Uploaded January 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In the early 1970's, educational films about tornadoes were few and far between. There were two governmental films, 'Tornado' in 1956 and the revised versions that followed in 1967 and 1970. The first film to explore the mysteries of tornado phenomenon in depth was this production by Tom and Doris Grazulis. 'The Tornado: Approaching the Unapproachable' was released to schools and university groups in 1972. A complimentary 35mm slide program with audio tapes was also either available or intended to be released. The film fell into relative obscurity until it resurfaced on the first extended video compilation of 'Tornado Videos Classics: Volume One' in 1992, also produced by Tom and Doris Grazulis. With home video a main player by the early 1990's, this film found additional audiences.
As quality films of tornadoes in motion were far and few between in 1972, much of the stock footage incorporated ranged from the mid-1950's through late 1960's. Overall this was one of the better educational films, if not the best, to be produced in the 1970's until the National Weather Service released 'Spotters Guide' in 1977/78.
This copy of 'The Tornado: ATU' 1972 is remastered in 1080 high definition from an original source tape.
© 1972 Environmental Films, The Tornado Project. Produced by Tom and Doris Grazulis, All Rights Reserved.
In the early 1970's, educational films about tornadoes were few and far between. There were two governmental films, 'Tornado' in 1956 and the revised versions that followed in 1967 and 1970. The first film to explore the mysteries of tornado phenomenon in depth was this production by Tom and Doris Grazulis. 'The Tornado: Approaching the Unapproachable' was released to schools and university groups in 1972. A complimentary 35mm slide program with audio tapes was also either available or intended to be released. The film fell into relative obscurity until it resurfaced on the first extended video compilation of 'Tornado Videos Classics: Volume One' in 1992, also produced by Tom and Doris Grazulis. With home video a main player by the early 1990's, this film found additional audiences.
As quality films of tornadoes in motion were far and few between in 1972, much of the stock footage incorporated ranged from the mid-1950's through late 1960's. Overall this was one of the better educational films, if not the best, to be produced in the 1970's until the National Weather Service released 'Spotters Guide' in 1977/78.
This copy of 'The Tornado: ATU' 1972 is remastered in 1080 high definition from an original source tape.
© 1972 Environmental Films, The Tornado Project. Produced by Tom and Doris Grazulis, All Rights Reserved.
![Tornado Alley [1997] The History Channel, Documentary](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dX4p5ATd6UA/mqdefault.jpg "Tornado Alley [1997] The History Channel, Documentary
Tornado Alley [1997] Part of the Wrath of God documentary series, this production features several historical United States tornado events that transpired in the 19th and 20th centuries with stories primarily focused around the March 18, 1925 tri-state tornado in southern Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. Eyewitnesses and survivors recount that event in original interviews in one of the last broadcast productions to present such original stories. At times the program takes visual liberties with stock tornado video and photos that are completely unrelated to actual events, incorporated for dramatic effect. Produced by Towers Productions for The History Channel, Tornado Alley aired during the peak of a tornado program boom for cable and television networks in the later part of the 1990s and was eventually marketed by A&E Home Video. This is remastered from an original production videotape and presented in high definition.
Additional information on the March 18, 1925 tri-state tornado: https://www.weather.gov/pah/1925Tornado_ss
Video © 1996, 1997 Towers Productions, The History Channel, All Rights Reserved.")
