Encounters at the End of the World

German filmmaker Werner Herzog takes an absorbing but bleak look at life in Antarctica. He arrives at the U.S.-run McMurdo Station, which looks to him like “an ugly mining town filled with construction sites.” He appears genuinely upset that the residents seem to prefer bowling alleys and yoga classes to nature’s majesties. Herzog doesn’t hesitate to offer his views, and when shown a truly massive iceberg, he wonders how fast it’ll melt due to global warming. Despite questionable pronouncements, Encounters succeeds because Herzog manages to capture many great moments with his colorful interview subjects, members of perhaps the hardiest community on Earth.

Shelf Talk: This one will appeal to environmentalists, global-warming alarmists and Herzog devotees—dedicated groups but not exactly the constituencies one looks to for big DVD sales. Encounters is strictly a niche item.