User Reviews

BAFTA winning British wildlife documentarian John Downer ("Puma: Lion of the Andes" & "Africa's Wild Dogs") heads into the jungle for a closer look at one of the world's most beautiful creatures, thanks to the extraordinary photography of the late Chip Houseman, in this BBC television special which was awarded the 2000 BAFTA for Best Factual Photography.

British institution Sir David Attenborough introduces us to Kanha National Park Chief Mahout Bir Singh, who in turn guides us deep into the forests of Kippling's Jungle Book, where a tigress walks a tightrope between success and failure as she faces the monsoon, packs of Indian wild dogs and an aggressive male challenger as she struggles to raise a family.

A 12 year old Royal Bengal Tiger named Lakshmi heads up a cast which includes her three young cubs, an estranged daughter and their prey engaged in all manner of secretive behaviour brilliantly and bitingly explained by the unmistakable dulcet tones of the most beautiful naturalist on the planet, whose enthusiasm continues to burn brightly.

The filmmakers augment the sumptuous cinematography of Chip Houseman, who passed away during the production, with the sweeping score of Nicholas Hooper and little else as the bare bones of Lakshmi's extraordinary story, not resolved until the closing credits. in one of the safest places for tigers in the world is more than enough for us to see the true essence and beauty of a tiger in the wild.

"Killing lessons can be fun."

Saw the 'Wildlife' specials as a big fan of the national treasure that is David Attenborough. As much as he may dislike the term it is a perfect way to sum him up, with his best works being documentary masterpieces and masterpieces in general.

As of now, fourteen episodes for 'Wildlife Specials' here are listed. There are actually twenty two, the others listed as one-offs. Eighteen of these up to 2008 were narrated/presented by Attenborough, the others ('Polar Bear: Spy on the Ice', 'Penguins: Spy in the Huddle', 'Swarm: Nature's Incredible Invasion', and 'Dolphins: Spy in the Pod')up to 2014 by David Tennant. All are must sees, have a preference for Attenborough's work here (being more familiar with his work and being a big fan of it) but Tennant's contributions are very well done too.

As has been indicated, 'Wildlife Specials' is highly recommended for nature lovers, documentary lovers and those who love Attenborough, also a good way of being introduced to Tennant's narrative work. It is very diverse/varied, looks great and shows a great deal of technological advancement in the camera work. This is apparent in "Tiger" once again, this time dealing with tigers, their physical and psychological qualities and how they adapt and survive in their varied habitats.

First and foremost, "Tiger" looks amazing. It is gorgeously filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate (a great way of connecting even more with the tigers), way and never looking static. In fact much of it is remarkably cinematic and intimate, not the most innovative of the series in terms of camera work but that doesn't matter. The editing is always succinct and smooth and the scenery is pure magic.

The music score fits very well, never overly grandiose while never being inappropriate with some lovely sounds. One of my favourite scores of this particular BBC Wildlife Specials series.

"Tiger" fascinates, teaches, moves, entertains and transfixes. In terms of the facts there was a very good mix of the known ones and the unknown, some facts being familiar to us while also dealing with the subject with tact. Their intelligence comes out on screen crystal clear and how they live and their cultural aspects are handled in a way that does illuminate.

Narration by Attenborough helps significantly. He clearly knows his stuff and knows what to say and how to say it. He delivers it with his usual richness, soft-spoken enthusiasm and sincerity, never talking down to the viewer and keeping them riveted and wanting to know more.

It's not just visually beautiful and informative. The tigers featured are great to look at and more complex than they seem, with a mix of playfulness, pathos and ruthlessness. "Tiger" also displays a wide range of emotions and found myself really caring for everything that was shown to us on screen. The conflict has genuine tension and suspense, seeing how the tiger adapt and survive, there is some charm seeing how they behave, and a lot of emotionally powerful moments portraying their delicacy and that they are much more than just a predator and prone to facing adversity. Found myself really caring for what we're told.

"Tiger" doesn't feel like an episodic stringing of scenes, but instead like the best nature documentaries it feels like its own story and journey, with real, complex emotions and conflicts.

Overall, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox

My Favourite Tiger documentary and I've seen quite a good number of them. The Amazing Sir David Attenborough narrates this Spectacular Tiger Film set in the Beautiful Jungles of Kanha National Park In Central India. Made in the late 1990's this particular Tiger documentary doesn't hold back on showing the true brutal and graphic grittiness of Nature, Natural Selection and Circle of Life as it is in the Wild. As well as being Educational about Tigers in the Wild Jungle this documentary is quite emotional and sad in parts centred on one Tiger family's fight for survival living in their Territory and showing the dangers along the way. I highly recommend this to anyone who Loves Animals and Nature and who Loves Tigers. 10/10.