Wolves at Our Door (1997) Online

Wolves at Our Door is a good film about the subject, but with substantial flaws at its core.

To be fair, the wolves are as portrayed; strong, capable carnivores with complex social lives and a reputation which is undeserved. Also, the footage of the wolves is well done.

But all is not well here.

I remember the first time I heard that Disney's True Life Adventures had made footage of lemmings leaping to their doom over cliffs, something which I later discovered that they don't do intentionally, by filling buckets with the rodents and tossing them in the sea. Few things on the screen are as they seem, apparently. Even in the case of wildlife documentaries such as Wolves at Our Door.

For many years, I worked for the Wolf Education and Research Center, the non-profit created to take care of the Sawtooth Pack after Jim Dutcher completed filming Wolves at Our Door. Doing so has given me some insight into both wolves and the work of Jim Dutcher.

The Sawtooth Pack were never really wild. They were born in captivity in Canada and purchased by Jim Dutcher for the film.

During the filming, a black wolf named Aipuyi was euthanized upon orders from Jim Dutcher, against the suggestions of the vet and handler he had hired to care for the wolves during filming. The film gives the impression that the Sawtooth Pack was given to the Nez Pierce tribe in Idaho, but this isn't the case either. The wolves were sold for tens of thousands of dollars to a non-profit organization hastily created to save the wolves, after Dutcher had commented that euthanizing the wolves was an option he was considering. The wolves came with a restrictive agreement which gave most photographic rights to Dutcher. The non-profit group couldn't even use images of the wolves on merchandise in order to support itself or the wolves.

The whole sordid affair came out on the internet, and one can still find references, comments and articles about the issue if one searches. The Internet has a long memory.

I'm almost sorry to say that we -should- view "Wolves at Our Door." It's probably the one video in recent times which has done more to educate people about wolves than most others. But remember, it -is- about the wolves and their plight, and we should always carefully consider if, in the case of wildlife documentaries, the ends justifies the means.

So basically to cut things short (spoiler alert) this film is about wolves if you hadn't noticed from the title of the documentary already. That being said the film revolves around a particular set of wolves, one single pack of them who are raised and observed by Jim and Jamie Dutcher who are a couple which dedicate themselves to raising the Sawtooth pack and then introducing them to new regions where they may repopulate.

Overall the film provided great insight on what it's like to live among wolves and gives off a sense of what it would be like to live among a pack, almost as if you are a wolf yourself. We witness the struggles, challenges, and accomplishments a pack faces in everyday life as well as the mechanics on how it operates. It truly is as though you are running with the wolves because you observe how they work as a family and which individuals play which roles because each does something to support the pack. I highly recommend the film because it accomplished what its intent, as a documentary is which is basically to educate the viewers on a specific topic. With that being I had no single complaint due to the reason that it serves a purpose as a film and executes the lessons very thoroughly by showing what exactly they are explaining. Much knowledge is passed down educating the viewers into pack life. This ranges from seeing how an alpha is chosen to how a pack welcomes new born wolves to even demonstrating how they come to accept unknown territory as their own.

Of course you may have been able to find a few faults with the film here and there but no denying that it succeeds its purpose as a documentary. The visuals that are many such as the wolves howling in the moonlight, playing through the cold winter snow, baby wolves meeting the pack etc. as well as the sounds of the film that could be the wolves howls at night, growls to show dominance, or even the music behind the scenes are all magnificent and set the right tones/moods for the film. These tones/moods are all diverse throughout the documentary and each visual along with the sounds either could make you feel a certain way such as anxiety when the baby wolves are meeting the pack for fear that they might not be excepted into the pack. California is an example of what would happen to our furry companions if we misunderstand them, by the way California wolves went extinct a long time ago just throwing that out there. So it is important to educate the viewers on this amazing canine and the way they react to the environment because many parts of the world no longer have wolves such as California for example where wolves from another region have been needed to be brought in order to start reproduction. Major information on how to coexist with wolves was provided as the lovely couple in the film has demonstrated to us that these wolves are not just savages but share compassion just as humans do. It was interesting to see things from a different perspective because the documentary does not only teach you about wolves but shows you delicate sides to them such as when the female wolf fives birth to new members of the pack.

Now to dive into what exactly made this film great is the patience it took to record the right scenes at the right time as well as taking into account that these wolves are living in captivity but are released and followed around. The moment when they explain how the alpha wolf chooses his female partner the film shows the relationship the wolves have as lovers for numerous months leading to the female giving birth. The documentary as a whole is a work of art providing even the chilling howling of the pack under the full moon on a cold winter night. For a few minutes within the film an emphasis is placed on this scene where the rangers are attempting to decode the significance of the pack's howls.

If you haven't noticed these are pretty much the reasons why I gave the film so many stars. In all honesty I just could not find anything wrong with it, as it is a great educational experience for everyone. No scenes are inappropriate and all of them are enjoyable. Everything that occurs is explained and nothing is left to interpretation. The way of life of these wolves is beautiful and the film taught me personally a lot about them as a animal. If I had a complaint then it would have to be the length of the documentary and only because I wish it were longer so that they could cover even more. On the rate they were going then it would be amazing to continue perceiving these wolves and the way they interact with this couple.

