Everest: Beyond the Limit

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Climbers risk it all to stand on top of the world.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this intense documentary series includes some potentially upsetting shots of hands and feet blackened by frostbite and climbers suffering the effects of altitude sickness. In one scene, a man vomits and has difficulty breathing because of life-threatening cerebral edema (swelling of the brain). Much of the commentary by both the narrator and the climbers centers on the health risks the climbers face (like a body eating its own flesh to survive an oxygen shortage) and the real possibility that they could die on the mountain. But on the upside, the show celebrates overcoming adversity to meet goals, which is best personified by double amputee Mark Inglis' attempts to make history by reaching the summit.

  • The show exemplifies persistence, personal determination, and overcoming adversity.
  • Some scenes include graphic shots of frostbite or effects of altitude sickness (vomiting, disorientation, severe shortness of breath).
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

EVEREST: BEYOND THE LIMIT takes viewers on an intense journey to the world's highest point: the top of Mount Everest. Using high-altitude video technology and cameras attached to helmets, the six-part series documents the physical challenges and raw human emotion of this inspiring but life-threatening climb. Over the course of two months in the spring of 2006, the international team, led by legendary mountaineer Russell Brice, climbs from base camp (at an altitude of 17,600 feet, higher than any mountain in the Rockies) to the summit at 29,028 feet -- 5.5 miles above sea level.


Is it any good?

 

Everest's powerfully dramatic storyline is a result of the very real dangers the climbers face, which are discussed at length throughout the show. The all-male team of climbers includes Mark Inglis, a double amputee who lost his legs to frostbite on another mountain over 20 years ago; emergency-room doctor Terry O'Connor; firefighter Brett Merrell; and asthmatic Iron Man contender Mogens Jensen. All of the climbers have come to Everest for personal reasons -- to conquer their fears, push themselves to the limit, and hopefully stand for a moment at the top of the world.

Candid interviews with team members reveal their fears about life-threatening altitude sickness, frostbite, heart attacks, and cerebral edema, and a few scenes show climbers suffering the dangerous effects of some of these conditions, so parents will want to preview the show before sharing it with youngsters. Parents should be prepared for questions from tweens about the physical ailments and mental distress the climbers suffer.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about extreme sports like mountain climbing. What drives people to push their bodies to the limit to reach a difficult goal? How do they prepare both mentally and physically for a challenge like tackling Everest? How do they reconcile the danger of it all? Do the risks make success that much sweeter? In what ways do the climbers rely on one another during their journey?


This review was written by Emily Ashby
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
One of the best in years
I have not seen a show with more realism. The dialogue is absolutely first rate and very compelling as these climbers risk their lives to achieve one of their ultimate goals. What is it like to climb Everest? Everest:Beyond the Limit has given me the most realistic and insightful picture of that adventure. In fact I can't think of another movie/show/book that has done it better! This is absolutely a must view series for anyone who wants to better understand the human need for adventure.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Phenomenal, could not stop watching
I was told about this series by my sister and was sorry that I had missed the episodes until I realized they were replayed on New Year's Eve. This was by far one of the most interesting, intense, visually awesome specials that the Discovery channel has ever shown. The knowledge I gained from the show was astounding. The individual storylines about the lives of the climbers who risked so much to climb the Summit was amazing and inspiring, especially Mark Inglis,and Mogens Jensen, an ashmatic, who unfortunately was unable to make the entire climb. Actually, the entire group of climbers really tugged at my heart and soul with their drive and determination. My hat however, goes off to the Sherpas who, in my opinion, are the saviors of the Summit Climbers. I would buy the series if it became available. A definite must see!!!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Inaccuracies are frustrating
As someone who has climbed in Nepal and knowsa fair amount about Everest, I really WANT to like this show but I've been frustrated by some amateur mistakes on the part of the writers and/or producers. First, there is no such word as "disorientated" - it's "disoriented." Second, the altitude of Everest's peak was stated incorrectly as 29028 feet - that's the old measurement, which was updated to 29035 feet 10+ years ago. Small details, but c'mon people - do your research and use a dictionary if necessary.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
should be titled over the limit
how many times can you say death zone would be another title for this show . overdramatized , overplayed . plus a little loose on the timeline ie:7:30 am 2 hours of oxegen left 11:30 am still no new oxegen but?? low and behold were still breathing . granted the everest summit is hard work , the show suffers from robert scott syndrome "make everything seem 10 times harder for ratings" on another note watch it with the sound off as the scenery is SPECTACULAR!!!! and is the only reason i made it to the end , that and hoping i'd see Tim fall off the mountain . sounds harsh but he was rather a jerk well i need to go as ive been up in the death zone for too many hours .

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Great Educational Video
It was great the only very sad part was when one of the climbers had to lieve on climber from another expedition to die. After trying every thing that he could. Other than tha is very educational and inspirational. It shows that there is no Limit and we can do anything we just need to work to make are dreams come true.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 

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This review was written by Emily Ashby
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:Discovery Channel
Cast:Mark Inglis, Russell Brice
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 

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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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