'Life in Colour' is the second David Attenborough series released and aired in 2021. The other being 'A Perfect Planet', which while not one of his best was a truly fine and often brilliant series (despite the final episode not being as good as the others). 'Life in Colour' did fascinate me from the get go, due to its subject matter. A large part of me was so interested in seeing how colour is used in the depicted animals' lives and how it would benefit them or cause problems.
It turned out to be another fine Attenborough effort. Did prefer 'A Perfect Planet' of the two series from 2021 and he has done better overall. Ones that are more ground-breaking, more varied and more emotional. 'Life in Colour' however does do a great job with the subject matter and anybody who watches Attenborough's work expecting high production values, wonderful animals and footage, to be educated and memorable scenes will not be disappointed.
My only real issue actually with 'Life in Colour' (have not seen the third episode yet) was the information regarding the polarised lights in "Seeing in Colour", which did go over my head a bit and didn't need to be as complicated in explanation as it turned out.
Otherwise the series is great. One always expects Attenborough's documentaries to be well made, and calling 'Life in Colour' well made is an understatement. The best of the footage is quite dazzling, such as the strawberry coloured frogs and the significance of tiger and zebra markings, and it is amazing at how vivid the colours are. Especially in "Seeing in Colour" with the red noses and green chests.
The music has a nice atmosphere and is nicely varied emotionally, such as the mating dance and how it depicts deception. The narration is educational throughout and mostly accessible, like how one can tell whether a fruit is ripe, misfiring only with the polarised lights. Also liked its entertainment value, without it ever being childish and honesty. It is typically brilliantly presented by Attenborough, who has one of those listen to for hours type of voices.
Also cannot fault the animals and the way they behave and what is said being fascinating, with the ways of deception in "Hiding in Colour" being particularly illuminating, The footage is informative and engaging, with enough freshness given to some of the familiar material (mating dances are not new territory for Attenborough documentaries but don't get old) and with "Seeing in Colour" being particularly good in presenting new material well backed up. Actually appreciated the behind the scenes scenes and it made me appreciate the crews' efforts more.
Concluding, fine series. 9/10.
