Loved the show, but my intelligent beloved had to talk throughout pointing out errors in fact. One being when Jeff called antlers 'horns' and the other when Jeff said he was going to 'snag' himself some salmon...according to my beloved 'snagging' is illegal. Did anyone else catch those errors ?
I really didn't catch those errors. I guess I was more focused on the bigger ones made during the show, beginning with the fact that Corwin drove a personal vehicle throughout Denali. In my opinion, this would encourage someone to think that they too would be able to do this when visiting the park, when in reality you cannot do this, unless of course you enter and are awarded a pass to drive into the park during the September road lottery. Unless that happens you cannot drive past the Savage Rock point (14 miles into the park).
The other thing that really irked me was the shots of the bears in the rivers. These shots were NOT made in Denali, and it really is very deceiving to someone planning to visit the park. While I won't dispute that the shots of bears (the mom with cubs) in the meadows were actually shot in Denali, those shots of the bears in the water fishing for salmon were shot at Brooks Falls over in Katmai Nat'l Park which is 2 hours south of Anchorage by plane (in other words, no where near Denali.)
I realize that the show is "designed" to entice people to visit the great state of Alaska, but come on... at least be honest about what, where and how people will be able to view the wildlife.
I couldn't agree more with rd! Not only does Corwin drive a personal vehicle into (supposedly) the Denali wilderness, it's a monster vehicle! One can only hope that the actual site of his assault on the landscape was on private property outside the park, and even then it was a disgusting spectacle. Too bad he had to make it seem like this was a legitimate way to discover Denali.
Yes, those were most definitely the Brooks Falls/McNeil River bears in the teaser shots and previews. I couldn't believe some editor somewhere would have given that footage a "pass" in creating those promos.
I also found Corwin's claim that he "climbed Mt. McKinley" to be a bit of a stretch. He hiked on Ruth Glacier and spent some time scaling a rock face, but I don't think those qualify as climbing McKinley, do you? Not to mention that, judging from all the fireweed in bloom in several shots, the crew was there in June or July when climbing on McKinley is pretty much shut down...
Oh, and note that the teasers leading up to Corwin's weak explanation of mountain formation showed lava fountains shooting out of a volcano somewhere (Hawaii, Central America??), implying that the Alaska Range was formed in such a manner or that you might actually see such a thing in Alaska...yes, AK has volcanoes, but they are not the cinder cone variety depicted in the previews.
Needless to say, I was very disappointed with this program. For someone who introduces himself as a biologist and anthropologist, Corwin demonstrated either extremely poor judgment and lack of basic knowledge OR was at the mercy of producers and writers who just didn't care about getting their facts straight.
I just left alaska and was too caught up in the scenery to catch the errors. Although, I doubt he would purposely make those errors. The man can't know everything and what he doesn't know the producers ought to make sure he knows what he's saying. Some checks and balances for sure. Anyway I enjoyed the show, and am willing to overlook the errors. I had to chuckle about the scene being shot at Katmai though.
Interesting points. Snagging is legal in all salt water in Alaska. Of all the movies made in Alaska the faults found with Jeff's version is no different than any other. I have seen many films made in Alaska and who would really know that Skagway was shot in Talkeetna, or a Dogsled running down a street in Maine should have been downtown Nome? I am sure we can all chuckle about this, or we can tear out our hair! I am sure the producers are aware of this, and just need to add in. Most are enjoying every bit of the scenery and inspiring them to come and visit our great state to see these wonders! I drove the Denali hiway and killed animals off that road for years, till it became the park it is today. Policeing the road is the best thing that happened. It is possible Jeff drove the west side of the Denali highway near Cantwell for the shot, since the caribou and wildlife are just as abundant and open to the public? You can get permission to drive the Denali hiway or a part of it through DNR, pay the permits and contribute through the purchase of food and lodging if you have a valid reason! There is more to come, I am sure. Being involved with the makeing of this documentary, I can understand more about why these glitches happen.
I love the scenery and the few facts that are correct, why do they have to spoil it with agenda driven lies. His statement about declining Caribou numbers may be true in small instances, but facts paint a far different story, those not privy to this information may take these untruths to form flawed opinions. The show would be just as successful without the anti capitalist, radical environmental stance he imparts on each show.
Have any of you ever worked in production before?The shots of Jeff coming out the vehicle were shot by the camermen and grips who have to carry that heavy equipment.They obviously used the truck for some help with this.Duh.And Live Free,do you work for Exxon?Jeff is only making his satements because man has managed to ruin nearly all four corners of the planet,and he's just pointing out how virtually everyplace on Earth is potentially affected.Jeff,I know that you read blogs and feedback,..keep doin' what you're doin' man.
