Human Planet- The Complete Series Blu-ray and DVD Reviews
“Human Planet” is yet another fascinating BBC Earth documentary series.
For those that are unaware, “Human Planet” is an 8 episode BBC Earth documentary series in the vein of “Planet Earth” and “Life.” The episodes are essentially about human beings’ relationships with oceans, deserts, arctic, jungles, mountains, grasslands, rivers, and cities. Episodes also tackle how humans are able to survive in each of these places and which type of problems they encounter in these environments (such as bugs, hunting for food, etc). Viewers will be taken everywhere from snowy Greenland and the grasslands in Kenya to New York and Dubai in these episodes.
When I first heard another BBC Earth series was set to hit the tube and disc, I wondered what else they could possibly cover. In the past few years, it seems as if virtually everything has been covered in the Beeb’s impressively in-depth programming. It turns out, however, that “Human Planet” has quite a bit to say as it takes a much different approach than past. While there is so much explored and so much to take in in these 8 episodes, there are several interesting segments that really stand out for me here. First and foremost, I don’t think I’ve seen anything like the Island of Java. The Island is covered in deadly gasses and yet brave men trek through them (without masks) to mine sulphur in the Ijen creater in order to make a living. It’s a powerful segment to say the least.
Another piece that really caught my eye was the Korowai people’s giant treehouses. Talking about it really doesn’t it justice. You just have to see it for yourself. It’s a true sight to behold.
Summary: I could go on and on talking about various segments featured in these episodes (such as children hunting for tarantulas for dinner), but I wouldn’t want to ruin the experience of watching this educational and enthralling mini-series. Rent it or buy it and experience it for yourself (especially on Blu-ray).
Notes: These episodes contain the original, unedited UK versions with John Hurt narrating. Additionally, each episode concludes with a 10 minute plus behind-the-scenes look at filming certain sequences such as narwhal hunting.
Video/Audio:
The widescreen 1080i picture quality is phenomenal, but I’m still a bit baffled as to why this isn’t in 1080p. Regardless, everything from the dusty desert to the lush jungles looks jaw-dropping. As for the DVD set, it’s good, but I’m not exaggerating when I say there is a great difference between the Blu-ray and DVD sets. The colors are so much richer on the Blu-ray that it’s like you’re right there with the camera crew.
The DTS-HD 5.1 audio track on the Blu-ray disc has more depth than the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track on the DVD set. With that said, the narration, music, dialogue sound clear on both sets.
Extras
* BBC Earth, BBC home video releases, and “Life” ads.
* 2 extra behind-the-scenes looks at the gross Fez tannery shoots in Morocco and the deadly Kawah Ijen Volcano on the island of Java.
The only difference between the DVD and Blu-ray set in regards to the extras is a bonus BD-Live featurette on the Blu-ray set titled “Zanskar.”
No comments yet.
Share This Blog
Robert Ham
dmanderson
Andrea
nicklyons1
DVD Corner 
Leave a comment