Orca: Killer Whale or Gentle Giant

Orcas -- commonly known as killer whales -- are more feared than understood. Accompany Hiroya Minakuchi in his five-year study into the lives of these marine mammals in their natural habitat in the Pacific Northwest. Minakuchi's brilliant cinematography brings killer whales up close as never before and challenges popular misconceptions. With the aid of specially developed underwater cameras, he films spectacular scenes, including a dramatic personal encounter with several dolphins who come within a few feet of his lens. His camera captures a fascinating birth at sea, as well as Orcas above the water breaching and "spy hopping," and a rarely filmed "rubbing ritual." Great for classroom or personal use.