In 1914, explorer Ernest Shackleton set out to become the first man to cross the frozen wastes of the Antarctic continent on foot; however, a combination of treacherous conditions, unexpected changes in weather, and simple bad luck left Shackleton and his crew of 28 men stranded in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments for nearly two years.

Miraculously, Shackleton and his men not only survived, but brought back remarkable footage of their ordeal, thanks to cameraman Frank Hurley, who traveled with Shackleton to record the adventure on film.

The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition, adapted from the book by Caroline Alexander, combines Hurley’s material with newly shot footage tracing the path of Shackleton’s journey, presenting a remarkable true-life tale of courage and human survival against grim odds. Liam Neeson narrates. (Barnes & Noble)

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Several films have documented or dramatized the incredible saga of Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated trans-Antarctic expedition, but The Endurance offers the most comprehensive one-source reference.

Originally presented as a PBS Nova special and narrated by Liam Neeson, this excellent film–based on Caroline Alexander’s acclaimed book, also titled after the ironic name of Shackleton’s doomed ship–chronicles the astonishing events of 1914-16, when Shackleton and 27 crewmen survived against all odds after their ship was crushed in the polar ice floes.

This is the only “Shackleton” film to incorporate new footage, expert interviews, dramatic recreations (without dialogue), and expedition photographer Frank Hurley’s archival film and photographs.

The cumulative effect of this extensive material gives the viewer an almost palpable sense of the expedition’s hardship and unlikely survival, made possible in part by a man who had precisely the required experience and leadership skills, and in part by what can only be described as divine intervention. No matter how you interpret it, this is rightly called “the greatest survival story ever told”. (Amazon)