Samuel L. Jackson’s docuseries “Enslaved” was well under way before this year’s global “Black Lives Matter” movement resurgence, but he admits the project has taken on an urgency for which he wasn’t quite prepared.
“It was serendipitous that it came out at this particular time. That was not a plan,” says Jackson.
The “Avengers” star has narrated documentaries, from Ken Burns’ “The War” to Disney Nature’s “African Cats,” but hadn’t participated creatively until “Enslaved,” which he executive produced with his wife, actor Latanya Richardson Jackson.
The six-part docuseries, which premiered Sept. 14 on cabler Epix and is distributed globally by Fremantle, examines 400 years of the slave trade from Africa to the New World and takes the actor back to his ancestral roots in Gabon in West Africa. Elsewhere, a dynamic group of divers hunt for sunken slave ships, while British author Afua Hirsch and Israeli-Canadian journalist...
“It was serendipitous that it came out at this particular time. That was not a plan,” says Jackson.
The “Avengers” star has narrated documentaries, from Ken Burns’ “The War” to Disney Nature’s “African Cats,” but hadn’t participated creatively until “Enslaved,” which he executive produced with his wife, actor Latanya Richardson Jackson.
The six-part docuseries, which premiered Sept. 14 on cabler Epix and is distributed globally by Fremantle, examines 400 years of the slave trade from Africa to the New World and takes the actor back to his ancestral roots in Gabon in West Africa. Elsewhere, a dynamic group of divers hunt for sunken slave ships, while British author Afua Hirsch and Israeli-Canadian journalist...
- 10/11/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Silverback Films made a splash last year with Emmy-winning natural history hit “Our Planet,” which quickly became Netflix’s most-watched docuseries soon after launching.
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the ground-breaking series mixed jaw-dropping scenes of nature with an urgent reminder to viewers that everything they are witnessing on screen is imperilled by human activity.
This month, Silverback returns with feature documentary “David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet.”
Billed as Attenborough’s witness statement to the world, it documents the famed 94-year-old naturalist’s life in filmmaking, the destructive impact of humans on the natural world — and his vision for change to save the planet.
Backed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the film has a theatrical release around the world from Sept. 28, and will then launch globally on Netflix this autumn, and is also accompanied by a book.
“When David first started travelling in the 1950s, the natural world was pretty much intact,...
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the ground-breaking series mixed jaw-dropping scenes of nature with an urgent reminder to viewers that everything they are witnessing on screen is imperilled by human activity.
This month, Silverback returns with feature documentary “David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet.”
Billed as Attenborough’s witness statement to the world, it documents the famed 94-year-old naturalist’s life in filmmaking, the destructive impact of humans on the natural world — and his vision for change to save the planet.
Backed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the film has a theatrical release around the world from Sept. 28, and will then launch globally on Netflix this autumn, and is also accompanied by a book.
“When David first started travelling in the 1950s, the natural world was pretty much intact,...
- 9/24/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
If you’re looking to expand your home video library and catch up on some movies during these trying times, Disney just gave your bank account a little breathing room. The Mouse House is offering a number of promotions as part of an on-going flash sale which begins this week. Many of their movies will be available for digital purchase for $4.99. In addition, the films are broken up into categories and each one will have its own sales period.
The first category, called “Feel Good Movies,” started on April 14th and features a mixture of musical and romantic comedies including Bohemian Rhapsody and Pretty Woman. This selection of films, which you can see in full below, is available until April 20th, when the next group begins.
You might be asking yourself, why would I want to pay $5 for these movies when I can just subscribe to Disney Plus for the...
The first category, called “Feel Good Movies,” started on April 14th and features a mixture of musical and romantic comedies including Bohemian Rhapsody and Pretty Woman. This selection of films, which you can see in full below, is available until April 20th, when the next group begins.
You might be asking yourself, why would I want to pay $5 for these movies when I can just subscribe to Disney Plus for the...
