Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk

The thrill of danger and the heady charge of the unexpected are both examined and reproduced in this documentary. Filmmaker Marc Fafard explores the human biology behind risk-taking -- why it gives some people such a powerful physical lift, and why the human mind and body craves danger. In addition, Fafard presents an up-close look at two of the most dangerous and exciting human pastimes, parachuting and base-jumping. A professional jumper leaps from a 1,300-meter cliff in Norway with a camera in tow to give viewers an idea of how it looks and feels, while parachuting veterans Adrian Nicholas and Katarina Ollikainen face a new challenge as they attempt to recreate Leonardo da Vinci's pioneering 1485 parachute design and see if it works in the 21st century. Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk was shot and initially exhibited in the IMAX high-definition film format.~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide