Antarctic Wildlife Adventure produced by National Geographic.
Plot: The documentary follows a family of five on their yearly trek to Antarctica. They document the various wildlife they encounter, including several species of penguins. The continent, they claim, is the last truly wild frontier. However, the pristine land of ice is being breached by the very scientists studying it. Additionally, fears of exploitation haunt the land. The family continues its studies, but with a wary eye on the future.
Genre: Documentary, Penguins
Reading Level: Not rated, but most elementary through middle school students will probably enjoy it.
Similar Titles: Life in the Freezer, March of the Penguins, Encounters at the End of the World
Personal Thoughts: The documentary reminded me of many I saw during science class in school. The film was dated (it was made in 1991) and the music even more so. Despite this, the information was accurate, and it introduced concepts such as biological surveys in a simple but not condescending manner. Also, unlike more recent films (such as March of the Penguins), the film really gave a sense of the enormity of Antarctica, both physically and historically.
One major complaint, though. Throughout the documentary, the narrator and scientists praise Antarctica as a scientific frontier, but continuously complain about the growing number of studies taking place. Perhaps I am taking this too seriously, but the statements seem contradictory.
Still, the documentary is amusing while remaining informative.
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