National Geographic - Lewis & Clark - Great Journey West

I note that this movie hasn't been reviewed for quite a while and it doesn't seem likely you're going to have a chance to see it on IMAX. I did when it first came out which is why I bought this to own. In other reviews I note that some have had technical problems with the wrong disc for their equipment. Be sure you do pick one that is compatible with your choice of video player so you won't be disappointed. Now that many people have bigger, to giant, screens at home, you can better enjoy this there. For my money this is an exceptional production that brings Lewis and Clark alive to kids of every age. it's breathtaking in beauty and in the portrayal of risk that explorers took to map the American Wilderness. One reviewer I noted complained it was too short. It is engrossing and I would love to see more episodes but, as a movie for theaters you must keep it within limits.. I'd love the makers to bring James Alexander Thom's historical novels to the screen with the same excellence. If you've read his work then you have an idea of how fine historical representation only whets an appetite for more.

I was lucky enough to see this 40 minute documentary in a huge IMAX theater last summer and it was unbelievable. Of course, you don't get the same effect with the dvd compared with the big IMAX screen, but this is still very entertaining to watch at home. While it is limited by the film's short length in telling the full story of Lewis and Clark's journey, what it perfectly captures is the majestic beauty of the American West that captivated the Corps of Discovery as it slowly moved towards the Pacific coast. And you at least get a great summary of their journey, including the major events that took place. After watching this short documentary, you should then see Ken Burn's epic, in-depth documentary "Lewis & Clark: the Journey of the Corps of Discovery". Bonus features for the standard edition dvd of "Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West" are a behind-the-scenes program on the making of the documentary, as well as an interactive map. This dvd is highly recommended for all history buffs!

The DVD was as described. Arrived on time. Arrived undamaged. Thank you.

I first saw this in a Omni-Vision Theatre and now owning it on DVD am no less impressed. It is a GREAT portrayal of their journey west. As a student of history and citizen living and working daily along a portion of the Lewis & Clark route, I recall scenes from this film in my mind and of all the various documentaries and feature films available over the years, most of which I have viewed, this docudrama is of the highest quality and quickest pace. I share mine with anyone interested at all, and they come away with a much better knowledge of what took place. And, like I said, it is not exceedingly long like many pieces on the subject, and is fast paced, so holds the attention.

Good story, well described

Even though I am not an Amercan (but an Australian)I love the story of Lewis and Clark, this DVD is just absolutely fantastic, the way they created the re-enactment of their epic journey the "Great Journey West" from St Louis to the Pacific Ocean. The camera work is just mind blowing, the whole documentary leaves you in awe. I first saw it on tv in Australia abour ten years ago and thought then I've got to have a copy of this program and now I do. It was well worth the wait! Do yourself a favour and order this DVD and don't forget to also watch the chapter on the making of this film.

For one who likes the outdoors and regrets the fact that such adventure possibilities are now well and truely done, this DVD show is inspirational. There is bravery, tenacity and a keeness of observation demonstrated by those on the journey. The vastness of an uncorrupted country is laid out before us and we can only imagine what it must have been. The narration is good and the quality of the photography is what one expects of the National Geographic though the repetition of some of the older still is a bit tiring.

I have shown this to my 8th grade American history classes for several years. Just the right run time and packed with rich factual details. Makes the exploration exciting.