Polar Bear Arctic Odyssey

In 1982, Norwegian explorer Ragnor Torseth, along with his wife and teenage sons, set out in an open Viking boat to spend an ice-locked arctic winter observing the reaction of polar bears to non-threatening humans. We see the family going about their daily routine, all the while coping with the unforeseen hazards of changing weather, pressure from ice and, of course...polar bears. As spring approaches, the Torseths go in quest of bear colonies and observe one of the greatest concentrations of bear, many of whom become frequent visitors to the boat, resulting in some exciting up close encounters (including bears being fed by human hand). When the bears actually board the ship and pull up anchor (!), it's a sign for the party to head home, the Torseths having concluded that bears are essentially peaceful, sometimes playful and unlikely to attack unless provoked or particularly hungry. Wisely letting nature tell this story, Polar Bear Arctic Odyssey is enhanced by superb nature photography which captures both the beauty and desolation of the region. Recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (J. Reed)