A Legendary Survival Story Resurfaces
One of history’s most awe-inspiring survival stories comes to life in National Geographic’s Endurance, now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. Directed by Jimmy Chin, this gripping documentary follows the 1915 Antarctic expedition led by Sir Ernest Shackleton and the astonishing journey his crew endured after their ship, the Endurance, sank beneath the ice.
Rediscovering the Endurance
For over a century, the wreck of the Endurance remained lost beneath Antarctic sea ice. In 2022, explorers finally discovered it nearly 10,000 feet underwater. National Geographic’s team captured the discovery and used groundbreaking subsea technology to scan the wreck in stunning 4K detail, offering viewers a chance to step virtually aboard this historic vessel.
Bringing Shackleton’s Story to Life
With AI-powered narration, Endurance lets viewers hear diary entries “spoken” by Shackleton and his crew—creating a deeply immersive storytelling experience. Archival film and photos by expedition photographer Frank Hurley enrich the visuals, transporting viewers back to the ice floes of 1915.
Did You Know?
- All 28 crew members survived. After being stranded for months, they endured an 800-mile lifeboat journey before reaching safety.
- Real voices from the past. AI recreates the voices of Shackleton and six other crewmen using text from their diaries.
- Modern meets historic. Laser and photogrammetry tech helped capture every detail of the wreck site, preserved by the Antarctic Treaty.
Where to Watch
National Geographic’s Endurance is available now on Disney+ and Hulu. Dive into this incredible journey and explore how bravery, leadership, and science bring the past to life.
Learn more through the National Geographic hub on Disney+ or explore D23 for even more behind-the-scenes content!