- 4/16/2020
- by Ryan Beltram
- We Got This Covered
African Cats If you've been watching the tale of big cat sales and venal scheming in The Tiger King on Netflix or you caught up with Blackfish after we recommended it in this week's Stay-At-Home Seven and you're looking for a few films to restore your faith in relation in terms of human's animal husbandry and conservation, we thought we'd turn our attention to some more documentaries that focus on the natural world - often in a more positive light - for this week's spotlight.
KEDi, Amazon Prime
It was pretty heartbreaking seeing the big cats in enclosures or being passed round for petting in The Tiger King, so Ceyda Torun’s documentary about their much smaller cousins comes as a breath of fresh air. Her documentary follows the street cats of the Turkish capital Istanbul. The film follows these crafty felines on their daily manoeuvrings in the city’s streets,...
KEDi, Amazon Prime
It was pretty heartbreaking seeing the big cats in enclosures or being passed round for petting in The Tiger King, so Ceyda Torun’s documentary about their much smaller cousins comes as a breath of fresh air. Her documentary follows the street cats of the Turkish capital Istanbul. The film follows these crafty felines on their daily manoeuvrings in the city’s streets,...
- 4/10/2020
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
As the novel coronavirus continues to spread, Disney+ is here to help make social distancing amid the global pandemic at least a little more entertaining. The streaming service has announced a number of titles that will be added in April.
Among them are Pixar's new animated feature Onward, which first hit theaters in early March and will be available to stream earlier than expected on April 3. Also on deck is a curated collection of documentaries, series and films from National Geographic and Disneynature celebrating Earth Month. Those titles include African Cats, Born in China and Sea of Hope: America's Underwater Treasures, among ...
Among them are Pixar's new animated feature Onward, which first hit theaters in early March and will be available to stream earlier than expected on April 3. Also on deck is a curated collection of documentaries, series and films from National Geographic and Disneynature celebrating Earth Month. Those titles include African Cats, Born in China and Sea of Hope: America's Underwater Treasures, among ...
- 3/29/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
As the novel coronavirus continues to spread, Disney+ is here to help make social distancing amid the global pandemic at least a little more entertaining. The streaming service has announced a number of titles that will be added in April.
Among them are Pixar's new animated feature Onward, which first hit theaters in early March and will be available to stream earlier than expected on April 3. Also on deck is a curated collection of documentaries, series and films from National Geographic and Disneynature celebrating Earth Month. Those titles include African Cats, Born in China and Sea of Hope: America's Underwater Treasures, among ...
Among them are Pixar's new animated feature Onward, which first hit theaters in early March and will be available to stream earlier than expected on April 3. Also on deck is a curated collection of documentaries, series and films from National Geographic and Disneynature celebrating Earth Month. Those titles include African Cats, Born in China and Sea of Hope: America's Underwater Treasures, among ...
- 3/29/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Respected former Disney France chief Jean-Francois Camilleri has been named President of Paris-based Echo Studio, an international production firm dedicated to creating content with social impact. The move comes about three months after Camilleri announced his departure from Disney where he had spent 30 years in various roles both in France and Los Angeles.
In his new post, Camilleri will develop Echo Studio’s activities including content production, distribution, social impact campaigns, digital and experiences.
At Echo, he reteams with Yves Darandeau and Emmanuel Priou of Bonne Pioche who are also partners in the company. The trio previously worked together on 2005 Oscar winner March Of The Penguins while Camilleri was running Gaumont Buena Vista where he developed local co-productions and acquisitions. Following the success of Penguins, Camilleri created Disneynature in 2008 and became General Manager and Executive Vice President for the label, dedicated to producing theatrical wildlife films. Credits include Oceans (2010), African Cats...
In his new post, Camilleri will develop Echo Studio’s activities including content production, distribution, social impact campaigns, digital and experiences.
