Editorial Review

Although we romanticize lions as mighty kings of the jungle, their reign is in fact a tenuous one. It is challenged daily in southern Africa by vicious packs of hyenas that compete for prey. Between the two species exists an ancient feud, and it unfolds in Read more

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Reviews (34)

Very, Very Good
One of my all-time favorites!Brilliantly displays the brutal struggles between the two species and their will to survive.A very good source of information on spotted hyenas.I love this documentary.Highly recommended for nature/animal lovers.

DVD Available
After waiting for several years, I finally got the DVD two days ago through National Geographic.It was $30 (including shipping) but worth every penny!This is a stunning, riveting, enlightening documentary and - for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear - a commentary on our (U.S.) culture.

Had to write a review
I hadnt intended to write a review but i just happened to come upn its listing here and ws moved to comment. Dont read if you dont want the great scenes given away. :) Yes , this is the most powerfully affecting document i've seen.3 of the most emotionally impacting and gripping scenes and all one tape. I was very shocked and deeply saddened by what i saw . The matriach hyena being taken and in the manner that it was, the poisened lioness and the explosive arrival of the enraged male lion withhis extended slo-mo chase of the hyena .What an awesome climax whew haha . And a lioness being actually killed by the neighbouring pride not to mention the hyenas going after lionessesI had no idea all this happened . ... Read more

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Editorial Review

From riding the rails atop a luggage rack through the mountains ofEcuador to enjoying a gourmet meal aboard the Lalique-laden Read more

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Reviews (1)

A must for train enthusiasts!
This video is a must for train buffs!It has everything a trainenthusiast wants in a video:solid information coupled with stunningfootage of some of the most interesting train runs in the world, as well asclips from "the good old days" of railroading.The videoprovides a good historical perspective of railroading and the advent ofsteam engines, moving along briskly to bring the viewer up to modern times.Because it was produced in the early 80's, some of the material may be alittle dated, but a true rail fan won't be bothered by this aspect.Thevideo is produced in the classic informative and easy-to-watch style whichis the hallmark of National Geographic Videos.If you love trains, youwon't be disappointed. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

"Vesuvius slumbers, but his heart is still awake," wrote one scientist about southern Italy's Mount Vesuvius. Active for more than 17,000 years, Vesuvius wiped out two nearby towns in A.D. 79, with a blast 10 times greater than Mount St. Helens's 1980 eruption. Pompeii and Herculaneum were lost beneath gravel and ash until relatively recently. Now archaeologists consider Pompeii the largest preserved site of the ancient world. In this hour-long program, originally released in 1987, much is methodically explored. In Herculaneum a baby's cradle, delicate hand-blown glass, and a lunchtime meal are all intact. How did ancient Romans live and how did Vesuvius kill them? Viewers will learn all this and more about the last moments of life near Europe's most active volcano. Read more

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Reviews (3)

Great and Informative
Actor Robert Foxworth narrates this National Geographic film on Mount Vesuvius which has erupted some 50 times since it's major eruption in 79 AD that destroyed two Roman cities and also threatens modern people who live around the volcano today, despite modern science efforts to study and learn how the volcano erupts and the warning signs to look for when a major eruption is near.

Great video for entire family
This is one of my family's favorite videos. Kids as young as 5 are engrossed in the footage of Vesuvius and the remains of the city of Pompeii. My son's first grade teacher has requested this video to sharewith all the first graders in their study of Ancieng Greece & Rome

Great educational film for potential tourists/history buffs
I'm in the US Navy, currently stationed in Naples, Italy. This video is one of the many high quality National Geographic films. It's material is targeted for 2 groups:Potential tourists to southern Italy, and AncientHistory enthusiasts (and is rated 5 stars for them). The video is veryaccurate, I have visited most of the sights myself. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

All the water-loving regulars, from sharks and penguins to starfishand seahorses, make an appearance in this installment of the excellent kidseries from Read more

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Reviews (5)

Awesome Video for my son!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My son AJ loves this video so much, he watches it very often!!!!! This video is really entertaining and educationl.I got AJ a Really Wild Animals Giftset and it came with this video.AJ loves animals and land animals including the Killer Whale (Orcinus Orca) and he wants to get more Really Wild Animals videos for Christmas.

