Mystery of the Nile is a visually stunning adventure. In this documentary you will follow Pasquele Scaturro and his novice crew as they travel from the beginning of the Blue Nile river, over 3000 miles, to the Mediterranean Sea. No one, in the history of man, has ever been able to successfully complete this trip...until the year 2004.

The Blue Nile starts at Lake Tana in the highlands of Ethiopia. The crew meet the people who live there and we learn about their religion and the church they carved out of stone, 40 feet deep into the earth. Leaving from the Ethiopia highlands leads the group into their first white water, hippos and crocodiles. Their inexperience is noticed, leading the viewer to wonder how they will ever make it to the end. They encounter Tis Issat falls, where they have to lower their equipment and themselves by rope.

Next, the team enters Sudan, via the Blue Nile. At Khartoum the Blue Nile and White Nile merge to form the Nile River. Worried about civil fighting, many of the members chose to leave the group and meet them in Egypt. Those that choose to go on find friendly people, interested in interacting with these explorers. We get to see a marketplace and a camel auction. Before leaving Sudan, viewers visit a Nubian ghost town and hear the history of why they are no longer there.

In Egypt we're led into pyramids to witness their wonders. The crew take us with them to visit a pyramid that had been moved block by block to higher ground to save it from the rising Nile water. Scaturro's account gives a glimpse into what a huge feat this was. Boating past Cairo, we hear how happy the expedition leader is at seeing a city and nearing his journey's end. Some of the crew add their thoughts and mention how they are changed people, due to their fantastic adventure.

The only team member to make the entire trip with Scaturro is Gordon Brown. Brown, an expert kayaker, is along to aid in keeping everyone alive. He appears to be the one in most danger. He's attacked by a 14 foot crocodile, shot at by bandits and takes, what appears, to be huge risks.

This 47 minute IMAX documentary is one of the best I have seen. The narration by someone who is living the adventure adds a dimension that others, with actors, don't have. The crew, that comes and goes along the way, interacts well and adds different views to this great journey. Mohammad, a "city boy", is interesting to watch as he tests himself along the way. The music adds a perfect backdrop for the action. I wish every IMAX travel documentary was as amazing as Mystery of the Nile.

*IMAX documentaries are watched on DVD in my home*


Other Imax:Travel Reviews

IMAX - Alaska: Spirit of the World

IMAX - Africa: The Serengeti

IMAX - Mountain Gorilla


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD