Review of Eight Below (2006) by Kenr — 27 May 2019

This big budget American re-make of the Japanese “Antarctica” is quite special in its attention to detail and very obvious stylised production values. Director Frank Marshal pulls out all stops to bring this gripping tale to the screen through stunning photography and some strong casting – the best of these is the late, and at all times believable, Paul Walker (Flags of our Fathers ‘06) playing a guide for the National Science Foundation. He manages and nurtures the scientist’s Dog Team - a mixture of Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies. These highly intelligent animals are nothing short of astounding – as seen in the remarkable performances of their highly trained duties (a testimony to their trainers).

Based on the ill-fated 1958 Japanese Antarctica expedition - it’s a semi-retelling of the original drama that allows more of the Dogs to survive than did originally (probably for family considerations) and takes us on a tour de force survival adventure, with some genuine shocks on the way! Many inspirational situations help to overcome the coy addition of a comic type character in Jason Biggs but this has to be tolerated for the sake of ‘entertainment’/sales marketing - it might have been helpful to reduce this character’s screen time to bring down the movies overlong running time but, this will vary with personal choice. Mark Isham’s big music score is as vast as Don Burgess’ inspiring widescreen photography. Strong family entertainment on the fact-based dramatic side that’s curiously not run as often as it deserves. Fine DVD transfer.