I love Jeff Corwin, but I do take issue with the mushing. I'm sure that the dogs he used on his mushing adventure were well cared-for and healthy, but glamourizing mushing or the Iditarod isn't responsible, IMO. PETA (they're extreme, I'm not a fan), the Humane Society of the US, the ASPCA, even some national veterinary associations oppose the Iditarod. I know that recreational mushing is a whole 'nother ballgame and can be done responsibly and without harming the animals, but I don't think the average viewer realizes this, as the Iditarod is the most well-known and visible mushing event. I just thought it would be beneficial if he were to make a disclaimer about recreational mushing being alright, but letting viewers know how inhumane the Iditarod can be for the animals.
I'll step off my soapbox. I just figured I'd post on the off chance that Jeff Corwin reads these boards. I love him and his shows and he's so knowledgeable and relatable!
Most all of his facts on the Kenai Peninsula were incorrect, in fact not even close. First, Seward is not the largest city on the peninsula. Population wise the four largest cities are Kenai (6900), Homer (3900), Soldotna (3800) and finally Seward at 2800. (These are approximate amounts based on 2003 stats). He only talked about Seward and Homer and totally missed the most scenic portion of the Peninsula which includes Kenai Lake, Cooper Landing, the Kenai River, the cities of Soldotna and Kenai with Kenai's historic Old Town area as well as all the smaller communities along the road system heading from Soldotna to Homer. The is a HUGE amount of history of the peninsula, the first white settlers and the First Nations Peoples that have called this area home for generations.
So Jeff, if you are going to come to Alaska and make a series on this wonderful state, get the facts right, use the correct footage in the correct places and make sure you spend some time talking to the real locals.
Daisyfay I take offence at you calling the Iditarod inhumane to dogs. The dogs on the show are from our kennel and have competed in the Iditarod for the last few years. Did they look mistreated? Our dogs are healthy, happy and well loved. We let all our dogs loose to play with each other, and they take turns sleeping on the couch. During the Iditarod they are well cared for by the musher and vets. Any dog that was mistreated would never make it to Nome. The dogs love to run, they love to see new places, and love to spend time as a pack with their musher on the trails. If you came to see the race and how happy the dogs were you would have a different opinion. In future you should educate yourself before repeating mis-information. Anybody who has actually seen dog racing and got to know dog mushers knows that the dogs are well-treated. On the distance races, they often eat better than the mushers. The suggestion that dog racing is inhumane is ridiculous. The sport is not cruel. There's a relationship between musher and dogs that is built on respect and affection. Individuals in any sport can be cruel but that's no reason to eliminate a whole way of life. Thank you Jeff Corwin for showing the beauty of dog mushing and Alaska!
I'm not enjoying this show as much as I had hoped. I'm a Corwin fan and also had been to Alaska for a couple weeks last summer but the shows have been a bit of a disappointment. One thing that is driving me up a wall is the narrative. The superlatives are so over the top - "incredible, majestic, amazing" - it's painful. Plus I'm not a big fan of Jeff's hushed tone of reverence when he narrates. On the contrary, I like it when Jeff is himself like he was in the tidepool at Kachemak Bay. You can express wonder and excitement without labeling every single animal or experience as "awe-inspiring" or some other cliched superlative.
Jim from Kenai - I agree. I thought for sure we would see the beautiful turqoise waters of the Kenai river. I was also hoping Jeff would stop for lunch at Gwin's Lodge. That was my favorite eatery in all of Alaska. Tiny little cabin with a handful of tables, everything made out of wood, and a pie board. Yes, a Pie Board! It featured the homemade pies available each day. Now that was the most awe-inspiring and majestic pie board I've ever seen!
I agree with the comments above... too many errors and the narrative (?), a little too much drama!
In addition to the aforementioned errors, Corwin was 'stalking' a moose in the 1st show and stating that the bull was 'crashing through these willows' but he was in an elder bog, not willows (you'd think a Biologist would know the difference).
Also in the same show, Corwin was shown in a canoe and it appears to be his 1st time paddling as he had no idea how to hold a paddle. Later, he stated he was experiencing his 'passion' of fishing, though it was excruciating watching his flycasting technique (or lack of).
Get serious, this guy is just another pretty boy with no true outdoor experience. Travel Channel should have choosen Les Stroud (Survivor Man) to take us "Into Alaska", at least he has some credibility.
Are all you guys a bit on the overwhelmingly stressed out side or what>>>>??????? Chill and enjoy what the show can offer. I do agree about detailed mistakes and that the info should be researched better, but overall the show does a pretty good job in showing Alaska. Even though I trully do agree with the monster car driving thru the wilderness is a bit on the glutenous side!!!. He does have special permits to go where the public can not, so give him a break. So Jeff, next time can you pick a bit of a less monstrous truck to drive thru this amazing land????????
This goes on on all the forums. My husband and I love the show. We are definitely enjoying the show for what it has to offer. It's not his others show, it's a new show, it's won't be the same, he won't be acting the same. He won't be doing professional fly fishing, he's talking at the same time explaining other things, it's not a fishing show. We love seeing the scenery and the wildlife is it showing us. They do have special permits to access these areas in vehicles he is using "script" to explain what is going instead of same ol' same 'ol language. It's a tv show lighten maybe a bit. Nit pick at your job.