This film strikes the right emotions as explained before through the use of it's various sounds and visuals. The whole purpose of the couple containing the wolves was shown in the end and it was to release them back into a region where they could repopulate. The ending was very emotional and by this point in the film you have seen how much these people care for these animals so much that it even pains you to see both groups say goodbye. To see such a powerful animal in such delicate situations within the film was unbelievable and puts into perspective for the viewers that they are just trying to survive as well as every other being on this planet.

Ruthless Beasts or Protective Unit? Wolves are mysterious creatures. They are symbols of secrecy and menace. Wolves are the untamed call of the wild. These creatures are considered carnivorous; wild beasts with ruthless intentions. However, is that really the truth? Sure, one can't keep a fluffy wolf pup as a pet, but there are a few dimensions of wolf livelihood that society is failing to consider. The film Wolves at our Door sheds light on the true life a wolf pack raised in captivity experiences through the perspective of the Sawtooth Pack. Jim and Jamie Dutcher spend six years observing and interacting with the beautiful members of the Sawtooth Pack in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. The Dutchers obtained wolf pups they then raised in captivity to observe them in their natural environment, as a pack. The relationship the couple has with the wolf pack is remarkable to see in this film. It is a bond built upon a six- year foundation. The couple lives just beyond a fence next to the pack's enclosure, enjoying the breathtaking patterns and lifestyles of the unit. The Dutchers allow the viewer to really consider how "vicious" a pack of wolves can be. They are a family unit and this film expresses that fully. It is an awe-inspiring film. The up close shots of the pack allow the viewer to feel near the beautiful animals. The sounds in the film are also crisp and clear. A particular scene that captured my attention was the scene when the three new pups are introduced to the original members of the pack. It is intriguing to watch three captive-raised animals immediately submit to animal instincts. Jim Dutcher said, "Kamots is the leader, you guys are going to have to listen to him" to the young pups. It was interesting to see these creatures behave like any other wild animal. As a viewer of this documentary, one can hear the crunch of the snow underfoot of the wolf pack. Jamie also recorded the howls created by the animals; beautiful voices traveling deep into the night. Jim Dutcher reminds us about the kill ratio between humans and wolves. As a society, we have killed thousands of wolves in North America. It is how many of us they have killed that is shocking: none. Jamie and Jim Dutcher show these "devils in the dark" in a new light in this film. In this film, Kamots, the wolf pack alpha, and his family unit are observed over the course of six years. Bottle fed at birth and released into the wolf enclosure at seven weeks, these wolves are considered captive, yet experience freedom for the rest of their lives, with occasional human interaction. The wolves live in a setting undisturbed by civilization and, unlike their wild brethren, are free of hunters. The pack begins with five wolves, but three years later, three pups are introduced into the family unit. The hierarchy of the wolf pack is explored in this film. There are decisive roles in a wolf pack. There is the alpha, the wolf pack leader, the beta wolf, second in command and the peacemaker, and the omega, the lowest rank of the pack who yields to others, are two important slots in pack life. Each wolf has strengths and weaknesses, and each wolf has an important role amongst the hierarchy of wolf society. As the pack expands and as the wolves age, the Dutchers observe their every move over the course of the seasons with minimal interference. Although the pack was raised by humans and understand human contact, I feel they, as a pack, still represent wolf packs in the wild as well. The interactions between the wolves are extraordinary to capture on film, which the Dutchers manage to do well. There is an impending threat for this wolf pack unfortunately. The Dutchers' permit for the land they are on is running out, and Jim and Jamie must find a new home for their little family. Will the family find a new, more permanent home in time? The documentary captures a beautiful story uncovering and dispelling the myths about wolves being dangerous creatures. They are only doing what is best for their family. That is the key beauty to a wolf pack. Family is always first on a wolf pack's priority list. The bonds between wolves grow every day and strengthen the unit as a whole. The only aspect of this film that keeps few viewers wary of wolves is that these are still technically captive wolves being observed, and the idea of "observer bias" must be considered. It is possible the Dutchers' interference with the wolf pack has changed the results of pack life caught on film. Overall, the film is beautiful, observing a solid story with a wonderful family dynamic. Unfortunately, this film lacks comparison to wild wolves. It is lovely to see positive features of these animals, but what are wolves wild and free from human activity like? I think having a wolf expert come in and interview about this topic would give this film that added support it needs. It is true that wolves are carnivorous and, in the wild, are unrelenting to their prey. However, this film shows a mysterious life of a wolf pack uncovered. The Dutchers have a very obvious passion for these animals as demonstrated by the film. Wolves are family, they are a unit, and although they still represent the mysterious, untamed call of the wild, this film sheds light upon the most undisturbed features of wolf life and shows their beauty as a family.

