Planet Earth

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 5/18/07 at 1:19pm

Has anybody seen this BBC documentary series? It aired over the last couple of weeks on the Discovery Channel, but I missed it every time it came on, so I decided to buy the DVD set.

It is extraordinary. Some of the most amazing images of nature I have ever seen and that have probably ever been captured. I've only watched two epsiodes (there are about 14 or so), but I highly recommend it, even if you're not much of a nature or documentary fan.

One of my sisters hates being outside and doesn't care for documentaries, but she has already watched 4 or 5 episodes.

It really is an incredible acheivement.

[Mother's Younger Brother]

Posted: 5/18/07 at 1:32pm

I agree, I think it's very often breathtaking. I'm not 100% sold on Sigourney Weaver as the narrator, but she's ok. The whole series though, more than anything, makes me really wish I had my HD hooked up!

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 5/18/07 at 1:37pm

The BBC version (which is currently the only one on DVD) has David Attenbourough as the narrator.

That narrator is basically the only difference between the BBC and Discovery Channel versions, other than the order of the episodes.

[DG]

Posted: 5/18/07 at 1:52pm

I LOVED this series!

And Priest, I THINK that the DVD with Attenborough has some additional footage that wasn't shown here in the US, but I could be COMPLETELY wrong!

I ordered it along with BLUE PLANET, which is also extraordinary.

[justme2]

Posted: 5/18/07 at 4:32pm

This series was gorgeously shot, and I enjoyed every episode. I hope they show it in schools.


However, I began to get the feeling that the producers were determined to gross us out at least once in every episode. Did I need to see Cicadas being devoured up close by more than one type of bird? Did I need to see the parasites coming out of the ants head...in slow motion, in at least seven different ants? Did I need to see the cockroaches over the bat guano (sic) THAT close??

And 10 foot long salamanders will keep me from creek walking in Japan.

[aspen]

Posted: 5/19/07 at 2:43am

Is there any extra footage on the DVD set? I really enjoyed watching the miniseries on Discovery.

[vbplayer]

Posted: 5/19/07 at 5:32pm

It is brilliant in HD. Highly recommended.

[DG]

Posted: 6/3/07 at 7:42am

There's a companion piece due to be released in theatres this coming fall.
Article.

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 10/5/08 at 11:55pm

Updated On: 2/21/09 at 11:55 PM

[Q]

Posted: 10/6/08 at 12:43am

It's not only that David seems more attuned to the material, but that there was added footage in the version released with his narration. I hope they're showing that, as well.

This is absolutely one of my favorite things ever created. I pull it out and watch segments frequently.

On a related note - the series BLUE PLANET is equally as thrilling, for those interested.

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 10/6/08 at 2:04am

Updated On: 2/21/09 at 02:04 AM

[Q]

Posted: 10/6/08 at 2:33am

"there's something so calming about nature"

Interesting thought - and I can't disagree. Getting out into the 'wild' is how I find my balance.

HOWEVER, it has to be acknowledged that much, if not all, of 'nature' can be summarized as 'eat or be eaten'. There's not much romantic or sentimental about the struggle for survival.

Much like our own lives. It has just taken on the patina of 'graciousness' because of our supposed superiority of mental capability.

And look what we've done with that capacity . . .

[Kasie]

Posted: 10/6/08 at 2:41am

Well said, Q.

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 10/6/08 at 2:46am

Updated On: 2/21/09 at 02:46 AM

[Q]

Posted: 10/6/08 at 3:11am

Petite - You say you don't look at it that way, and yet, I think we're seeing the same thing.

I was just responding to the concept of 'peaceful nature' - which I don't think exists. The 'nature' of nature is chaos. It finds a balance - which is ever-changing - but it is still rooted in chaos. The never-ending flux of 'my existence outweighs yours'.

Which may be at the root of the problems we humans face, as we are nothing more than animals, in the end.

And yet, when you add the supposed capacity of our 'elevated thought process', I would think more could be expected.

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 10/6/08 at 3:35am

Updated On: 2/21/09 at 03:35 AM

[Urban]

Posted: 10/6/08 at 3:56am

The funny thing is I have brought it twice (both DVDs of the BBC version at any rate) for birthday presents - but have yet to see the entire thing myself. It is one of those things I have seen in parts but not the whole.

[Weez]

Posted: 10/6/08 at 4:16am

I get what Petite is driving at. Nature may be chaotic, but it's also not intentionally malicious. And when one spends pretty much all of one's time being part of the only race that mindlessly slaughters and tortures itself and other species for shizzles and giggles, there's something refreshingly honest about watching nature do what nature does best.