Endurance is the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's daring expedition to cross the Antarctic. In August of 1914, Shackleton and 27 crewmen boarded The Endurance on their way to the frozen continent. Expedition photographer Frank Hurley captured much of the journey on film, both movie and still photography, which, along with personal diaries, was used to compile this moving documentary.

During December of 1914, the Endurance entered ice fields in the Weddell Sea. Navigating through the pack-ice was perilous. With approximately 100 miles left in their journey, Shackleton made the fateful decision to stop and wait for a break in the ice. However, an extreme drop in temperature caused the ice to enclose the ship, leaving it unable to proceed. Trapped in the drifting pack-ice the crew lived aboard ship for ten months.

Finally, with the ship succumbing to the ice, Shackleton gave the order to abandon ship. Carrying minimal supplies and dragging three lifeboats, the crew began a march in search of safety.

Before leaving the ship behind, Hurley salvaged all of his photographic negatives. However, in order to travel light, he would not be allowed to keep them all. The narrator gives the following account:

"Together, he (Frank Hurley) and Shackleton selected 120 negatives and sealed them in tin canisters. The remaining 400 Shackleton had Hurley destroy, so he would not be tempted to recover them later."

Although The Endurance surrendered to the ice and sank to the bottom of the Weddell Sea, Shackleton would eventually lead all of his crew home to safety.

On our journey there are some things that must be laid aside, perhaps even destroyed, lest they hinder us.

Elapsed time: From the opening logo, 00:38:12 to 00:38:26.

Content: Rated G