MacGillivray Freeman Films

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THE ALPS

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In the thin air above Switzerland, on the sheer rock-and-ice wall known as the Eiger North Face, an American climber is about to embark on the most perilous and meaningful ascent he has ever undertaken: an attempt to scale the mountain that took his father’s life. His extraordinary journey will take him from his home in Oregon to Europe’s majestic mountain range, the Alps, where he will witness the amazing feats of engineering that forged bridges, tunnels and charming villages amidst the peaks; where he will learn about the life-saving science of avalanches; and where he will confront his darkest fears and greatest potential as he climbs to honor his father, who taught him to love Switzerland, mountains and life itself.

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This is the emotional and exhilarating territory of The Alps, the latest film for IMAX® theatres and giant screen cinemas from two-time Academy Award®-nominated producers MacGillivray Freeman Films and presented by Holcim and Switzerland Tourism. Narrating the tale is award-winning actor Michael Gambon, who recently starred as Albus Dumbledore in the last two Harry Potter adventures. Featuring music from rock legends Queen and some of the most spectacular giant-screen imagery yet seen – captured by intrepid helicopter and mountaineering crews – the film celebrates both the unsurpassed beauty of the Alps and the indomitable spirit of the people who live, climb and explore there.

Reviews

"The Alps is a breathtaking survey of death traps in one of the most hazardous mountain ranges on Earth, presented as a giant, IMAX spectacle... One of the most dramatic productions ever seen on Pacific Science Center's 6-story-high IMAX screen-armchair travelers will have a field day." -- Seattle Times

"High adventure. Human drama. Heartbreaking tragedy...[The Alps] is a heart-in-your-throat excursion into the Alpine landscape, interwoven with a true story that has become a climbing legend." -- Arizona Daily Star

"...breathtaking to watch, but also informative, fascinating and emotionally arresting... Gripping viewing for the whole family." (Four stars) -- Tonight (South Africa)

"The dangers were many and the climb was agonizing at points...Harlin's quest for closure is emotional, treacherous and absolutely captivating." -- Montreal Gazette

Awards

Awarded 2 Giant Screen Cinema Association Achievement Awards, 2007

Best Cinematorgraphy
Special Achievement in Filmmaking (for the film’s aerial cinematography)

Merchandise

Blu-ray DVD

Available on Blu-ray DVD

DVD

Available on DVD

Book

The Eiger Obsession: Facing the Mountain That Killed My Father
By John Harlin, III

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