The Bottom Line
"Touching the Void" is based on a true story yet it plays out like one of the most intense fictional dramatic movies around. If asked, Hollywood screenwriters would have been at a loss to write a screenplay as gripping as this real life tale.
Pros
- Gripping, edge of your seat entertainment
- The bonus features are as good as the film itself
Cons
- None worth noting
Description
- "Making of 'Touching the Void'" Featurette
- "Return to Siula Grande" - Simpson and Yates return to the mountain for the making of this film
- "What Happened Next" - The story continues for Joe Simpson and Simon Yates
- Theatrical Trailer
- 16x9 Widescreen
- DVD Release Date: June 15, 2004
Guide Review - "Touching the Void" DVD Review
In 1985, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates set out to be the first climbers to the top of Siula Grande, a 21,000 mountain in the Andes. After accomplishing that goal, things go horribly wrong when Joe shatters his leg, the pair encounter blizzard-like weather, have basically no food or water to sustain them, and must face down death as they struggle to survive and get off the mountain.
"Touching the Void" is narrated by Simpson and Yates, so you know while you're watching the film the two do survive. That fact does not make the story any less compelling. With a couple of actors in front of the cameras to give the audience a visual sense of what was going on, Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald succeeds in creating one of the most astounding documentary/dramas to hit theaters in years. With its release on video, audiences who missed out on this must-see film during its very limited theatrical release should run to the video stores to pick up a copy. "Touching the Void" is well worth the rental and/or purchase price.