WORE OUT THE OLD TAPE, NEED TO BUY A NEW ONE!
My family loves this tape so much, it was actually worn out. The picture kept getting worse, so I felt it was time to buy a new one.We've bought several of the "Really Wild Animals" videos and found them to be very educational (and Dudley Moore is always funny to listen to), but the "Deep Sea Dive" is definitely a hit in my house.

Wonderful video for young and older kids.
My 4 year old son received this video for Christmas and watches it almost everyday.He's very interested in animals, especially sea animals.I like the fact that it's very educational and that it keeps him interested and wanting to learn more.He's going to get more of this type of video for his birthday coming up. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Upon the African continent lies Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, themiddle of an extinct volcano with conditions so optimal for animal life that there are 20,000 beasts crowded into it. But the very conditions that allow the animal population in general to thrive also make it difficult for theindividual to survive. This drama is played out time and again in this55-minute video, as viewers watch a nervy lioness enter a hippo enclave tomake a meal of one of their dead or as hyenas attack and kill a cub from arival family. Newborn wildebeest are up on their feet within minutes ofbirth, running within the half-hour, and yet one in four will perish.Photographers capture images of the Masai who (legally) bring their herdsinto the protected area for water with apparently little effect. Juxtaposed are images of picnicking tourists on the canyon rim laughing as aggressivebirds steal their sandwiches. The documentarians don't hesitate to indict the visitors and the 100 vehicles a day they bring to the canyon rim forthreatening the isolation of this unusual place and its wild way oflife. Read more

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Reviews (4)

Predictable
This is a to predictable image of Africa.Why must Americans always treat AFrica like a giant zoo?

Good Overview of African Plains Wildlife
This one hour video provides a good overview of the inhabitants of the African plains ecology by focusing on a relatively small region with a fairly dense wildlife population, the Ngorongoro crater.As explained in the video, this crater, ten miles across, supports permanent populations of many species by virtue of its year round water supply. Not out of the ordinary
If, like me, you're going there, you'll want to see this documentary; but it's nothing out of the ordinary.Read more

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Editorial Review

They don't call them killer whales for nothing. In Read more

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Reviews (8)

Excellent Documentary on Coastal Killer Whale Behavior
This video is an excellent documentary that covers a variety of killer whale populations in various coastal environs around the world.Here you'll see killer whales who individually chase salmon off the coast of the Pacific northwest, and others who join into larger groups to use cooperative techniques for catching herring off the coast of Norway; in the southern hemisphere, you'll see groups that hunt for elephant seal on island beaches in the southern Indian ocean, and others that use similar techniques to catch sea lions on the beaches of Argentina.In between the hunting scenes, there is footage of these whales enjoying social interaction or pebble massages, along with brief discussions from various scientists that study these intriguing creatures. Excellent documentary
This is a brilliant documentary capturing the breath-taking killer whales in all its glory. The whale's hunt for salmon and seals around the world is captured by awesome cinematography. Furthermore,the film goes into detail discussing thw whale's social grouping and its intelligence. In short, this is a must-have for killer whale lovers and anyone else interested in nature.

Excellent documentary
This is a brilliant documentary capturing the breath-taking killer whales in all its glory. The whale's hunt for salmon and seals around the world is captured by spectacular footage. Furthermore, the film goes into detail discussing the whale's social grouping and its intelligence. In short, this is a must-have for killer whale lovers and anyone else interested in nature. ... Read more

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Reviews (7)

Awesome
I watched it several times in the few days since it arrived.This video gives a real picture of what life in the Alaskan bush can be like.Although there's not an abundance of formal teaching, it's very informative seeing how these bush families live, eat, hunt, get supplies, and get along.

