Documentary review: "Bears" (2014)

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“Bears” is another Disney Nature documentary and the title is self explanatory. The movie follows Kodiak brown bear Sky and her newborn cubs Scout and Amber during the cubs’ first year in the Alaskan wilderness. Surviving that first year is critical because the mortality rate for cubs is 50 percent. Scout and Amber were born during winter hibernation in Sky’s den beneath the snow. When spring emerges so do the bears to make the long and arduous trek to reach salmon runs. Sky requires 90 pounds of salmon daily to store enough fat to last through hibernation and feed the cubs. Photography is outstanding at capturing breathtaking views of stunning Alaskan scenery. One of the dangers facing the bears as they head down the mountain are melting snows causing avalanches. There is a spectacular avalanche cascading down in billowing clouds of snow. “Bears” is aimed at young viewers so plenty of comical cub moments are shown particularly of the adventurous Scout. The cubs are playful and cuddly cute and amazingly will grow from furry little critters into massive beasts like Sky. The quest for food is paramount. If Sky does not eat well soon, the milk will run out for her cubs. Bears will munch on grass in a pinch. At the seashore, Sky’s extraordinary sense of smell roots out hidden clams. Turning over rocks at low tide reveals edible little eel fish. Bears will even chow down on crunchy muscle beds. But they need nutritious salmon and plenty of it. The movie discusses the migration spawning process of salmon and how they must have a period of adjustment to adapt from salt to fresh water. That is one point in which the bears feed. Countless bears jockey for position and instinctively know which spots to go to. The ultimate feeding grounds are spawning pools way upstream. The movie goes for dramatic effect by placing Sky in a desperate race against time to reach a good feeding spot. Water teaming with countless salmon is a remarkable sight and their numbers are not dented by hungry bears in an example of harmonious balance of nature. Dangers abound for the bears from being trapped by incoming high tide to the cubs being stalked by a ravenous wolf. There is danger form their own kind for a hungry bear will kill and eat a cub. For another two years, Sky will repeat the process with her cubs until Scout and Amber are ready for life on their own. Narration is provided by actor John C. Reilly. Dialogue is a bit too cutesy comical at times which is for benefit of watching children. “Bears” is fine family viewing and audiences will delight in the beautiful visuals and amazing footage the crew caught on film of these dangerous and magnificent creatures.