Independent Lens: Facing the Storm: Story of the American Bison [HD]

Terrific Film about Destroying and Saving a Symbol of American Majesty
Can the buffalo survive?
In this new century, we all are asking: Can America survive as the world's greatest democracy? Instead, we ought to be asking other urgent questions, including: Can we preserve the American bison--better known as the buffalo--the symbol of American majesty and the true fruit of America's plains from sea to shining sea?

A shortened version of this film was shown on PBS in April 2012 and, if you saw it, you should know that the PBS series routinely cuts documentaries like this. What aired was slightly more than 50 minutes, so you'll find another half an hour in the DVD.

So, why should we care about the bison? Here are three reasons.

THE HISTORICAL REASON: As we quickly learn in this dramatic retelling of the American bison's story, there is no greater symbol of America's wasted abundance than the buffalo. Through relentless hunting, the population went from more than 30 million to a tiny handful left in a remote valley of...

Important Issue and Quality Film
This movie is extremely insightful and offers the logic of bison "management" in the United States for over a century. Producers rely on primary sources and interviews to explicate the plight of the buffaloes throughout time. It offers diverse perspectives on bison politics ranging from Native Americans to cattle ranchers. Most of all the film helps the viewer to decipher their position on the issue by presenting economic and environmental perspectives in a neutral manner. Overall, this movie offers a balance of entertainment and information which is seldom seen in documentaries.

A Tremendous Documentary!!!!
Facing the Storm: Story of the American Bison is one of the only Documentaries about the American Bison on DVD. It is very informative and traces the history of the orignal American Animal on the North American Continent through the years.
Once there were 60 million who roamed the Great Plains, then came planned extermination and finally reclaimation and rebirth. Thank goodness there were men like Dr Hornaday and Teddy Roosevelt who had the foresight and vision to save this magestic animal and symbol of America for posterity. Long live the Great American Bison!!!!

Note: Never approach a Bison in the wild, they are unpredictable. When they get angry, their tails stand up!!! And they will charge you if provoked. So be careful when trying to view Bison in the National Parks for your own safety. Keep a safe distance. They may look like docile Cattle but they are not!!!

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