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.

Since the first episode to last - its an amazing ride , with vast scenery and good depth of knowledge of Africa. Not only it shows the wildlife but it shows how the change in climate and world population is affect each one of them. It also very elegantly shows the local people and how they are trying to help the biodiversity. David did very well on narrating and presenting the wildlife. The story of some animals really touch you heart.

An as a Bio scientist myself - its was amazing to see yet another making look of Africa it was time we just get to see Africa since it so vast.

The series director and producers and rest of the crew definitely did a master piece on this, i remember looking forward for each episode and truly sad its over...for now.

Its truly a beautiful series.. Deserves a title next to Planet Earth.

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...

David Attenborough does it again.I personally have been hooked on his documentaries for more than a decade (pardon for being young) and I have to say no other man can come close to his interpretation of nature's wonders.Since the flawless "Planet Earth", David has continued to amaze with this interpretation and that certainly did not fail in "Africa".

Yes, we finally get to see more from Africa rather than just a big pile of desserts.The variety of climate changes,animal adaption and human construction at its peak is displayed in the most brilliant way you can describe.And of course the cruel fate of the residents due to climate change and increase number of predators really gives you a heart breaking image as to how bizarre and ferocious life can be when it's instinctively based on the three basic surviving methods, "Water,Food,Shelter".

In conclusion,I have to say that "Africa" ranks as one of the top documentaries ever done by BBC and that's saying a lot because BBC has done quite some documentaries which brought nature interpretation to a whole new levels.

Personal rank : 10/10.