Life on the Reef

This is Australia's Great Barrier Reef from its natural beauty to its interactions with mankind over a span of about a year. In theory, this is a more complete examination of the modern world's connection with the natural world. In practice, the show feels split in two. The nature part is as beautiful as any modern nature show on TV. The Great Barrier Reef is a place of wonders. It's hard to get that wrong. It doesn't really connect with the people working the reef. There are the aquarium specimen collectors. It may be better to have their world examined in their own episode or section. It doesn't help to have their stories scattered. It also doesn't examine any quotas or environmental impact or the business. It needs to be more insightful.

The show also struggles to give meaning to the connection between man and nature. Each episode should do its own story. Other than a few incidents like the cyclone, each episode doesn't have an identifiable subject matter. Each one should say something specific. Instead, the show skips from one subject matter to the next. There is a lot of info but also the info isn't that deep. It should be more hard-hitting at times but the narration keeps it chill and nature show wonderment. The government support may have limited any unfavorable comments. No matter what, the pictures are beautiful, there is some info, and... it's beautiful.

I found this DVD at my local library, consisting of 3 episodes (each about 55-56 min. long) that, I believe at least one if not all 3 were shown on PBS television. The series focuses on the Great Barrier Reef, on the East Coast of Australia, nearly 1500 miles in length, making it the largest reef system in the world. The documentary series highlights the incredibly complex and interconnected ecosystem of the reef, from the smallest microorganisms to the 40 ton humpback whales, who migrate there each year form Antarctica.

If you're expecting to see spectacular and exquisite cinematography you won't be disappointed, as what's presented to the viewer is truly a marvel. The episodes try to illustrate how the Australian officials, local police and rescue teams, scientists, and concerned citizens try to keep a balance between commercial interests, tourists, and natural occurrences that can easily threaten this fragile ecosystem.

There are numerous contributors to this movie, but I'll single out director Nick Robinson who also shot some of the cinematography along with Jon Shaw and Luke Peterson. Also, the narration by Rupert Reid is most engaging.

All in all, I found this film to be most fascinating and informative, and I was amazed to see things I had never known existed.

Beautiful documentary, beautiful images, beautiful stories and super interesting commentaries.

If you love nature, the sea, wildlife, do not hesitate a second to watch this !

Why would they swim right though the "eggs " when the corals are releasing their eggs!? Paddy Caldwell And all those other divers care about themselves and their adventure they care nothing about the reef or ocean life! Why do you think they only release the eggs once a year at night yet! Cause the reefs knows it'll be by itself so as many eggs make it as possible yet you see those divers Paddy Caldwell and his friends go right on though the eggs! That's really sad . And you have the nerve to say we're kill it he marine life please! Get a brain. Why do you think they do it so early in the morning! Idiots.they care nothing about the under water creation! Shame on you Paddy Caldwell.