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WASHINGTON - With sweeping panoramas of the rugged American West and stunning aerial photography, one of the greatest adventures in American history comes to home video on August 27, 2002. Narrated by acclaimed actor Jeff Bridges, Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West dramatizes the remarkable and perilous journey undertaken by the Corps of Discovery 200 years ago -- to the Pacific Ocean and back. The large-format film intimately tells the story of the party's arduous expedition; the spectacular wildlife they encountered; the punishing winters they endured; the diverse Native American tribes they met; and the breathtaking vistas the explorers experienced on their legendary journey into uncharted territory. Available at suggested retail prices of $14.95 for VHS and $19.98 for DVD.

In 1803, the unexpected acquisition of the Louisiana Territory vastly increased the size of the United States. Thomas Jefferson, the visionary third president of the U.S., commissioned his aide, Meriwether Lewis, to lead an expedition across the new territory to the Pacific Ocean, to scientifically explore the region's flora and fauna, and to meet with Native American tribes. The main mission was to find the legendary "Northwest Passage," a water route supposedly connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which would have been immensely valuable to intercontinental trade and given great power to the nation, which controlled it. This courageous expedition by Lewis and Clark changed the course of American history and its Bicentennial will be commemorated in 2003 - 2006.

Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West reveals how the success of the trek was dependant on the generosity of Native American tribes, particularly the young Indian interpreter, Sacagawea, who accompanied the small expedition with her infant son, providing invaluable assistance. The film dramatizes, as never before, the beauty, danger and glory of the epic journey the Corps of Discovery undertook.

A bonus on the home video is The Making of Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West. Go behind the scenes of the making of this large-format adventure as National Geographic brings to life the hardships and triumphs that Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery faced on their journey to the Pacific coast. Take a peek into the daily life of cast members as they are thrust into a time long past, coping with sub-zero temperatures, wet clothes, and tricky river rafting. Reenacting some of the most dangerous moments of the trek, the actors find themselves hanging off cliffs and being chased by bears. From the dangerous conditions faced by the explorers to the intricacies of Native American life, it's all part of National Geographic's quest to recreate the world of the American West two centuries old in a stunning large format.

This video release is also part of National Geographic Society's Lewis & Clark Bicentennial initiative. Headlining the Society's efforts was the premiere of the large-format film on April 20, 2002 in Omaha, NE at the Henry Doorly Zoo. Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West is currently showing in 12 large-format theaters throughout the country and will be followed by numerous other U.S. cities. Please log onto National Geographic.com Lewis and Clark to find out where the film is playing. The large-format film is produced by National Geographic Television & Film, distributed by Destination Cinema, Inc. and is endorsed by the National Council of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial. Noted historian and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Stephen E. Ambrose and Lewis and Clark expert Gary Moulton served as film consultants. Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West is made possible by Eddie Bauer, Inc. and Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation. National Geographic offers several books on Lewis & Clark, a map, and educational materials.

National Geographic Home Video titles are distributed by Warner Home Video (WHV), an AOL/Time Warner Company, operating in 57 countries including the US and Canada. WHV is one of the worlds leading suppliers of pre-recorded videocassettes and videodiscs and a market leader in family entertainment.

National Geographic Television and Film (NGT&F) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Geographic Ventures, which also manages National Geographic's businesses in interactive, online, merchandising, travel expeditions, and related businesses. Building on its reputation for remarkable visual and compelling stories, NGT&F augments its Emmy Award-winning documentary productions with feature and large-format films, and long-form television drama programming. Worldwide, NGT&F's programming can be seen on the National Geographic Channel, MSNBC, and PBS, home video & DVD, and through international broadcast syndication. The National Geographic Channel is received by more than 130 million households in 23 languages and 141 countries, including the U.S. More information about NGT&F is available on National Geographic.com or AOL keyword: NatGeo.

SOURCE: National Geographic Television & Film