See it at an IMAX if you possibly can!
This is a fascinating re-enactment of Lewis and Clark's original journey, told with Jeff Bridges doing the voice-over but with real actors and the original locations. It is authentic down to the last detail, including such remarkable scenes as the expedition shooting rapids in canoes made from burn-out trees, and pulling their boats by rope over the mountains of Montana.
If you possibly can, though, catch this one in its IMAX version. The movie's story is entertaining enough but imagine it on a screen several stories high - literally larger than lifesize - with a powerful sound system to match. Imagine how much cooler shooting those rapids is in the IMAX form! If you can't find an IMAX, make sure you've got a big screen and turn the sound up. This is history as exciting as it was when it happened the first time.
Far Too Short
In order to get this film shown in giant screen theaters, I'm assuming NG had to cave in to the time constraints these theaters have for their typical features.This is a shame because the historical recreations, the actors who play the key roles, and the breathtaking photography are so accurate, precise, and authentic that under different circumstances this film could have gone down as one of the most accomplished historical documentaries of all time. Instead it is way, way too short and the story line so condensed you never do get to be engrossed in the details of this legendary accomplishment that to this day still captivates.
That said, then why the five star rating?
Easy. Even in this short capsule form the above mentioned strong points are so compelling you want to watch it again and again.
Sure it's breath taking on the giant screen but your DVD at home will more than suffice to let you join the Corps of Discovery on the epic journey.
Awesome summary of Lewis & Clark's "discovery" of the west!
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!
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