Blue Water, White Death

Hungry for adventure, Peter Gimbel assembles a modest crew to film a breakthrough documentary about one of the most fearsome predators on earth, the great white shark. Gimble invites a photographer, husband-and-wife spear fishing/dive team as well as a folk singer on a 12,000 mile voyage across the open water. Although few in number, every crew member's background, knowledge and passion is necessary to not only find, but capture some of the most unique and timeless footage of the Great White. Follow Gimbel and his crew from Durban, South Africa to the Dangerous Reef in Southern Australia: Durban, South Africa - The initial attempt to track down a great white in the midst of whale harpooning grounds off the shores of South Africa delivered some of the most nail-biting action as the divers abandon their custom built aluminum cages and swim freely among hundreds of ravenous sharks feeding on dead whale carcasses. Gimbel's enthusiasm encourages the team to get up close and personal with the majority of white-tip and blue sharks in their natural frenzy. Although exciting, the reward for the risk lies in tracking down the great white, a mission not yet accomplished. The Indian Ocean - Accompanied by amusing conversation, the folk singer's tunes, and some beautiful underwater sequences off India's coast is the suspense lurking around the next anchored spot, a shipwreck almost 180 feet below the surface. The wreck, known for attracting an array of underwater creatures, proves to be a disappointing and almost perilous venture. Not only does Gimbel experience physical hardship at sea, but after all the pain and effort, faces the fact that there are not any sharks swimming through the area. After a majority rule, Gimbel and his crew make way for their final destination, the Dangerous Reef in Southern Australia. Dangerous Reef - Suspense builds as a great white shark attack survivor story is told on camera and nine months draws to a close. Soon after, Gimbel and his crew flaunt whale meat over the edge of the ship, hoping to draw a shark in from across the reef. After months and miles of patience, the scent of blood and fresh meat is tracked and the great white plunges for the bait! Without hesitation, the crew hastily lures themselves into the feeding grounds and watches the shark's vigorous yet stealthy approach to hunting. The film captured on 35mm film remains some of the most unique and astonishing up-close footage of the ocean's greatest predator to this day, unmatched by even the best film technology. The non-stop thrilling documentary set the stage for Peter Benchley's "Jaws" and inspired audiences to explore the blue open water and incredible white death!