Glaciers: Voices From the Ice 1999
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, New Hampshire 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP
Produced by Trailwood Productions, Inc. and the USDA Forest Service
Directed by Dale Johnson
VHS, color, 30 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Science
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Chris Hebblethwaite, Penfield Library, SUNY OswegoThis program is part of The Alaska Series, a series of individual documentaries about various environmental and historical features of the Alaskan wilderness. It received a Gold Medal Award from the International Film Festival of New York and an “Editor’s Choice Award” from Science Books and Films.
Only a portion of this film is actually about glaciers; it is also about forest ecology and ecological succession. Much like a PBS Nature program, the viewer is presented with beautiful and dramatic cinematography pulled together by an informative narrative. It is evenly paced and a pleasure to watch.
The setting for this film is the Alaskan North Pacific in the vicinity of Tongass National Forest. It opens with a brief overview of the area’s glacial geologic history and then a description of glacier formation, movement, and retreat. The program then examines the ecological succession that occurs on the landscape left behind by retreating glaciers. Moose, mountain goats, geese, grizzly bears, salmon, bald eagles and other native wildlife are shown. As one might expect, this presentation of the U.S. Forest Service highlights the role Alaskan forests have played in supporting the early native cultures and subsequent immigrant populations. The search for gold, the impact of the steam locomotive, and the utilization of the forests for lumber, paper, and fuel are emphasized. The latter portion of this film appears to be a historical look at the cultural and economic development of the area much like one would expect from a tourism promotion.
In order for this 30-minute film to address all of this content, it must do so very superficially. Consequently, it is most appropriate for public and school libraries where children and adolescents can enjoy the beautiful cinematography and interesting narrative in their classrooms or at home with family. A Web site that could be used as a supplement to this film is Tongass National Forest Glacial Facts http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/forest_facts/resources/geology/icefields.htm.
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