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

Noneruptive

geopious | Princeton, New Jersey USA | 10/18/2000

(1 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Some interesting historical footage, no science, poor qualit

Alex | Chapel Hill, NC | 11/10/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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."

A mixed bag

Bruce Reedy | Hopewell Jct, NY USA | 08/23/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"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..."

Poor Eruption Footage

Joshua R. Diener | Bothell, WA USA | 10/20/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"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."