat across the Southern Ocean is unbelievable, but is almost capped by their final race by foot across an island to their Norwegian saviours. It is the most telling example of a leader refusing to give up on his men I have ever encountered. Mr Shackleton gave new meaning to "selfless" and to "leadership". If you missed this wonderful film at your local IMAX, then buy this DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: Shackleton's Endurance
Review: Ernest Shackleton was an adventurer and leader heart. After a failed expedition to be the first to reach the South Pole, his next attempt would be to cross Antarctica passing through the Pole. He'd be the first to do that. Unfortunately, with the world on the brink of war, people thought him more foolish then heroic. Still he proceeded with over twenty seafaring men. In a short amount of time, his ship THE ENDURANCE was 'captured' by ice flows. With no hope for rescue, the battered crew journeys out on an unforgettable quest to save themselves. The year and a half long adventure is an extremely motivational story showing what can be done with the passion to overcome obstacles. This documentary is based on the book of the same name and uses some actual silent footage from the expedition. It includes interviews with family members of the adventurers all held together by a smart narration by Liam Neeson. But, inherent in Shackleton's expedition lies the film's major flaw. To create the greatest opportunity for survival, the camera is left behind early in the expedition. This leaves almost half the film playing like a book-on-tape with modern footage of penguins, icebergs and seals playing on-screen to keep you occupied. Quite often the visuals have absolutely no connection with the narration. The filmmaker could have considered minor re-creations, visual maps or even computer graphics to keep the film varied and interesting. The story in itself is very encouraging even if the problems were all brought about by foolish pride. You might want to consider reading one of the many books based on the subject if this film is unavailable in your area.
Rating:
Summary: The BEST Shackleton production--by far.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: The BEST Shackleton production--by far.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Sooooooooooooo good
Review: 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. I really like the mix of modern and actual footage. I think we all have this image of the south pole being this barren, desolate place. It's educating seeing penguins, seals, even shrubbery abound. There is some footage of icebergs that is simply amazing. Beautiful shades of blue you've never seen before. I love reading non fiction books that have some sort of video companion to it (be it Hollywood movie or something you'd find on History Channel). This is probably the best one two punch I've come across as far as a great book and a great visual aide. What a breed of men to endure such a thing. Excellent. Excellent. Excellent.
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