With all those "horror" films and fairy tales, Wolves At Our Door sounds like a cheesy B-rated film about a man/werewolf secretly living next door to the protagonist, or another Teen Wolf show. Well that is somewhat similar to the actual film, okay, not really. Instead, the documentary is literally about two couples living with a pack of wolves at their door.

This documentary, like many others, attempts to reveal the truth about a subject. Wolves At Our Door follows the Sawtooth Pack from the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho, along with filmmaker Jim and sound recorder Jamie Dutcher who live in an igloo like tent near the pack. Right off the bat, the narrator (Richard Kiley) tackles all the myths and misconceptions of wild wolves. He then reveals that the Sawtooth pack were raised by the Dutchers when they were pups and released into the wild to live out "their natural behaviors." Jim then explains that this is done because it is "vital to gain the packs trust so that I (Jim) can film them in a relaxed and untroubled state." The goal was to observe the pack and its hierarchy to show that they wolves are not just savage creatures.

As we observe the pack we are introduced to the alpha, Kamots, who has always shown his alpha qualities, since he was a pup. Cue adorable scene of little Kamots' attempting to howl. Jim and the narrator explain how important familial roles are to the pack. We are then introduced to the other members and just as we learn their established roles, Jim and Jamie want to add three more pups! We get to witness these pups being raised by the Dutcher's. Several weeks later they are introduced to the wild and the elders. Once placed into the wild, they understand who is Alpha and how to submit to those more powerful than them. As they continue to grow and implement themselves into the family, we see that one is not getting any love from the Alpha. She has essentially been exiled and is wary of approaching any of the wolves. On top of this Jim informs us that their permit is about to expire and he is negotiating a place to move the pack.

We see the bond and love that the Dutcher's have with the pack, but we know that they are not fully civilized. How will they react to being taken away from their home? How will they react to different scents of a new place and new people? Just how aggressive can these wolves get? Better yet, how do they plan on moving the pack? These are all questions that run through your mind when you realize that these wolves lives are about to change.

This documentary, however, never loses sight of its main goals and allows the viewer to connect with each wolf. The wolves are the main stars of the film, and the humans are just their support. Each wolf has their own characteristic and comedic touches. This is all thanks to the sound recordings and design that Jamie was able to capture. For example we fall in love with the Omega, Lakota, in his introductory scene. You cannot help but laugh at how silly he acts and looks when submitting to the alpha. He is the comic relief of the film. The sounds allow you to hear and be placed into the environment, creating an intimate bond between us and the wolves. It strengthens our connection with the wolves. The sounds of gnawing and chewing, presents the obvious evidence that these are animals that are not meant to be pets.

The voice-overs from Jim, Jamie, and the narrator are the one flaw in the film that gives it 9 stars. It seems to disrupt the environment of the film. Jim and Jamie's voice over seems a little to scripted and forced, and it takes away from the story of the wolves, which is so natural and raw. However, this technique aids to the assumption that there is a little too much filmmaker involvement in the film and the pack. Of course the wolves are tame. Jim raised them, but he does not have to explain every detail through voice-overs, the visuals do that for him. The film makes it apparent that wolves in the wild are not like this pack from the beginning you know that they were trained to trust these humans. The documentary aims to show the bonds between the pack and that they are not as savage as society makes them out to be. And the film succeeded and would still be successful without voice-overs, because we witness the bond between humans and the pack through sounds and images.

Just a warning: after watching this film, you may want to go find some wolf pups, but do not attempt to do so or try to tame a wolf! Without a doubt, these animals are highly intelligent, but their trust in humans is not easy to come by. Now all you have to do is watch to see what happens to the pack. Jim Dutcher is able to demonstrate this through the visuals and sounds. Although, he goes against conventional documentary filmmaking, by influencing and engaging with the subject, or in this subjects; the film still succeeds in bringing awareness to the misconceptions of the wolves. And like all animals they have done nothing to be on the verge of extinction. This film allows us to witness the strong familial bond and the connection between these wolves, in a way humanizing the Sawtooth pack. All they want is to protect their family and survive. Something we as humans can all relate to.

Loved the movie, loved the book even more so. The first comment is quite a typical one from those at WERC. I suggest reading the book form of Wolves at Our Door to get the full complete story. It's is full of fun moments with the Sawtooth Pack, and some moments that just pull at your heartstrings. The struggles the Dutchers endured for these Wolves showed how much they truly cared. It is true, as Jim states in the book, that these Wolves weren't 'wild'. This is a focus on the inner workings of a Wolf pack and it's hierarchy. How an Alpha male runs his pack, from choosing an alpha female, to keeping the omega in it's place. No matter what the detractors say, this movie and it's counterparts show what no other Wolf study has been able to portray in the Wolf.

This is a beautifully filmed Discovery Channel documentary that will give you a new appreciation for these majestic and misunderstood creatures. Although savage in some respects, the wolf pack functions as a true family. Jim and Jamie Dutcher spent years living among wolves in the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho. It is easy to see how they became part of the extended pack, and it is sad to watch them say goodbye when the wolves are relocated to their permanent home.

Hopefully this documentary might help to enlighten those who would erase these beautiful animals from the planet.