Shackleton's Voyage of Endurance

Currently only being made available to the institutional market, the two-hour NOVA special Shackleton's Voyage of Endurance chronicles the incredible survival story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew of 28 on their 1914 Antarctic Expedition, during which they would spend nearly 15 months trapped in the ocean ice packs. After losing the Endurance to the crushing forces of moving ice, the men set sail in lifeboats for Elephant Island, after which a five-man party led by Shackleton embarked on an 800-mile journey over uncharted lands and the most treacherous waters on earth with makeshift supplies and tools. Combining actual film footage and photographs shot by one of the crew members; contemporary on-location photography; commentary from historians, authors, and descendents of the expedition team; and excerpts from the crew's diary and letters, this terrific production recounts a remarkable survival adventure story that continues to appeal to all ages (recently inspiring the A&E miniseries Shackleton, starring Kenneth Branagh). Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: J, H, C, P. (L. Stevens)