What is described as a shot that captures an object from a great distance?

The choice of an establishing shot is accurate because this type of shot is designed to provide context to the viewer by revealing the broader setting or environment in which the action takes place. It typically captures a scene from a significant distance, allowing the audience to understand the geographical or physical relationship between elements within the scene. Establishing shots are crucial in cinematic storytelling as they orient the viewer and set the stage for the narrative that follows, often used at the beginning of a sequence.

In contrast to capturing a scene from a great distance, other options serve different purposes. An extreme close-up focuses narrowly on a specific detail, creating intimacy or emphasizing particular elements. A close-up similarly focuses on a subject or object but from a slightly broader perspective than an extreme close-up. A medium long shot, on the other hand, showcases a subject from the waist up or includes more of the surrounding context than the close-ups do, but still does not encompass the same expansive view as an establishing shot. Thus, the defining characteristic of an establishing shot lies in its ability to depict a scene from a great distance, making it the correct answer.