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 "Humpback Whale: Giant of the Oceans" once again, this time dealing with humpback whales and how they adapt and survive in their varied habitats.
First and foremost, "Humpback Whale: Giant of the Oceans" looks amazing. It is gorgeously filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate (a great way of connecting even more with the whales), way and never looking static. In fact much of it is remarkably cinematic and intimate, even when high up. The editing is always succinct and smooth and the scenery of all the continents is pure magic.
The music score fits very well, never overly grandiose while never being inappropriate.
"Humpback Whale: Giant of the Oceans" 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.
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 whales featured are great to look at and more complex than they seem, more gentle than their imposing appearance. "Humpback Whale: Giant of the Oceans" 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 humpback whales need to survive, there is some fun, showing the whales' gentility, and a lot of emotionally powerful moments. Found myself really caring for what we're told.
"Humpback Whale: Giant of the Oceans" doesn't feel like an episodic stringing of scenes, but instead like the best nature documentaries each feels like its own story and journey, with real, complex emotions and conflicts.
In summary, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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 "Humpback Whale: Giant of the Oceans" once again, this time dealing with humpback whales and how they adapt and survive in their varied habitats.
First and foremost, "Humpback Whale: Giant of the Oceans" looks amazing. It is gorgeously filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate (a great way of connecting even more with the whales), way and never looking static. In fact much of it is remarkably cinematic and intimate, even when high up. The editing is always succinct and smooth and the scenery of all the continents is pure magic.
The music score fits very well, never overly grandiose while never being inappropriate.
"Humpback Whale: Giant of the Oceans" 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.
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 whales featured are great to look at and more complex than they seem, more gentle than their imposing appearance. "Humpback Whale: Giant of the Oceans" 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 humpback whales need to survive, there is some fun, showing the whales' gentility, and a lot of emotionally powerful moments. Found myself really caring for what we're told.
"Humpback Whale: Giant of the Oceans" doesn't feel like an episodic stringing of scenes, but instead like the best nature documentaries each feels like its own story and journey, with real, complex emotions and conflicts.
In summary, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox
