'Planet Earth: Limited Edition' [Blu-ray]
(Narrated by David Attenborough / 6-Disc DVD / NR / 2011 / BBC Home Video)
Overview: As of its release in early 2007, Planet Earth is quite simply the greatest nature/wildlife series ever produced. The new, 6-disc Planet Earth Special Edition is also available in this special, limited, numbered collector’s edition globe package! All six discs, plus a set of 4 exclusive art cards featuring some of the most stunning images from the series are housed in a sturdy, weighted globe, numbered for greater collectability.
DVD Verdict: If you haven't yet experienced Planet Earth, take this opportunity to "see your world as never before". Incredible photography is the bedrock of this far reaching documentary series which spans the globe from mountains to deserts, caves to oceans finding every possible form of life be it large or small, predator or prey.
Equally enjoyable are the short snippets which close each segment detailing how some of the more stunning images were captured (wait until you see the shark explode out of the water to nab a meal) and you can't go wrong with Sigourney Weaver describing the action from start to finish. You truly won't believe your eyes, especially if you have HD!
Indeed, there are really few words that can readily add justification on just how beautiful and awe inspiring this groundbreaking series truly is. As wildlife documentaries go, PLANET EARTH sets a standard that most other film production companies can only dream about. It's with this re-release on Blu-Ray that they take it to even a more heightened level by adding extras that will round out the series in a way that a true fan of the program will drool over.
The series is broken up into 11 different episodes that capture great footage of different habitats and the animals that live there. The stories are wonderfully narrated (and can tug on your heart strings.) The Special Edition comes with bonus video diaries that contain behind the scenes footage for each episode/habitat that share wonderful insight into "how it's made." It also includes Planet Earth: The Future and other bonus features.
The photography in this video is nothing short of astonishing! My new 60" HDTV and Blu-Ray player really make this video series shine. This is like Discovery Channel HD on steroids. If you've got a Blu-Ray player and HDTV, and you enjoy Discovery Channel or Animal Planet type programming then you owe it to yourself to check this series out.
BBC series are consistently of very high quality and this one is as good as it gets. The camera work produces unbelievable shots of nature and the animal kingdom. Through slow motion and other devises the physical world we live in comes alive in spectacular beauty. What a wonderful teaching tool for the Wonders of God's Creative Work.
The BBC and David Attenborough have a done a great job covering practically every aspect of Planet Earth. It is a rare one in which the producers celebrate the planet and save the preachings for the bonus disc, than lament about destruction. (Some of the best in wildlife photography as we see in the 10 minute dairies after each disc.)
In conclusion, Planet Earth: Special Edition is captivating and wonderful to watch for both kids and adults. It really helps one appreciate the majesty and beauty of the world we live in. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:
Commentary on select episodes
Great Planet Earth Moments: Relive the greatest moments of this revolutionary series and discover how these scenes were captured on film!
Snow Leopard: Beyond the Myth - The BBC Natural History Unit explores a secret cave deep in the mountains of Pakistan where generations of snow leopards return each year to raise their young.
Secrets of the Maya Underworld: The freshwater pools that dot Mexico's Yucatan peninsula were believed by the Mayans to be portals to the underworld. For the first time ever, the BBC Natural History Unit explores this incredible, labyrinthine system of underground rivers.
Elephant Nomads of the Namib Desert: Follow the struggle for survival of two female elephants trying to raise their young in one of the harshest climates on Earth.
Music Only viewing option
Special Sneak Peek at Executive Producer Alastair Fothergill's next blockbuster project: Frozen Planet
Original DVD Special Features now also on Blu-ray:
110 minutes of behind the scenes footage one 10-minute behind the scenes program for each episode Planet Earth
The Future: This 3-part series looks at what the future may hold for endangered animals, habitats and ultimately ourselves. Following the environmental issues raised by Planet Earth, it asks why so many species are threatened and how they can be protected in future.
www.BBCamerica.com