Filmmakers Peter Bardehle and Sebastian Lindemann's spectacular documentary is shot entirely from the sky, where the full majesty of the Alps can best be appreciated. While highlighting the geological splendors of the region uniting Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany, and Italy, The Alps From Above also zeroes in on historical curiosities, such as a church tower emanating from a lake (the only visible remnant of a village sacrificed to a dam project); time-honored human trades (herding dairy cows, strip-mining for ore); natural disasters (avalanches); and the appeal of the surrounding environs for thrill-seekers such as climbers, skiers, hang-gliders, and rock climbers. While the beauty of ancient glaciers and miles of snow can be mesmerizing, the film also addresses the impact of global warming on the Alps, offering clear evidence that hundreds of glaciers are already gone. Combining a cautionary environmental message with eye-popping shots of green valleys, blue lakes, and jutting towers of rock, this is highly recommended. (T. Keogh)
The Alps From Above: A Symphony of Summits
Strand, 94 min., not rated, DVD: $24.99, Feb. 24 Volume 30, Issue 2
The Alps From Above: A Symphony of Summits
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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.
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