Antarctica is known as Earth's last continent. Named by the ancient Greeks, circumnavigated by James Cook, and plundered by whalers and sealers, Antarctica remains unconquered. It is only 100 years since a base was first established here, but today tourists outnumber those who choose to study or explore its frozen wonderland.
A chance landing on the Antarctic shore a century ago has given rise to the greatest rush for adventure and knowledge the world has ever known. Yet Antarctica remains as daunting and forbidding a place today as it has ever been.

Icebound travels the wake of the legion of adventurers, explorers and scientists who have pitted themselves against the challenges of the most extreme environment on earth in a bid to unlock its secrets. With rare archival film plus new and spectacular footage it follows Amunsden, Scott, Shackleton and Byrd as they mount the first expeditions to the frozen continent. Now, 100 years after the first arrivals, more tourists than scientists visit Antarctica. Fifteen tourist ships land visitors on its shores amidst its fragile ecosystems, its remote colonies of rare penguins and seals. In this film we explore the conflicts and dilemmas, the heroism and drama of Antarctic discovery alongside living Antarctic legends Sir Vivian Fuchs and Sir Edmund Hillary.