'South Pacific' is a hugely informative and exceptionally well-made series. Inevitable, though some may argue unfair, comparisons may be (have been in fact) made to the output of David Attenborough, to me 'South Pacific' is one of the better documentary series in recent years to not have Attenborough's name on it and stands wonderfully on its own, if just lacking the special magic of Attenborough's best work.
There are so many great things in 'South Pacific'. Its premise is dealt with exceptionally in every single episode, the environments, how they're lived in, how the humans adapt to the environments, there are some very interesting topics and important ones handled truly admirably. Also in a way that is illuminating but not preachy (which is a potential danger with anything environmental-themed and a danger often fallen into).
After three wonderful previous episodes, "Ocean of Volcanoes" had a lot to live up to. A hard feat that it accomplished extremely well.
Sure, there could have been a touch more clarity in parts, but there is very little to dislike here.
When it comes to how it's written, "Ocean of Volcanoes" does just as good a job entertaining and teaching, it's all very sincerely done and it never feels like a sermon. There are things here that are common sense and knowledge but one is taught a huge deal as well.
Benedict Cumberbatch's narration delivery is similarly on the money, very sensitively delivered, engaging and sonorous.
Visually, "Ocean of Volcanoes" may lack the awe-inspiring, almost cinematic quality of the David Attenborough documentaries. With that being said, it is gorgeously shot, shot in a fluid, graceful and never static way, and is chock-full of strikingly memorable images. In every episode, the scenery and environments are like characters of their own, they're all incredible to look at and have a lot of atmosphere.
"Ocean of Volcanoes" is appropriately scored, never intrusive or too low-key, and the different stories are powerful in a harrowing and poignant way, not to mention very honest and visually striking.
In summary, beautifully made, educational and emotional, basically a winner. 9/10 Bethany Cox
There are so many great things in 'South Pacific'. Its premise is dealt with exceptionally in every single episode, the environments, how they're lived in, how the humans adapt to the environments, there are some very interesting topics and important ones handled truly admirably. Also in a way that is illuminating but not preachy (which is a potential danger with anything environmental-themed and a danger often fallen into).
After three wonderful previous episodes, "Ocean of Volcanoes" had a lot to live up to. A hard feat that it accomplished extremely well.
Sure, there could have been a touch more clarity in parts, but there is very little to dislike here.
When it comes to how it's written, "Ocean of Volcanoes" does just as good a job entertaining and teaching, it's all very sincerely done and it never feels like a sermon. There are things here that are common sense and knowledge but one is taught a huge deal as well.
Benedict Cumberbatch's narration delivery is similarly on the money, very sensitively delivered, engaging and sonorous.
Visually, "Ocean of Volcanoes" may lack the awe-inspiring, almost cinematic quality of the David Attenborough documentaries. With that being said, it is gorgeously shot, shot in a fluid, graceful and never static way, and is chock-full of strikingly memorable images. In every episode, the scenery and environments are like characters of their own, they're all incredible to look at and have a lot of atmosphere.
"Ocean of Volcanoes" is appropriately scored, never intrusive or too low-key, and the different stories are powerful in a harrowing and poignant way, not to mention very honest and visually striking.
In summary, beautifully made, educational and emotional, basically a winner. 9/10 Bethany Cox