Going beyond the movie...
This movie so touched my life that I was often left wondering what became of these people. Well, now I know. There is a book called "The Final Frontiersman" by James Campbell. He is a cousin of Heimo Korth and wrote the book in 2002 and had it published in 2004. This book is a must for anyone who loved this movie and wondered what ever happed to these people. You would be surprised to hear what they are up to now.
BravingAlaska
Braving Alaska is a must for anyone who loves the great out doors; my wife and I loved this movie so much that we watched it over a dozen times if not more.My wife and I fish, Hunt, Camp, Explore and more and this movie was great to watch. It shows how people can survive in the wilderness and live off the land and not abuse it.If you are an out doors person or just love the great out doors I highly recommend this great adventure video.I wish they would make a second part to this video. God Bless America. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

A departure from the more traditional travelogue-with-carnage format,this Read more

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Reviews (2)

beautifully done
Yes, I agree with the "not just jaws" reviewer. This is a very engaging and informative documentary. I can't believe I just said"engaging" concerning the subject of sharks, but that was whatcame for me from the patience and care of the film maker as he tried toshow us a much more multi-dimensional view of these animals in theirnatural environment, simply going about their lives. They really arebeautiful and complex animals, some of which are formidable hunters to besure, but, of course, as he helps to remind us, none of which are monstersto be unduly feared or pigeon-holed. (Another nice companion piece beyondthe NG "Sharks" video the other reviewer mentioned is the onereleased this year (2000) on great whites, which includes Peter Benchleyresearching a new take on the animal now that 25 years has passed since*Jaws* was first released, as well as the trevails of a long-time oceanphotographer trying to gain new and truly defining shots of the animal,this film also a National Geographic piece.)

Not just Jaws
A very entertaining look at a wide range of sharks, showing how varied in size, shape and habit they can be.While not discounting the fact that some sharks can be dangerous in some circumstances, this is a much moreinteresting presentation than the usual "eating machine" viewusually presented in most documentaries. Lots of beautiful footage,narrated by the film maker, who has a marine biology background. Anexcellent companion to the earlier (also National Geo) "TheSharks" -- get both if you can find them. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

The British Empire's legacy to India is the subcontinent's railway system. The largest railway under single management in the world, it covers 40,000 miles and has 7,000 stations, with 11,000 trains running every day and 80 million people depending on the train for their livelihood. With a staff of 1.6 million, India's railway is also the largest employer in the world. Steam trains and other locomotives are nostalgic reminders of a time gone by. This video, released in 1995, is in widescreen format and has a feature-film feel to it, with re-created scenes in sepia contributing to its extremely atmospheric mood. Though not a profound presentation, the video is an introduction to a fascinating railway system in a complex country. Read more

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Reviews (5)

Much More Than a Video About Steam Trains
This video is outstanding in all respects. The script, the naration, the videography, the music and the editing are all superb. One of the best National Geographic documentaries ever created. In just two hours such themes as the history of India, the politics of India, the religion of India, the geography of India, the passing of an era and growing older are skillfully and lyricly woven together with a story line that overtly explores the end of the steam era on the Indian rail system. This video be greatly enjoyed by a much broader audience than merely those steam train buffs among us.

Two Thumbs (& a toe) Way Up!
One of my all-time favorite National Geographic videos. A journey on an Indian train is not unlike the journey of life itself - but one must be awake to the experience. If you haven't yet been experienced, you need to see this video.

Better than the real thing?
Not only is this the best video travelogue I've ever seen, I suspect that it's one of the best National Geographic productions of any kind. The photography is absolutely breathtaking in its detail - just as good as the still images you'll find in the magazine. Linda Hunt's narration occasionally crosses the line into pomposity but is more often poetic and affecting. And the crew takes you places that only the most intrepid traveler would ever make it to on their own. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Jane Goodall is legendary among primate researchers, and for good reason--she learned more on her own studying chimpanzees than all who went before her combined. Read more

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Reviews (2)

Extraordinarily gripping
This is not your typical wildlife movie with chilling action scenes of predators chasing down and killing prey.
The One and Only
With the possible exception of "The Sharks", this is the most famous of all the National Geographic nature documentaries.Read more

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Editorial Review

Blake's words "Tyger, tyger burning bright" come alive in this lush documentary from National Geographic. Read more

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Reviews (9)

