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Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD EAN: 0883929026067 Format: Anamorphic, Color, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC Label: BBC Warner Languages: Manufacturer: BBC Warner MPN: 1000039821 Number Of Items: 2 Publisher: BBC Warner Region Code: 1 Release Date: July 22, 2008 Running Time: 230 minutes Studio: BBC Warner Theatrical Release Date: 2008 Editorial Review: Amazon.com: To demonstrate the stunning beauty and overwhelming power of the Earth, Dr. Iain Stewart climbs into the crater of an active volcano in Ethiopia, jets into the stratosphere, climbs the frozen crests of the Alps, races the tide at the Amazon basin, dives into underwater caverns in Mexico, and generally enjoys himself to no end. His infectious enthusiasm is hardly necessary, though; Earth: The Biography (formerly The Power of the Planet) is five episodes of phenomenal images and fascinating information about how our planet formed and the potent yet delicate balance of life. Stewart, the program's host, seems destined to become the Carl Sagan of geology; his cheerful Scottish accent (he sounds like he walked out of Trainspotting) is just waiting for a catchphrase like "billions and billions" to make him a household name. Earth: The Biography juxtaposes things gigantic (tectonic plates) and teeny-tiny (plankton) while gracefully explaining the crucial role each plays in making the world habitable for life as we know it. There's even surprising humor, like demonstrating the ocean's currents through the movement of 29,000 plastic ducks that were swept overboard in a storm, or how the first thing jet pilot Joe Kittinger does, after successfully parachuting from the highest point in the stratosphere anyone has ever jumped (including 15 minutes of free fall), is light up a cigarette. Add in some CGI models of prehistoric beasts and volcanic activity, and you've got a completely addictive examination of the Earth in all its majesty. --Bret Fetzer Description: This landmark series uses specialist imaging and compelling narrative to tell the life story of our planet, how it works, and what makes it so special. Examining the great forces that shape the Earth - volcanoes, the ocean, the atmosphere and ice - the programme explores their central roles in our planet's story. How do these forces affect the Earth's landscape, its climate, and its history? CGI gives the audience a ringside seat at these great events, while the final episode brings together all the themes of the series and argues that Earth is an exceptionally rare kind of planet - giving us a special responsibility to look after our unique world. This is a series that shows the Earth in new and surprising ways. Extensive use of satellite imagery reveals new views of our planet, while timelapse filmed over many months brings the planet to life. Offering a balance between dramatic visuals and illuminating facts, this ground-breaking series makes global science truly compelling. Average Rating:
 Rating: - NOT AS GOOD AS PLANET EARTHWith some exceptions this appears to utilize outtakes from PLANET EARTH. The theme is good, the evolution of the earth, but it is not as strong a presentation as the venerable LIFE ON EARTH or more recent PLANET EARTH. I am planning to give my copy to the local library or to my daughter's elementary school. Rating:  - Understanding the Earth with science, not opinionDr. Stewart's latest contribution to science for the non-scientist continues his refreshing perspectives on the planet earth. If this video does not educate, enthrall, and entice you to learn more about our planet and its fragility, you must be one of those people who will not allow themselves to be confused with facts because your mind is already made up. Once you get used to Dr. Stewart's Scots accent, his explanations of natural phenomena are remarkable for their clarity and simplicity. ... Read More Rating: - Outstanding!I have studied these subjects for many years now and generally very a very critical eye. I find absolutely no fault with these programs. Full marks to Dr. Stewart for all of his efforts. Rating:  - overview of planet EarthThis is a very good visual introduction to Earth for anyone whose interests are not directed to the physical and biological sciences. The videography is vivid and captivating. Overall, it is well executed. Rating: - Wonderfully done and educational!Saw this originally on TV, and wanted it in my video library. There are so many things on this earth to learn about, and this was a fantastic way to increase that knowledge! |
