Moby Dick: The True Story

Moby Dick: The True Story


Starring:Curtis Harrison, Greg Atkins (III), Shawn Reynolds, Lucas Madigan, Justin Chatwin (II)
Director: Christopher Rowley
Studio: Family Home Ent
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
You don't need to have read Melville's masterpiece to enjoy this documentary from the Discovery Channel. As the title indicates, there really was truth behind the fiction. There may not have been an Ahab, but there was a Captain Pollard from Nantucket. In 1820, he took his crew on a whaling expedition that turned into one of the most famous maritime disasters of all time. It began when an 85-foot whale rammed the Essex and sunk it (an unusual occurrence, since sperm whales are generally peaceful). The crew collected what rations they could and split into three lifeboats. Two boats weren't rescued until after three months of starvation, madness--and cannibalism. The third was never found. The tale is recounted through reenactments, computer graphic imagery, and commentary from experts in the fields of biology, literature, and psychology. Although it's not officially tied to the book In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex, this program makes a terrific companion piece. Recommended for ages 10 and up due to some graphic descriptions of violence. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Discovery Channel's - Moby Dick, the True Story
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Depressing!
 Discovery Channel's - Moby Dick, the True Story

Manufacturer: Family Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:
  1. Moby Dick
  2. Moby Dick
  3. The Revenge of the Whale: The True Story of the Whaleship Essex
  4. Moby Dick
  5. The Loss of the Ship Essex, Sunk by a Whale (Penguin Classics)

ASIN: B00094HUYG

Product Description

You don't need to have read Melville's masterpiece to enjoy this documentary from the Discovery Channel. As the title indicates, there really was truth behind the fiction. There may not have been an Ahab, but there was a Captain Pollard from Nantucket. In 1820, he took his crew on a whaling expedition that turned into one of the most famous maritime disasters of all time. It began when an 85-foot whale rammed the Essex and sunk it (an unusual occurrence, since sperm whales are generally peaceful). The crew collected what rations they could and split into three lifeboats. Two boats weren't rescued until after three months of starvation, madness--and cannibalism. The third was never found. The tale is recounted through reenactments, computer graphic imagery, and commentary from experts in the fields of biology, literature, and psychology. Although it's not officially tied to the book In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex, this program makes a terrific companion piece. Recommended for ages 10 and up due to some graphic descriptions of violence. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Depressing!.......2006-01-12

The stories behind great literature are usually fascinating. This is pretty interesting. But if you don't like sad topics like being lost, death, and cannibalism, then this is not for you. Yes, this documentary speaks of human triumph, but it has heaps of human tragedy as well. If you liked "The Endurance" narrated by Liam Neeson or Tom Hanks' film where he's stranded on a desert island, then this work is for you. History buffs may also really appreciate this work. I guess those that liked "Perfect Storm" would too. Be prepared to learn the truth but have to witness a terribly sad subject matter.
Moby Dick: The True Story
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • The epic of the Essex
  • Interesting
 Moby Dick: The True Story
Starring: Curtis Harrison , Greg Atkins (III) , Shawn Reynolds , Justin Chatwin (II) , and Lucas Madigan
Director: Christopher Rowley
Manufacturer: Family Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video
World History & CultureWorld History & Culture | History | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video
DVDs Under $14.99DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
( M )( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
Similar Items:
  1. Moby Dick
  2. Moby Dick
  3. Moby Dick
  4. Herman Melville
  5. The Old Man and the Sea

ASIN: B000068MAB
Release Date: 2002-07-23

Amazon.com

You don't need to have read Melville's masterpiece to enjoy this documentary from the Discovery Channel. As the title indicates, there really was truth behind the fiction. There may not have been an Ahab, but there was a Captain Pollard from Nantucket. In 1820, he took his crew on a whaling expedition that turned into one of the most famous maritime disasters of all time. It began when an 85-foot whale rammed the Essex and sunk it (an unusual occurrence, since sperm whales are generally peaceful). The crew collected what rations they could and split into three lifeboats. Two boats weren't rescued until after three months of starvation, madness--and cannibalism. The third was never found. The tale is recounted through reenactments, computer graphic imagery, and commentary from experts in the fields of biology, literature, and psychology. Although it's not officially tied to the book In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex, this program makes a terrific companion piece. Recommended for ages 10 and up due to some graphic descriptions of violence. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The epic of the Essex.......2005-01-08

Herman Melville didn't just imagine the story of a vengeful whale; there was a true life account of one attacking and sinking a whaling ship, the Essex, in the early 1800s. This program relates that story, and the horrors that followed.

The ship was sunk, and the crew was left to fend for themselves in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Some eventually made it back alive. Some did not. The real drama unfolds here, after the whale has long left the scene. And I can assure you, the sailors found themselves in a quandry that most humans hope they never have to face. Riveting stuff.

4 out of 5 stars Interesting.......2003-03-04

I was hoping for some extras not seen on tv. Although the dvd didnt offer much in the way of bonus material it is still a very interesting watch. I dont want to spoil anything for you but I will say that the aftermath is the highlight of the film. And this is the portion of the story Herman Mellville didnt include in moby dick.

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