Tigers of the Snow!
Ever since I first heard about this documentary off of a preview for further National Geographic programs in January, my brother and I have wanted to buy it. Finally, at the tail-end of July, we bought it.
Extremely well-made and interesting documentary
Superb footage of these very elusive, nearly extinct cats in the Siberian wilds. Typical National Geographic production, which is to say: well made movie, nice and clear narration, clear photography. For those of you who are into watching live chases of prey by predators, there isn't much here. But you won't be bored by the documentary at all. There are many riveting moments when you are holding your breath to see what's going to happen next. This is certainly a DVD to buy and keep.
Nice movies about the Siberian Tigers
A nice one about the Siberian Tiger. It tells about the endangered tigers of Siberia and the efforts to save them. The videography is very good and all in all it is an interesting and educative movie for wildlife lovers. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Americans may think they know plenty about the White House--and in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky scandal, perhaps many feel they know more than they want to--but the Read more

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Reviews (4)

Very interesting look into the most famous house in America
I have recently become very interested in American history and have been buying up every dvd that looks cool regarding our great nation. I was pleasantly surprised by how interesting and captivating this video is. It not only shows the ins and outs of the white house but also touches on some of our history. I found myself grabbing my laptop and everytime something peaked my interest I was googling how the white house was destroyed by fire when captured by the british in 1814. I am looking forward to the day that I can sit down and watch it again with my children. Met and exceeded my expectations. Morgan freeman was good as well (narration). Peace and chicken grease!

Good one but no where near the Air Force One
The only problem with this movie in my opinion is its running time. It could have also been limited to 60 minutes instead of 90 like Air Force One which is neither short nor to long and very accurate. This movie tells the history of the White House as to how Mr. George Washington decided to get it build and then afterwards the experiences of different Presidents and their families and the staff members. Also tells about the incidents and ups and downs faced by the House. Overall it is a well made informative movie but it is bit too long and to cover the length some material providing no information but only increasing the length has been introduced which could have been avoided.

review National Geographic's Inside the White House
Unusual and fascinating, follows a typical day in the White House, weaving together past and present, presidents and worker bees.My 6-year-old daughter was transfixed and so was I. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

In this 1992 Read more

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Reviews (3)

a great documentary
THis is one of the best documentary videos about giant kodiak bears. I really love this film and I see this video pretty recently. This video really gets indiscussion about these great bears like their habitats and the food that they eat. Some of the good scenes where there are two titan in a mock battle in front of a large female bear. It would have been really awesome to see a polar bear and a kodiak bear wrestle. This video was great I am hoping to buy it someday in the near future.

Intimate portrait of Kodiak island, bears & people together
The primary focus of this video is, of course, the giant Kodiak grizzly bear, the largest subspecies of the brown bear alive today (the plains grizzly was larger, but hunted entirely to extinction;) however, the film also spends a good deal of time discussing and portraying the Alutiiq people of Kodiak Island, who have lived together with the bear for thousands of years. One of the best of National Geographic
What can one say about the largest bears south of the Arctic Circle? This National Geographic film says a lot, and it is all well worth the time to view. Many who still think bears are carnivores will be surprised at thevariety of foods bears eat. We also learn much about bear/human relationssome of which may be disturbing for younger viewers. All in all this pieceportrays the bears well. Showing both sides of bear personalities toperfection. As with most Geographic pieces this one will be watched manytimes. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

In Read more

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Subjects:  1. Children    2. Childrens    3. Documentary    4. Family    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

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Excellent...
Incredible footage and narration.Some sequences are almost "trippy" and I am waiting for the DVD release (hopefully) to get another copy! Masterpiece of documentary
"The Invisible World" is the "Citizen Kane" of the National Geographic Specials.It's an outstanding overview of the subject at the heart of National Geographic -- photography.The images created through specialized cameras, such as infrared, photomicrography, electrophotography, high speed and more, truly do reveal the unseen realms in our world. Although I would credit Alexander Scourby as NG's best narrator ("The Sharks," "The Superliners"), Richard Basehart's reading of the flawless script is captivating. William Goldstein's feature film-quality music score adds the high gloss varnish to what might otherwise be a fairly routine docucmentary. The musicsparkles and punctuates each scene with a whole new level of interest.If this were a feature film, I'd buy the soundtrack album in a heartbeat.If you only have one National Geographic Special in your library, one that can be enjoyed by just about anyone at any age, "The Invisible World" is the one.

