Africa

Terrific 6 hour documentary mini-series on the land and (mostly) animals of Africa's various geographic regions; from the ocean waters off the Cape of Good Hope, to the stunning, endless Sahara desert. Fantastically photographed, as all these BBC nature series tend to be, and hosted with his usual humanity, passion and insight by David Attenborough. It's important to note that Attenborough is not just narrating, but he writes his excellent verbal sections himself. Also, as with other BBC nature series, each of the 6 sections is accompanied by a mini 'making of' documentary, which are often as fascinating and compelling as the main program.

Everything 'educational' television should be. Fun, moving, beautiful, full of new information and animals you haven't heard or seen before - even if you've seen a lot of these docs - and reminding us of how important it is to save the amazing animals and wild places that strain under the ever heavier pressure of the demands of the human species. Great for adults or any kids not too young to be frightened by occasional honest (and sometimes heartbreaking) examples of animal death in the wild. And a great ad for the visual splendor of blu-ray.

I wasn't going to review because the others nailed it, but I have to add that beyond this being an amazing series among multiple planet earth series, there is some heart wrenching. In one they show a baby elephant calf die and if that doesn't rip your heart out I don't know what will. I've watched almost all of the series and there is natural life and death, but the one with the elephant was probably the worst. No way I could have filmed it without helping.

Lucky enough to have seen the first three (To date) episodes in this wonderful new BBC wildlife series I can safely say that the BBC still rules the genre. This series explores not just the wildlife, which it does with brand new spectacular scenes, but also the relationship of the ecosystem with the geology and unpredictable weather systems and natural events. The production team have taken extraordinary measures to provide us with breath-taking scenes and amazing footage, using the latest technology and techniques. So far this season has kept my family, including our 4yr old granddaughter fixed, silently to the screen! The addition of the "Eye to Eye" excerpt at the end of each episode goes a little way to help us understand how these production teams make these shows, and for me, I always look forward to seeing what they are prepared to do to get "the shot of a lifetime."

Wonderful stuff...

It is an amazing documentary series with stunning shots and breathtaking scenes and filming. I have watched it several times and I still love to watch it again and again

David Attenborough's wonderful voice narrates another incredible BBC nature series. Planet Earth, Life, Frozen Planet, and now Africa, each takes us on a High Definition trip to some of the most amazing places on Earth. If I had to choose one of these series as the winner for the most breath taking camera work, I would have to give the honour to Africa! If I had one grouch about most nature series it would be in the grisliness in showing predators bringing down and sometimes tearing apart their prey. Africa manages to show predators at work without the overt gore. The only thing that stymies me about all of these incredible series is why they felt it necessary to release an Americanized version of each with Sigourney Weaver, Oprah, Alec Baldwin and now Forest Whitaker narrating. Attenborough's narration is as clear and concise as ever, and I would think understandable by the American viewing public.