Disneynature has done it again with the amazing film BEARS. As we have come to expect with Disneynature films, BEARS allows the audience to have an up-close interaction with wildlife that the average person would never see in their daily lives. The movie begins with mother bear Sky emerging from winter hibernation with cubs, Amber and Scout. The Alaskan scenery is simply breathtaking as we walk down the mountain with the family and learn what it takes to survive. Finding food is critical, but this task is not easy as there are other bears to contend with as well as a wolf who has an interest in the cubs. Viewers will learn what it means to go “mama bear” on anyone who might be a threat. With some bears weighing 1000 pounds and standing at 10 feet tall, it is absolutely crazy to think that the filmmakers were actually in close proximity. As I learned in the bonus features, the bears are to be respected, but not feared. Too many times movies and television show them as ferocious beasts on the attack. The crew was with the bears for 2 years, and there was never an incident with them. Learning about these animals and why the habitat needs to be protected is why Disneynature films are so important. I cannot wait to show this movie to my 5th grade science classes when we study animals and the environment. I can add this to my collection that includes Oceans, Chimpanzee, African Cats, and Earth. Being able to see the world and the animals we must protect is so much better for my inner city students than just reading about it in a textbook. I also always point out all of the careers that they could have when we watch the credits. Maybe one of them could be a wildlife photographer or a director. I know one little girl who will be the world’s greatest meerkat protector. Disneynature’s BEARS on blu-ray and DVD is a wonderful film for all ages. I look forward to Earth Day 2015 and the release of Monkey Kingdom. The more Disneynature can teach us about the Earth, the more likely that future generations will be able to enjoy majestic animals that roam the world.
