Well done, more human than some of the other documentaries of the time. Some incredible shots of the Hilary Step that I had not seen before. Focuses on the year after the tragic - "Into Thin Air" expeditions with some of the same characters included. Also includes some interesting scientific studies done on the effects of high altitude on climbers (specifically the long term effects). For me, the weakest part of this documentary is Jodi Foster's narration. She seems to be going through the motions and several times became annoyed at the what seemed to me her, "I am Jodi Foster and yes I am narrating this, just don't forget I am Jodi Foster" attitude. Unlike, for example, DeNiro's excellent narration in the Lenny Bruce documentary "Swear to Tell the Truth" she becomes somewhat overbearing and omnipresent. Other than that, a very well done documentary and a great companion piece to the Imax Movie "Everest".
2 Reviews
Physiological limit against extreme conditions
ebiros215 September 2012
I have interest in limit endurance, and how to develop situational awareness. One of the speculation I have on this issue is that if you expose yourself to non-repetitive semi- dangerous situations, your situational awareness goes up.
People who climb Mt. Everest are chronically exposed to this type of stimulations, and also they are exposed to low oxygen level. This program is a first scientific research I've seen on what happens to human body that's under constant exposure to this type of stress.
The program shows what happens to people's alertness and physical prowess under low oxygen stress. While superficially appearing t be normal, under grated testing done by the researchers, it's obvious that there are deterioration in their brain's ability to process information.
After seeing this program, it became obvious to me that there is a breaking point for human body under constant repeated stress. I've also came to the conclusion that this is not the best ways to improve limit endurance and situational awareness.
On the other hand, I have renewed respect for these climbers, especially for Edmund Hillary, and Tenzing Norgay who were the first to climb Mt. Everest. When they climbed they didn't have the lightweight equipment, or ropes to help them make their climb. They didn't even have the established safe route to the summit.
There's no guarantee in these conditions for human survival, and one out of every 6 people who climb this mountain dies. But with the research being done by researchers like these, how to buck the deterioration in physiology becomes more clear.
It was very interesting to watch this show to see how people respond to altitude, and what's actually happening to them physiologically. Psychometric test performed during the climb, and blood oxygen level test indicates how body's system does under those conditions.
People who climb Mt. Everest are chronically exposed to this type of stimulations, and also they are exposed to low oxygen level. This program is a first scientific research I've seen on what happens to human body that's under constant exposure to this type of stress.
The program shows what happens to people's alertness and physical prowess under low oxygen stress. While superficially appearing t be normal, under grated testing done by the researchers, it's obvious that there are deterioration in their brain's ability to process information.
After seeing this program, it became obvious to me that there is a breaking point for human body under constant repeated stress. I've also came to the conclusion that this is not the best ways to improve limit endurance and situational awareness.
On the other hand, I have renewed respect for these climbers, especially for Edmund Hillary, and Tenzing Norgay who were the first to climb Mt. Everest. When they climbed they didn't have the lightweight equipment, or ropes to help them make their climb. They didn't even have the established safe route to the summit.
There's no guarantee in these conditions for human survival, and one out of every 6 people who climb this mountain dies. But with the research being done by researchers like these, how to buck the deterioration in physiology becomes more clear.
It was very interesting to watch this show to see how people respond to altitude, and what's actually happening to them physiologically. Psychometric test performed during the climb, and blood oxygen level test indicates how body's system does under those conditions.
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