Well said Jaybird.. I don't understand how anyone can enjoy something if they're too busy pointing out the errors all the time. Jeff is the *host* of this program. I don't see him behind the camera. He's in front of it..doing what he loves to do. He loves to flyfish but I don't recall him saying he was a professional fisherman or *paddler*. It's hillarious that people expect such.
Continue to bring us into your world Jeff. We're watching.
As I am currently living Outside, I enjoy watching the show only because the scenery reminds me how much I love Alaska and how much I am looking forward to moving back. But as so many have commented, the integrity of the show is seriously lacking. Sadly, that is the current state of 'environmental documentaries'. It is the same dishonesty that gives us movies like "March of the penguins" which, though a fun movie, gives a totally false impression of wildlife by creating a entertaining fantasy story by editing the facts and reality to fit the story while at the same time claiming to be a 'documentary'. I find Jeff Corwin's shows to be the same thing. Great scenery, but worthless as far as honest factual presentation. Any fact he gets correct is 'cuz it happens to fit into the "story" more than an honest effort to present facts.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: alaskahome1959,
Just want to thank ytmusher for the reply - the organizers go to extraordinary lengths to ensure that dogs are treated humanely, there are mandated rest periods, etc. In addition, most of the mushers love their dogs as family and would sooner hurt themselves than one of their team. The Iditarod is not cut-throat professionals out for money, but dedicated individuals paying tribute to a special event in history and a simpler way of life. (And by the way, had it been more than a 20-mile race between dogs and machine, good luck to Jeff in trying to find petrol to refill his machine along the way unless he was planning to dig deep below the permafrost. I'm not a musher, and only got to send 10.5 months in Alaska, but have been addicted to the place since and soak up everything I can about the The Great Land. In spite of the errors in facts, am glad to be able to re-experience majestic Alaska through this series. I'll put up with the errors to get my weekly fix - long live Into Alaska.
Wow! Unfortunately, jeff apparently made a lot of errors on the Alaska shows from all the comments. Jeff doesn't know much about Orca. The 4-5 Orca he saw were obviously Resident Orca which eat fish,spend more time on the surface and are more prevelant in AK than the transients. They were NOT the Transient Orca that are stealth like and eat mammals. Jeff said the orca where following the dominant male (Jeff are you sexist?). Residential Orca pods are MATRIARCHAL=female head of family. The "grannies" ,who can live into their 90's, lead their family pods with her son following behind her. Shows like these have the potential to educate people. Please don't give out misinformation!! Does Jeff read these? Comment or apologize?
I watched these programs yesterday during the marathon. There were several errors that just about sent me through the roof. First of all....there is no glacier named Tracy Arm Glacier. It is the South Sawyer Glacier or the North Sawyer Glacier. The ship he was on was not "------Prince" it is "-----Princess" (can't remember the first name). Also, there were no passengers on the ship......at least in his segments. Ever been on a ship? There are always people around. Very misleading IMO to show NOONE. The antlers on the moose mess up? Goodness he kept saying he was a scientist/biologist/naturalist....get it straight. And yes Jeff you were the one to bring the two moose together....NOT. And I thought he was extremely insulting to the totem pole maker by opening the scene with "you will have this done this afternoon?" I have never really liked Jeff and after watching this fiasco, I won't watch him again. Way too many errors and that annoying voice just ruined the experience.
How hard would it have been for his team to ask how to pronounce names of places. And calling a crab pot a basket.
Jeff, I volunteer to take you around next time and give you the right into. I fly helicopters and airplanes and I have been all over the state. Give me a call next time so you wont offend us that love our state, and hate the errors you made.
Orcas are not whales, they are the largest of the dolphin family.
Humpie is a common nickname given to Pink Salmon when spawning. In all my years of living in Alaska I never heard Humpie refer to a humpback whale.
Sadly I can see some tourist who watched this show going up there and asking to see humpies, then getting upset when someone takes them to see the salmon spawning. Way to educate America!
I was particularly amused by the comment that being beaten by the dogs (in the race) caused him to feel the "agony of defeline" which would have been hilarious if the sled had been pulled by cats.
Snagging is legal in all salt water in Alaska. Of all the movies made in Alaska the faults found with Jeff's version is no different than any other. I have seen many films made in Alaska and who would really know that Skagway was shot in Talkeetna, or a Dogsled running down a street in Maine should have been downtown Nome? 
I am sure we can all chuckle about this, or we can tear out our hair! I am sure the producers are aware of this, and just need to add in. Most are enjoying every bit of the scenery and inspiring them to come and visit our great state to see these wonders! I drove the Denali hiway and killed animals off that road for years, till it became the park it is today. Policeing the road is the best thing that happened. It is possible Jeff drove the west side of the Denali highway near Cantwell for the shot, since the caribou and wildlife are just as abundant and open to the public? You can get permission to drive the Denali hiway or a part of it through DNR, pay the permits and contribute through the purchase of food and lodging if you have a valid reason! There is more to come, I am sure. Being involved with the makeing of this documentary, I can understand more about why these glitches happen.
