User reviews

As Episode 1 of "Secrets of the Elephants" (2023 release; 4 episodes ranging from 36 to 44 min each), we are in the "Savanna" in Zimbabwe, and the narrator Natalie Portman introduces us to a flock of about 30 elephants, including a 4 months old calf who clings to his mother, the matriarch of the group. It is the dry season, and the group desperately needs water. The matriarch knows exactly where to go, but they face a 600 ft. Cliff with a steep and dangerous descent. At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is the latest production from the National Geographic. Here they take a closer look at the amazing animal that is the elephant. We all know these animals are very social, but here we learn about the language (various grunts and cries) used by elephants and how extensively they communicate. Episode 1 looks at elephants in the African Savanna, and the other episodes look at elephants in other locations. Just as important, if not more so, is the drop dead photography in this mini-series. Our plant is amazingly beautiful, as are the animals. Let's all do our share to preserve this for future generations.

"Secrets of the Elephants" was released this weekend to coincide with the Earth day celebration. Episode 1 premiered last night on the National Geographic Channel, and all 4 episodes started streaming on Disney+ today (Saturday). I've seen the first 2 episodes so far, and I plan to watching the remaining 2 episodes later this weekend. If you are in the mood for a high quality nature documentary, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Beautifully shot and well edited. Some great real life drama with plenty of facts interwoven into the narrative. Really get a feel of what it's like to be an elephant in an ever changing World.

Each one in the series feels very different, and deals with the changing landscapes in a spectacular way.

There's a good mix of fact and drama, with most of the storylines really immersive.

This series feels different to others in a good way. Providing insight but not getting too sidetracked by the usual man v animal dilemma.

I came away from the series with a greater understanding of elephants and the landscape they have help shape.

It is a documentary with great views and very delightful for the eye.

But I just could not stand the narration. It is overdramatic, it is creating some storylines that are just impossible to leave aside and to watch the views with ease.

Like for example on episode 2 we see that the herd has left without a new-born and its mother. The narration is trying to tell us that is because the baby overslept.. I just cannot believe that is the truth and we don't know why if this at all happened.

I tried to watch it without the sound but then I miss the nature noises.. that is why I had to stop watching it. It is so irritating that makes me stop watching and write a review...

Beautiful photography as is National Geographic's hallmark. Many interesting insights. However, Natalie Portland is a poor choice for narration, non compelling with neither voice nor the delivey of a professional. Should have hired Morgan Freeman. Also, often the writing is sophomoric at best.

(Repeating to achieve the required of minimum requirement this is all that needs saying).

Beautiful photography as is National Geographic's hallmark. Many interesting insights. However, Natalie Portland is a poor choice for narration, non compelling with neither voice nor the delivey of a professional. Should have hired Morgan Freeman. Also, often the writing is sophomoric at best.

Shame the loud off putting music drowns out the natural sounds of elephants & Portman m's dull monotone narration. She's a good actress but narration for docs is not her genre. Lots of repetitive sections after a every commercial- & there are many. Each ep could easily be 15 min instead of dragging it out to 40 min. Last, many of these elephants are the very last surviving wild ones.

This film reminds me of a similar doc Re last desert lions which caused the death of the pride's LAST magnificent prime male - shot 1 week after film's release for sport due to selfish greed of the filmmaker who continued to call them "my lions " until the entire pride was poached & young cubs died from starvation. The large male father lion aided in every buffalo hunt - literally the only game for many miles, & buffalo were nomadic. Desert lions hunted & lived on very steep slippery sand dunes & narrow cliffs. The tragic unnecessary consequences & losses were due to advertising secrete lion pride bc few knew they existed. Lions had thrived for generations next to desolate desert beach until film's release in late 1990s - since then been extinct, all knowledge lost bc no pride to teach & continue legacy.. Are these " secret" nature docs of critical and dangerous species needed? There's so little wildlife left now ppl do not need to know every snall niche where they can barely survive. Filmmakers should film in private eco rich wild game parks like the Jourberts , giving the filmed wildlife some protection from poaching for food or sport. These elephants will soon be hunted & killed since their not secret habitats are globally broadcasted.

Also, there's nothing new this series reveals except never ending extreme hardships for an iconic sentient species on brink of extinction, & what easy targets they make. Leave them alone. Def skip it series.

I loved the first episode but I hate that Natalie Portman is way too quiet to the background noise you can barely hear what she's saying. Hopefully they will re-release it at some point and increase the volume of Natalie Portman so you can actually hear some of the stuff she's saying with that being said I would have given this a 10 because it's an awesome show but when you can't hear the narrator it's not very enjoyable and I thought maybe it could be the platform I was watching it on but I watched it on both who and Disney Plus and both she's way too quiet but it does have quite a few very interesting facts.