It was so great sort of scary
It was nice and great. Hello my name is Stephanie Rossi Eugene's Daughter. The Beginning was so Scary food Digesting water dropping flowers blooming girl playing flute other one playing the clarinet. More scarier when Donna Sikking (My friend at Oakcrest) who was in it playing her Flute when heat rises up her brother uses a pop gun (The song Pop goes the wheasl). More than crystals in ice or Pictures moving it was fun, ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Few biological wonders can rival those in Australia's Great Barrier Reef for spectacular beauty, and few filmmakers can rival National Geographic's lush photography. The giant colonial organism, though endangered by pollution and other threats, still spawns once each year in a gorgeous frenzy of new growth. It's a fertile time for all of the creatures dwelling in and around the reef structure, and the National Geographic cameras capture barracuda, bright damselfish, giant marine worms, and many other lovely and fascinating neighbors. Neville Copland's gentle music complements the serene photography, and the narration, while interesting, doesn't distract the viewer from the stunning delights on the screen. We can't all afford a diving trip down under, but Read more

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Reviews (1)

Beautiful
This documentary brings splendid color, beautiful creatures, and amazing music to the screen.You get one full hour of nothing but the creatures of the Great Barrier Reef.This video is loaded with information and keeps your eyes glued to the screen.The music is also very relaxing, whenever I get tired and want to relax I'll even turn on the movie to just hear the music. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

This 1985 Read more

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Reviews (7)

Facinating video
Our whole family thoroughly enjoyed this video by National Geographic.The photography was amazing and the information riveting.

Tiger, tiger, burning bright . . ..
If you love tigers, you'll love this film.It is all about the beautiful, rarely seen tiger.The film is full of basic tiger facts, but anyone who has done any tiger research will not learn anything new.Though I didn't learn anything new about tigers, I still enjoyed watching these powerful, graceful animals.

Regally Beautiful
This video does a great job of showing us the tiger and his environment in 2 of India's parks.You must see this film if you like tigers. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Without the usual wildlife footage (since cameras obviously weren't around millions of years ago), the folks at Read more

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Reviews (3)

My 3 yr. old son loves this one!
We rented this video and my son watched it about 10 times. After we returned it to the store, he kept asking for it so I am here at Amazon.com to buy it for him. He loves "Spin" the narrating globe.

Highly Entertaining
I watched this video with my two sons, ages 6 and 13, and we all loved it!The music, the photography, the animation, the narration and the fun (and sometimes gross) facts make this video well worth it.What an entertaining way to get kids interested and involved in learning more about the world around them!

Really wild animals
My two sons (ages 5 and 3) LOVE this video.Not only does it cover some of their favorite topics- Dinosaurs, bugs, spiders and snakes - but it also includes very interesting, factual and detailed information.And, it makesit fun!Parents will find this interesting as well. It would be a goodidea to watch it WITH younger children as some kids may be disturbed by themore graphic/scary dinosaur scenes.Dudley Moore is great as the narrator,and we are planning to get more of National Geographic's Really WildAnimals videos! ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Infused with a healthy awe of nature's handiwork, this film is a crash course in physiology. In just 60 minutes the video travels through every inch of the human body, highlighting the various engineering feats accomplished in the course of everyday activity. Tiny cameras expose the forest of taste buds on the tip of a tongue, the cavernous pores in a fingertip, and the eerie clenching action of vocal chords. While the live-action scenes are a bit dated, the visual effects created by x-rays, microscopes, and time-lapse photography are fascinating. Read more

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Good video but very outdated
I remember liking this video as a child so I was anxious to see it again.It's funny how times change.The old Geographic with their big booming narrator voice and documentary scenes that look like they were staged for the camera just don't do it for me anymore.Some of the scenes are still touching but I would reccomend keeping your memories intact and avoid watching this.It's just not worth your time and any expense.

Not just a documentary, but a work of art
I'll start off by saying that the classic National Geographic documentaries played a vital part in my childhood.I rented them from the local video store so many times that the employees there called me"the National Geographic kid."CREATURES OF THE NAMIB DESERT,THE SHARKS, AFRICAN WILDLIFE--these were to me what SNOW WHITE and THELITTLE MERMAID were to other kids.What can I say?I was (and still am) atotal egghead.(I'll be 21 next month.)Read more

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