The extraordinary beauty and resident mysteries of Antarctica are both a lure and a trap (of sorts), as viewers learn in this exquisite, eye-opening documentary. Largely filmed at an American research station at the bottom of the world (with visits to a few other bases occupied by Russia, South Africa, New Zealand, etc.), Antarctica: A Year On Ice focuses on the relationship between the people who are working in this extreme environment and the strange land in which they function. Filmmaker and renowned nature photographer Anthony Powell captures incredible scenes of mountainous ice, snow, wind, and a sky that will feature constant sunlight for one part of the year and unremitting darkness during another. Animals, green lights undulating overhead, whiteouts, and seas of stars are all common sights in Antarctica, where the people can experience loneliness, homesickness, boredom, and the occasional feeling of humility at being in such a wondrous place. Powell films his subjects at work and play, sometimes blowing off steam in unique, college-prank ways, as he explores the pluses and minuses of life on this still-pristine continent. A gorgeous and meditative documentary, this is highly recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include two audio commentaries (one by director Anthony Powell; the other with Powell and second unit director/wife Christine Powell), a New Zealand radio interview (12 min.), the production featurettes “Ship Offload Time Lapse” (8 min.) and “Saving Scott's and Shackleton's Huts” (5 min.), outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage (4 min.), a brief “A Penguin Ate My Camera” segment, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a lovely documentary.] (T. Keogh)
Antarctica: A Year On Ice
Music Box, 92 min., PG, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $34.95, Apr. 14 Volume 30, Issue 3
Antarctica: A Year On Ice
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: