Journey Into Amazing Caves

Boldly going to places (deep, narrow, occasionally underwater) that would give even Captain Kirk the willies, microbiologist Dr. Hazel Barton and second-grade teacher/tech specialist Nancy Aulenbach traverse the globe--diving in caves in Yucatan, rappelling down cliff faces in 112 degree heat in the Grand Canyon, and descending sheer ice walls in Greenland--searching for "extremophiles" (microscopic creatures in harsh environments) that might hold the key to developing new medical cures. Originally shown in IMAX theatres, the award-winning MacGillivray/Freeman team's latest--narrated by Liam Neeson, and boasting a Moody Blues soundtrack--is a visually breathtaking, suspenseful (this would be the spelunker's version of extreme sports), and illuminating odyssey that takes viewers about as far off the beaten path as it's possible to get, while also offering insights into cutting edge research in Earth's remote places. The DVD includes a 40-minute "making of" that goes behind-the-scenes for a look at the challenges faced by Barton, Aulenbach, and the IMAX filmmakers. Highly recommended. Aud: I, J, H, C, P. (R. Pitman)