Discovery Channel "Planet Earth" is amazing

[Steve Carlton]

I just saw the first episode "Pole to Pole" and was simply blown away. In a nutshell, they spent 5 years making this 11 part series in High Definition with stabilized cameras on planes, helicopters, and trucks. I've never seen such good quality shots of wildlife, skies, and landscapes. Simply breathtaking! A lot of stuff has never been filmed before, as they are frequently apt to mention.

There's a scene where a polar bear mom comes out of her hibernation, poking her head out of a hole in the snow. Then she just slides down the hill about a hundred yards on her side, enjoying the ride. Stunning. Then her cub comes out and has to chase her down to get some milk.

Another scene shows a pack of dogs hunting antelope in Africa. From above, you can see the pack split up to surround the faster prey. They peel off like fighter planes in a well-organized sequence. Amazing intelligence!

The slow-motion sequence of a Great White is unbelievable. I won't even ruin the surprise.

Check it out. It's playing several times a week on Discovery. It also seems to be available on DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray DVD for $50-80.

[rattlsnak]

pole to pole is the second episode, last weeks was just as amazing. (rain forest and desert)

[MichiganMat]

Im watching "Great Plains" now, just watched "Shallow waters". Jaw-dropping beauty, absolutely stunning footage they've captured.

[austin552]

http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/planet-earth/game/game.html

[JeremyD]

amazing - my son (7) were saying whoa out loud

[legion]

Is that the one narrated by Sigourney Weaver?

[DaveE]

Originally posted by legion
Is that the one narrated by Sigourney Weaver?

Yes.

It is awesome in HD, wide screen.

[legion]

From what I understand, they re-dubbed the narration for the U.S. version (it was originally a BBC show), inserting political commentary on the theory of human-caused global warming©.

[DaveE]

Originally posted by legion
From what I understand, they re-dubbed the narration for the U.S. version (it was originally a BBC show), inserting political commentary on the theory of human-caused global warming©.

I watched most of one last night called "Shallow Seas". I don't remember any political comments, but if you're afraid of that, maybe you shouldn't watch.

[Steve Carlton]

Originally posted by legion
Is that the one narrated by Sigourney Weaver?

I thought she did a good job, and thought of her as uniquely "qualified" to discuss strange life forms. In checking out the DVDs to be released April 24th, I noticed the original BBC production was narrated by David Attenborough. The reviews of those that have seen both much prefer the David Attenborough versions, which also include 90 minutes that was cut from the US version for timing and commercials.

It also looks like the US version is coming out in DVD as well. The first disc includes Episodes 1- Pole to Pole, 2- Mountains, and 3- Deep Ocean for $12.
http://pedvd.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1

[legion]

I was at dinner with some friends Saturday night, and they told me that they preferred the David Attenborough narration. They also said that they thought the Sigourney Weaver narration was subtly politicized.

[Steve Carlton]

A clip from the BBC version of "Shallow Seas"...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qHnS8_0da6A

[DaveE]

I think during Sigourney's narration of the Great White scene she makes some comparison to Republican Big Business types devouring everything in their sight.