The Eruption of Mount St. Helens (Large Format)

Starring:Robert Foxworth
Director: George Casey
Studio: CAV Distribution
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
This documentary on the May 1980 eruption of Washington's Mount St. Helens volcano does a fine job of explaining why the mountain exploded, but what distinguishes this production is its spectacular cinematography. Originally shown in IMAX theaters, this film presents highly detailed and lavish views of the gorgeous scenery of the Pacific Northwest, both as they appeared before the top 1,300 feet of Mount St. Helens was blown into the sky and during the disaster's dramatic aftermath. When the first eruption occurred on the morning of May 18, 1980, the entire region was showered with gray ash, and the footage of towns that took on a wintry appearance in the springtime is truly eerie. For weeks after the mountain blew, it created its own unstable weather system, but when the clouds finally cleared and camera crews could fly near the volcano, the footage they brought back was stunning. Shots of what had been wooded mountainsides made utterly desolate are terrifying, and they dramatize how powerful and deadly a volcano can be. More recent footage showing the landscape after it recovered is inspiring and reassuring, and this film, which was nominated for an Academy Award, will leave viewers in awe of both the beauty and violent fury of Mount St. Helens. --Robert J. McNamara

The Eruption of Mount St. Helens (Large Format)
Average customer rating:

Some interesting historical footage, no science, poor quality film

Poor Eruption Footage

noneruptive

A mixed bag

A reasonable DVD but a little short.

The Eruption of Mount St. Helens (Large Format)
Starring: Robert Foxworth
Director: George Casey
Manufacturer: CAV Distribution
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Release Date: 2000-05-23

Amazon.com

This documentary on the May 1980 eruption of Washington's Mount St. Helens volcano does a fine job of explaining why the mountain exploded, but what distinguishes this production is its spectacular cinematography. Originally shown in IMAX theaters, this film presents highly detailed and lavish views of the gorgeous scenery of the Pacific Northwest, both as they appeared before the top 1,300 feet of Mount St. Helens was blown into the sky and during the disaster's dramatic aftermath. When the first eruption occurred on the morning of May 18, 1980, the entire region was showered with gray ash, and the footage of towns that took on a wintry appearance in the springtime is truly eerie. For weeks after the mountain blew, it created its own unstable weather system, but when the clouds finally cleared and camera crews could fly near the volcano, the footage they brought back was stunning. Shots of what had been wooded mountainsides made utterly desolate are terrifying, and they dramatize how powerful and deadly a volcano can be. More recent footage showing the landscape after it recovered is inspiring and reassuring, and this film, which was nominated for an Academy Award, will leave viewers in awe of both the beauty and violent fury of Mount St. Helens. --Robert J. McNamara

Customer Reviews:

Some interesting historical footage, no science, poor quality film.......2005-11-11

Do not be fooled by the advertisement. This movie is only 26 minutes long! Although sold as a "former" I-MAX movie the footage was clearly shot on film of a much lower grade and quality. This DVD was released in 2000 but the original movie was actually shot soon after the eruption - most of the time you get the "hazy" 1980s TV-quality picture.

Other than a few great shots of the eruption (some repeats here) there is no science to speak about. Words like lahar, pyroclastic flow, or Plinian eruption are not used. This is a descriptive video without any background, analysis of processes, or scientific background. This video would never even be nominated for best documentary today - there simply isn't enough information in it. If you played this video in a classroom without the sound you wouldn't miss anything.

Am I the only one to notice the helicopter's rotor blades at the top of the screen on virtually every aerial shot?

If you want some nice historical footage of the eruption - this is a good video (though short) - if you are looking for a classroom tool loaded with good science and information - don't bother.

