1990's 'The Last Buffalo' immediately appealed to me prior to watching. Absolutely love nature documentaries (have done ever since seeing 'Planet Earth' and 'The Blue Planet' for the first time when they first aired) and it is always wonderful seeing buffalos on film. They are amazing animals and not seen anywhere near enough in documentaries, so it was great to see a documentary covering less familiar territory and in IMAX short film format. Many of those have been made overtime and most are good to brilliant.
'The Last Buffalo' is one of the close to brilliant ones. It is wonderful and lived up to high expectations. It may not be one of the best documentaries ever made, but it was great to see a documentary that focused specifically on these criminally under-explored species and as comprehensively as it did. Maybe not one of the best IMAX documentary short films, but very close. When it comes to documentaries on buffalos, 'The Last Buffalo' is as good as it can possibly get and does its subject justice.
Its one caveat is the length as it does feel too short, which is true of many documentary short films. With a lot of content, this could very comfortably have been 20 minutes longer perhaps which would have given the viewer more time to take in the information and also learn more.
Otherwise, 'The Last Buffalo' is wonderful. It looks absolutely beautiful for one thing, with beautiful yet unforgiving scenery and especially the photography that leaves one in awe at its best. There is though more to 'The Last Buffalo' than cute animals and plants in beautiful environments, one is reminded without being preached at that there are daily challenges. The IMAX looks professional and is not overused or gimmicky.
Expectedly there is some messaging, but it is as relevant today as it was back then so it is hardly outdated. It also makes its point quite powerfully and thoughtfully, was very worried about it being preachy but there are documentaries that are a million times worse at that. The music, with an accessible style, is relaxing in some parts while having some edge in other parts. The buffalos are a great mix of adorable, formidable and exotic and their behaviours and ways to survive are relatable, surprising and inspiring.
When it comes to the information, it is very educational and the narration entertains and informs without preachiness, childishness, sugar-coating or disturbing. It is delivered well.
Concluding, wonderful. 9/10.
