Am a big fan of wildlife/nature documentaries, especially the work of David Attenborough. Having been recommended 'Wild Down Under', through Amazon and the recommended for you section here, but with variable knowledge of the wildlife, it was instantly put down on my list as a must see. Also heard nothing but praise for it from those who saw it, online and in person, so that further sparked interest.
Didn't find myself disappointed by 'Wild Down Under' in any shape or form. It is not one of my favourite wildlife/nature documentaries, but even if there are those that are far more ground-breaking, more intimate and even more visually stunning that didn't stop 'Wild Down Under' from being fascinating, very well made, remarkably varied and very entertaining. When it comes to Australian wildlife, there is not much better and it is not just wildlife but also the effects of climate and all the different habitats.
'Wild Down Under' is only really let down by a few repetitive aerial shots and the final episode "New Worlds" not being as good as the previous five. It is a long way from bad, don't get me wrong, covering an area just as important and worth talking about, and it is interesting and well done, but the previous five were more engaging in pace and handled their subjects more subtly.
However, 'Wild Down Under' looks wonderful. It is gorgeously filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate (a great way of connecting even more with the animals), way and never looking static. There are some clever filming techniques, and not just a vast majority of the aerial shots that give an expansive view of the landscapes. The scenery and habitats are breathtaking and wonderfully varied, rich in colour and like their own characters.
Music here is a remarkably good fit, throughout it not only complements the visuals but enhances them and there is an authentic flavour to it. The presenting is thoughtful and both educates and entertains, without being over-eager or preaching. Not just in writing but also the way it's presented, done by someone who clearly knows what they are talking about, how and when to deliver it and who seemed to be enjoying themselves in front of and behind the camera.
Everything is intriguing and illuminating and even if the information was not always unfamiliar (most of it was though) it still feels fresh. The wildlife themselves are quite unique and a wonderful mix of the adorable and the dangerous, as well as the well known and the rarely seen, and one actually finds they're rooting for them in exactly the same way they would a human character. Felt a lot of emotions watching 'Wild Down Under' and never found any of the six episodes disjointed or episodic.
In conclusion, a terrific series. 9/10