Poor Eruption Footage.......2004-10-20

I was really disapointed, for the price you pay you sure do not get much footage of the Eruption. I live in Seattle and was hoping to learn a lot about the Eruption and honestly didnt learn a single thing. Eruption footage only lasts maybe 1 minute of the entire movie.

noneruptive.......2000-10-19

My college graduation was cancelled when the eruption of Mount Saint Helens sent a boiling ash cloud east and covered Spokane, WA. This personal experience hightened my anticipation of the DVD release of "The Eruption of Mount St. Helens." I even put money down for an advance purchase. But, alas, the film is sorely lacking in 1) scientific explanation, 2) IMAX quality images, and 3) a decent script. Believe me -- I'm not picky! I love all the IMAX format DVD I've purchased. But this one was a big disappointment. There is so much more that could have been captured -- from the personal stories that collided with the eruption to the scientific/natural marvel of a volcano blasting away in the modern era. The eruption of Mount Saint Helens was an unexpected event, and I realize that the visual material available for this production is limited. But I did expect that, twenty years after the event, someone could edit the material with more skill, better interpretation, and a sharper sense of the drama of that terrible/incredible day.

A mixed bag.......2000-08-23

A mix of decent photography and before (1980) and after (1990) snippets, but overall, not very impressive. No character studies of those affected are included, and certain aerial shots seem to be repeated throughout. Although it was originally shown on IMAX, clearly much of the photography was not shot with IMAX cameras. The CD cover says "Academy Award nominee for best short documentary" - that was apparently a very slow year for documentaries...

A reasonable DVD but a little short........2000-08-05

I was disappointed to find that the documentary was only 34 minutes long.There is another documentary of similar time,but no other extras.It does have some spectacular footage from the air and some film on the ground.The "before and after" film footage of areas around Mount St Helens is amazing.The DVD also has a series of photos taken of the eruption which are quite spectacular and the documentary conveys the huge size of the explosion.Worth having just to see the might of Mount St Helens.

Fire Mountain: The Eruption and Rebirth of Mount St. Helens

Average customer rating:

Fire Mountain: The Eruption and Rebirth of Mount St. Helens

Manufacturer: Total Content
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Eruption of Mount St. Helens (Large Format)
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ASIN: B000ARXFIM
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Description

Two hundred and thirty square miles leveled in moments… Five hundred and forty million tons of ash and volcanic rock exploded twelve miles high… One cubic mile of earth blasted from the crest of one of the world's most beautiful snowcapped domes… Captured in rare and spectacular aerial photography and survivor's own words and pictures, witness the terrifying fury of the worst volcanic disaster in American history. Then, behold the miraculous natural recover of the land and the new and awesome beauty of the volcano today, nearly two decades since it's devastating eruption. Guided by Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument geologists, learn the prehistoric secrets of the mountain. Now you can decide which is the most awe-inspiring story the mountain has to tell; it's cataclysmic eruption or it's incredible rebirth.

Fire & Fury - Genesis, Ring of Fire, Eruption of Mount St. Helens (Large Format 3-Pack)

Average customer rating:

Fire & Fury - Genesis, Ring of Fire, Eruption of Mount St. Helens (Large Format 3-Pack)
Starring: Imax
Manufacturer: Sling Shot
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Manufacturer: Goodtimes
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Product Description

Two hundred and thirty square miles leveled in moments... Five hundred and forty million tons of ash and volcanic rock exploded 12 miles high. One cubic mile of earth blasted from the crest of one of the worlds most beautiful snow capped domes. Captured in rare and spectacular ariel photography and survivors own words and pictures, witness the terrifying fury of the worst volcanic disaster in American history. Then behold the miraculous natural recovery of the land and the new and awesome beauty of the volcano today.

The Eruption of Mount St. Helens! [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

The Eruption of Mount St. Helens! [Region 2]
Starring: Robert Foxworth
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ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000AZVGW

Fire and Ice Large Format Collection (The Eruption of Mount St. Helens, Ring of Fire & Genesis)

Average customer rating:

Some interesting historical footage, no science, poor quality film
Poor Eruption Footage
noneruptive
A mixed bag
A reasonable DVD but a little short.

Fire and Ice Large Format Collection (The Eruption of Mount St. Helens, Ring of Fire & Genesis)
Starring: Malachi Throne , Robert Foxworth , Gary Rosenquist , Lawrence Blair , and Dr. Norman Banks
Director: George Casey
Manufacturer: Sling Shot
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Nature & Wildlife | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

Documentary | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

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