Volcano
- Episode aired Jan 4, 2021
- 51m
A look at how without volcanoes, there would be no life on Earth. Although destructive, magma from the planet's molten core builds land, and mineral-rich ash from eruptions fertilises the su... Read allA look at how without volcanoes, there would be no life on Earth. Although destructive, magma from the planet's molten core builds land, and mineral-rich ash from eruptions fertilises the surface.A look at how without volcanoes, there would be no life on Earth. Although destructive, magma from the planet's molten core builds land, and mineral-rich ash from eruptions fertilises the surface.
Photos
- Self - Camera Operator
- (as Matt Aeberhard)
Storyline
Did you know
- Quotes
[Opening lines]
Self - Narrator: A perfect planet. There is only one planet in the universe, as far we know, where there is life. The Earth. Our home. The perfect planet. Life here is only possible because of a unique balance of natural forces. Energy from the sun powers the living world. Weather systems transport fresh water around the globe. And powerful ocean currents circulate life's essential nutrients. This series will reveal how these global forces have worked together to create our planet's fragile life-support system. One of these forces is so important that life would never have even started without it.
[Title card VOLCANO appears]
It gets off to a brilliant start with "Volcano", which sets up exactly what to expect from the rest of 'A Perfect Planet' and couldn't have done it more perfectly. Anybody who loves visually stunning images, a wide variety of animals in shape, personality and familiarity, being entertained, moved and educated and a perfect example of how to narrate and present information will automatically fall in love with "Volcano" as it has more than that and more.
"Volcano" is a stunner visually. The scenery as to be expected is breathtaking in its beauty while also being unforgiving, reminding one that the inhabitants do have daily struggles in the habitat. The photography is near-cinematic at its best and is stunning throughout, the hyena amongst the hyenas long shot took my breath away as did the whole scene. The flamingos chicks sequence is also strikingly shot.
Liked too that the music didn't intrude or get too melodramatic or emotionally over-emphasised, while still having presence. When it comes to narrating documentaries, Attenborough in my and many people's mind incomporable. His delivery here of the entertaining, educational and emotionally varied narration is both enthusiastic and sincere, having great authority without sermonising. The animal footage is nothing short of amazing, with some unique sights like the tobogganing otters. How the crew managed to capture the hyena and wildebeest scene and capture the level of intensity it must have had is anybody's guess.
Freshness was also brought to the more familiar animals, have not seen flamingo chicks or iguanas portrayed in this way. Really cared for all the animals, was especially terrified for the wildebeest, and even the predatory animals have full impact. Including seeing marabou storks at their most frightening and never seen before glimpses at vampire finches, all the animals have the impact of well written human characters in relatable situations without being too humanised. "Volcano" beautifully shows the beauty of nature (like the otters) but also uncompromisingly doesn't skirt away from showing the brutality of it too (the hyena and wildebeest) and the impact that volcanoes, powerfully depicted and it was amazing at how important they are in correlation to wildlife, has on the world.
The behind the scenes part was fascinating and inspiring, really making one appreciate the crew's efforts. What is said about the climate is important, very topical and at a time like this needs to be addressed, regardless of whether people like it or not.
Overall, brilliant. 10/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- May 23, 2021