Over Alaska

Over Alaska is an awe-inspiring, visually stunning documentary produced by PBS that offers a breathtaking bird's eye view on the Land of the Midnight Sun. As if a journey on a magic carpet, this rare, beautifully filmed documentary takes viewers on an exhilarating flight across the towering expanse of America's largest state, capturing Alaska's profound natural beauty in ways not seen before.

The film opens towards the southeast corner of Alaska, just north of British Columbia, where we glide over Misty Fjords National Monument, an area spread across two million acres, streaked with snow-tipped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and glacial valleys. From the comfort of your couch, you'll soar above the majestic, vast Alaskan wilds, admiring endless panoramas of icy landscapes, rugged mountain ranges, and arctic tundra, unveiling an untouched part of the world largely inaccessible to the average traveler.

One of the movie's great highlights is its breath-taking flight over Denali National Park, home to the highest peak in North America. At the heart of this key segment, viewers are taken on a trip ascending to the towering summit of Mount McKinley (now known as Denali), a sight to behold for even the discerning eyes. The majestic park's wildlife, including brown bears and moose, seen from a distance, affords a unique perspective of the thriving ecosystem in this frosty expanse.

The documentary then journeys to Prince William Sound, a maze of fjords where glaciers shed icebergs into the sea. There, viewers are introduced to the Columbia Glacier, one of the fastest-moving glaciers globally, thwarted as a significant contributor to global sea-level rise. It's a chilling reminder of the current global warming crisis, interlacing natural grandeur with a significant environmental issue.

Over Alaska also provides an insight into the life of Alaskans, albeit from a graceful flyover perspective. The cameras offer a peek into the capital city of Juneau, the famous Glacial Bay, native Alaskan towns, and some of the most remote communities on earth. We are introduced to Anchorage, Alaska's most populous city, sharing enchanting views over the picturesque downtown with the dense, snow-capped Chugach Mountains providing a sublime backdrop.

One of the awe-striking parts of the film carries viewers over the barren landscapes above the Arctic Circle along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, revealing the vast and silent wilderness that is home only to migrating caribou and the northern lights. This spectacle of nature's beauty, combined with Alaska's fascinating history and industrial impact on the landscape, makes this film a captivating journey.

All throughout, the movie is characterized by superb aerial videography that crafts every frame into a breathtaking spectacle. The filmmakers expertly blend these visuals with a well-curated soundtrack and informative narration which together transport the audience into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness. Viewers will find themselves swept away by the beauty and majesty of Alaska’s wilderness, brought to life through excellent cinematography and immersive storytelling techniques.

Apart from environmental exploration, Over Alaska dives into a bit of history as well. It sheds interesting light on the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 and explores the state's rich native culture, giving further depth to the Alaskan experience beyond just its landscapes.

In essence, Over Alaska is a well-crafted documentary that effectively brings the raw beauty and grandeur of Alaska to your living room. It's a mesmerizing exploration of some of the world's most remote and stunning landscapes, inviting viewers into this chilly paradise's many wonders, from its towering peaks and lively cities to its dense forests and icy waterfronts. As a testament to its natural beauty and resilience, the film truly does justice to the unrivaled, wild majesty of Alaska.

Over Alaska is more than just a visual feast- it's an immersive, breathtaking experience that offers an intimate view of Alaska's incredible landscapes, appealing to nature lovers, armchair travelers, or anyone who appreciates our planet's remarkable beauty. This is a must-see for those interested in natural landscapes, environmentalism, or simply the grand spectacle of the Last Frontier.