Bears

I happen to love documentaries, because one can never learn too much, and they give us a plethora of information. One of the best franchises on the planet is that of the Disneynature corral. We have seen great films beautifully shot: "Earth" '07, "Oceans" '09, "African Cats" '11, "Chimpanzee" '12, and the upcoming 2015 "Monkey Kingdom". But first, their new film, "Bears" is a shorter film, running time wise, but just as informational and stunning as its predecessors.

In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature's New True Life Adventure "Bears" showcases the first year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs, Amber and Scout are taught, by mom bear Sky, life's most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan Peninsula backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the brown bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting--but risky--as the cubs' playful descent down the mountain carries it with a looming threat of avalanches. As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run while staying safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present grey wolf. They also are guided by a lone raven in the hopes of finding food. "Bears" captures the fast-moving action and suspense of life in one of the planet's last great wildernesses--Alaska!

This was effectively narrated by actor, John C. Reilly. I really didn't think he could pull it off, but I have to say, he gave it just the right amount of emotion--lightness, seriousness that's needed to take place in order for everything else in the documentary to work.

This was directed by master documentarian Alastair Fothergill ("Deep Blue" '03, "Earth" '07, "African Cats" '11, "Chimpanzee" '12) and by Keith Scholey ("African Cats" '11). It was co-directed by Adam Chapman. The principal photography was headed up by Warwick Sloss and included Sophie Darlington, John Shier and others. As with the other Disneynature documentaries, this was loaded with a ton of information such as the brown bear's sense of smell is seven times stronger than that of a blood hound, and that 50% of brown bears don't survive the first year. And without the patience and determination of the mother bear, that percentage would probably be that much less.

This is a film that must be seen by one and all--it's got it all: breathtaking photography, adventure, and action all rolled into a small 78 minute running time that will sure to inspire and possibly cause people to appreciate these wonderful creatures even more.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                           Rated: G                            78mins.