Covering 70% of the planet, the ocean is truly a dominating force, yet we know less about our oceans than we do about the surface of the moon. Five years in the making, with a budget of over $10 million, The Blue Planet: S... more »eas of Life is the most comprehen« less
"There are many reasons to own this wonderful series on DVD, but one reason stands out: The Killer Whale/Seal Pup segment of the "Coasts" DVD. The Amazon.com main reviewer mentioned this scene in his review - and with good reason. It is THE most amazing piece of wildlife footage EVER captured on film - even surpassing the National Geographic special with the Great White Sharks breaching.If you need more reasons than that, the "Ocean World" DVD contains unbelievable footage of Sir David in a skiff right above a Blue Whale (the largest creature ever to have lived) along with a stirring segment about an orca pod pursuing a gray whale and her calf.All of my friends - who are decidely NOT nature buffs like me -were left speechless after seeing some of the segments in this set (particularly the aforementioned ones). The Life of Mammals DVD set by Attenborough is also terrific."
Don't miss this one!
D. Wetzel | Clearwater, FL United States | 02/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There isn't a moment in these four DVD's that won't have you gazing in wonder and admiration at the effort and amazing footage captured in this series. Of all the DVD's I own, and that is no small number I assure you, this entire set never sits long enough to get more than a days worth of dust on it. I often watch an episode as I linger in bed waiting for sleep to overtake me. Equally as often, I have to switch it off so I can get sleep--it is that unendingly fascinating. No matter how many times I've watched it, the presentation and simply astounding events they have captured in this series always manage to keep my attention. To even try and relate what the hours of footage reveal would only do it an injustice. I won't even try and I'm sure others could describe it better than I. Let me say this, if you have never seen Blue Planet then you have been sorely missing out. It most certainly contains footage of the marine world that cannot be seen anywhere else. Not merely a few minutes here and there but nearly every minute of the series is unique and nearly unbelievable to behold. Yes, I realize that it sounds like I'm waxing over this set in glowing terms--and I am, but for good reason. Don't rent these, don't borrow them from a friend and certainly don't just wait around trying to decide if this set is for you. Just click the order button right now and make this set your own. After you do, I think you'll agree it is among the best documentaries ever created, and simultaneously, one of the best DVD investments you've made."
Four Beautiful Eye Openers.
Steve Guardala | ????? | 09/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a fine Anglo-American documentary that far surpasses most documentaries on most any subject. The narrator Sir David Attenborough may be a bit dull at times, but he knows his subject. Perhaps, only Jacques Cousteau knew more about the Oceans? The breathtaking visuals more than make up for the flatter parts of the narration. This focuses on the worlds oceans & gives the viewer a sea of information to absorb. Topics such as "survival of the fittest, the seasonal shifting of seas, plants, fish, evolution, the food chain, & the future of humans are all here in fine detail."
The visuals are sometimes brutal, predators chasing baby Turtles, & Killer Whales attacking Sea Lion pups bring natures cruel realities to life. The trailers, interviews, & fact files also added another dimention of depth to these four DVD's. This was worth every cent & more. Everytime you view it you will learn something that you may have missed during the first viewing."
BEWARE!
DVDconnoisseur | Boston, MA | 08/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great documentary, as is Planet Earth. Both come highly recommended. However, for those considering purchasing this set, you should note that a new special edition containing a 5th DVD is coming out in October."
The best nature documentaries I have seen
Lisa | Truckee, California | 03/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently watched all 8 segments of this series and found them far more riveting than I thought I would. Each one was excellent. I am a biologist, but I have to admit, some nature documentaries can be a bit dull, or they try too hard to be exciting by editing unrelated footage together and end up being silly or unrealistic. This BBC series of documentaries was outstanding in every way - even if the footage had been poor, Sir Attenborough's narration is elucidating and interesting and completely worth watching the series for; and if the narration had been dull, the footage is simply stunning and completely worth watching the series for. Together they are outstanding and I found myself often saying "holy cow - that's amazing!" Even as a biologist myself, I learned much watching these. I can't recommend these highly enough for everyone - kids, adults, nature buffs, non-nature-buffs, divers, non-divers, non-documentary-buff... even people who don't usually like documentaries or nature stuff can't help but have their interest piqued (as recently proved by my in-laws!).
A note to the sensitive or squeamish - the series doesn't gloss over the reality of sometimes grizzly deaths in nature. The pod of orcas hunting a grey whale and her calf, or snatching sea lion pups from the beach or polar bears ambushing belugas at their only breathing hole may be particularly disturbing. It's real, but not always pretty.
Some high points of the series: underwater footage of polar bears (who can swim hundreds of kilometers); a swirling school of mackerel being simultaneously attacked by dolphin, diving birds, tuna and marlin; bizarre hunting methods of alien animals from the very deep ocean; dolphins driving mullets out of the water to snatch them in mid-air or driving their heads into seafloor to catch buried razorfish; and the endless incredible facts about these creatures delivered by Sir David.
Not to be missed - the extra features ("The Making of" for each episode, fact files and photo galleries) are every bit as cool as the actual series'.
Kudos to the BBC for their huge effort and a truely excellent series."