Overview: In 1925's historic great race of mercy, a group of brave mushers travel 700 miles to save the small children of Nome, Alaska from a deadly epidemic.

DVD: 'The Great Alaskan Race' is yet another captivating angle to what was already an incredible real life story.

All of the films I've personally seen about this historic, and true event are very good, including this version, which is why I highly recommend it, of course.

I recently also watched the movie Togo and thought that it was pretty good, which is what you would expect from a Disney film.

That said, and playing Devil's Advocate, Disney (again, in my humble opinion) has a extremely damaging habit of anthropomorphizing animals.

For the sled dogs in this marathon were, in fact, not conscious of carrying serum and were not performing any different than had they been on any other long distance competitive races.

This film provides a warm and interesting reflection of the man who contributed 80% of the rescue effort, Leonard Shepard. His own daughter was one of the sick children, which was a very compelling motivation for Mr. Shepard to get the serum back to Nome expeditiously.

Watch Togo, or for that matter Balto and you'd think the dogs were conscious of their mission. What these dogs are, are amazing athletes, amazing social group/pack on a sled team with driver, and working in conditions that are both extreme and beautiful.

In closing, the acting was great - I mean, come on, when is Treat Williams ever anything but the best actor working at his greatest levels - and the scenery truly, and stunningly beautiful (although it was actually filmed in Colorado, not Alaska! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

• “The Making of The Great Alaskan Race
• “Behind-the-Scenes with the Iditarod”
• “Beargrease Race Kick off Video”
• “Mushers Review The Great Alaskan Race

This special educational bundle includes a 3-Film Collection (Why Do They Run? Documentary, The Great Alaskan Race film, and Lure of the North Documentary) and bonus features for over an hour of new content for families to enjoy on Digital & DVD now!

'Why Do They Run?' - Produced by the Emmy award winning Insider Production Team, this short documentary takes a fascinating look at the sled dog to answer the burning question: “Why do they run?”

In just 33 minutes viewers will get insight and testimony from leading veterinarians and scientists that answer this very question. A true “must see” for any dog lover!

'Lure of The North' - This short documentary film profiles Blake and Jennifer Freking, a musher family from Finland, Minnesota who care for 60+ purebred Siberian Huskies.

With over 20 years of working with the breed, they have each competed in numerous long-distance sled dog races including the Iditarod, Yukon Quest, and The John Beargrease Marathon.

The film explores the challenges of living and raising a family off-grid in the snowiest region of Minnesota and captures the Frekings’ devotion to the sport, spirit of adventure, and commitment to the well-being of their huskies.

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