The listing, Eight Below DVD (Full Screen) PAUL WALKER-{brand new in box} has ended.
Inspired by the Japanese movie (released in the United States as ANTARTICA), which was based upon the true story of a 1958 Japanese expedition, the real antecedent of this movie is Egerton R. Young's marvelous memoir of his dogsled team, first published in 1902. This was the first book to detail the different personalities among dogs and the first to describe their work ethic and sense of responsibility.
Jack London acknowledged his debt to Egerton Young's memoirs (among other sources) which he took to craft the dogsled team in THE CALL OF THE WILD, something missing in the various incarnations of the novel on film. EIGHT BELOW captures the real intelligence of siberian huskies (well, two of them are malamutes) better than any movie I've ever seen. Sure, this is just a movie and tricks were used to make it appear that these dogs do what they seem to do. But huskies do smile, laugh, worry, think, and bond--and if you don't agree, then you just don't know them.
Yes, there are some sentimental and maudlin moments in this film, but there is also a sense of naturalism and a declaration of personal responsibility. An adventure film that is rare and welcome and worth seeing again.
The musical score is beautiful and nicely edited to fit the mood of each scene, ambient but not overwhelming. Both humans and dogs are underplayed, and it struck me as a movie for adults who can use their imagination to fill in the gaps in understated dialogue and character development. The beauty of the scenery is often breathtaking.
Drama, Adventure, Kids & Family
Director
Frank Marshall
Starring
Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood
Supporting actors
Moon Bloodgood, Wendy Crewson, Gerard Plunkett, August Schellenberg, Jason Biggs, D.J., Timba, Koda, Jasmin, Apache, Buck, Noble, Troika, Flapjack, Dino, Sitka, Chase, Floyd
Studio
Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA rating
PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)