"Vikings: Journey to New Worlds" is one of the more informational large-screen documentaries as it shoots down the myth that all Vikings were bloodthirsty warriors. Oddly, this attempt to "de-myth" the Vikings also makes them less fun. As educational as it is, the film feels a little dry and stuffy.
Despite all that, it should be said up front that there is violent content (mostly glimpses of artwork depicting warfare), though not enough to disturb anyone but young children.
And those with a hankering for facts about ancient cultures and civilizations will find it interesting enough.
The film attempts to cover the entire Viking Age, which lasted nearly 300 years (spanning the eighth through 11th centuries), and at least briefly mentions their incursions into what became Normandy and Russia.
Perhaps its best section deals with explorer Leif Eriksson, suggesting that he explored parts of North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus.
"Vikings" at times resembles a filmed school lesson on ancient culture, and some potentially fascinating material, such as the ancient Norse mythology, is dealt with in a pretty cursory manner. Yet there's no denying that the filmmakers have done their homework. And the Icelandic and Greenlandic scenery is pretty spectacular.
"Vikings: Journey to New Worlds" is not rated but would probably receive a PG for some violent imagery (mostly artwork). Running time: 45 minutes.
"VIKINGS" IS THE FIRST of several new large-screen documentaries and minifeatures that will play this year at Clark Planetarium, according to Jim Erickson, manager of its IMAX 3-D Theater.
Upcoming this summer are "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag" and "Mystery of the Nile," from the makers of "Everest" and "Dolphins."
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com