At Echo, he reteams with Yves Darandeau and Emmanuel Priou of Bonne Pioche who are also partners in the company. The trio previously worked together on 2005 Oscar winner March Of The Penguins while Camilleri was running Gaumont Buena Vista where he developed local co-productions and acquisitions. Following the success of Penguins, Camilleri created Disneynature in 2008 and became General Manager and Executive Vice President for the label, dedicated to producing theatrical wildlife films. Credits include Oceans (2010), African Cats...
- 7/2/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Penguins’ Review: Disney’s Captivating Documentary Franchise Follows a Plucky Bird Looking for Love
Before Disney wraps up the third phase of its blockbuster Marvel Cinematic Universe later this summer, the studio has yet another long-running series to keep building out. Sandwiched alongside all those superhero movies, that “Star Wars” franchise, a growing list of live-action remakes, and a continued interest in their Disney Princess films, Disneynature has quietly churned out over a dozen nature documentaries since its inception over a decade ago.
In a crowded House of Mouse, they remain some of the best bets the studio has to offer, uniting entrainment and education in an appealing package. With “Penguins,” frequent Disneynature filmmaker Alastair Fothergill and franchise newbie Jeff Wilson are working in a more minor key than such essential entries as “Chimpanzee” and “African Cats,” but the artistry and relative magic of the series is still on full display.
Every Disneynature film needs a hero to lead it, and for the purpose of their latest feature,...
In a crowded House of Mouse, they remain some of the best bets the studio has to offer, uniting entrainment and education in an appealing package. With “Penguins,” frequent Disneynature filmmaker Alastair Fothergill and franchise newbie Jeff Wilson are working in a more minor key than such essential entries as “Chimpanzee” and “African Cats,” but the artistry and relative magic of the series is still on full display.
Every Disneynature film needs a hero to lead it, and for the purpose of their latest feature,...
- 4/10/2019
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Long-serving Disney executive Jean-François Camilleri has announced his departure from the company. In social media posts Tuesday morning, Camilleri, whose most recent title was Country Manager, The Walt Disney Company, France, Benelux & French-Speaking Africa, said, “After 30 extraordinary years, I have decided to leave Disney. It’s a family that I love and that I will never forget… The journey was in every way exceptional.”
This is a big move in French industry circles, and comes just a week after Disney officially acquired Fox, although it is unclear if Camilleri’s departure was impacted by the merger. A Disney France spokesperson said there was no further information; we have reached out to Camilleri for comment. In his social media postings today, he noted, “It is time for me to invest myself fully in order to contribute to a meaningful future.”
Camilleri, who was closely associated with 2005 Best Documentary Oscar winner March...
This is a big move in French industry circles, and comes just a week after Disney officially acquired Fox, although it is unclear if Camilleri’s departure was impacted by the merger. A Disney France spokesperson said there was no further information; we have reached out to Camilleri for comment. In his social media postings today, he noted, “It is time for me to invest myself fully in order to contribute to a meaningful future.”
Camilleri, who was closely associated with 2005 Best Documentary Oscar winner March...
- 3/26/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Welcome to this week’s “Preview Reel” column, where we look at the week’s upcoming wide release movies. The Fate of the Furious made history last weekend as it captured the biggest worldwide opening ever with a staggering $532 million. The film somewhat disappointed stateside with $98.8 million, but Universal is undoubtedly pleased with the worldwide result. Many studios saw this coming and decided to stay away from the Furious wake. As a result, we have a pretty slow week of moderate openers including Born in China, The Promise, and Unforgettable.
Born in China
What we are excited about: Although not quite a yearly tradition, DisneyNature has released six nature documentaries over the Earth Day weekend since 2009. This year will bring us Born in China, which looks to be just what we have come to expect from the series. It looks to boast beautiful shots of cute animals and narrated by John Krasinski.
Born in China
What we are excited about: Although not quite a yearly tradition, DisneyNature has released six nature documentaries over the Earth Day weekend since 2009. This year will bring us Born in China, which looks to be just what we have come to expect from the series. It looks to boast beautiful shots of cute animals and narrated by John Krasinski.
- 4/20/2017
- by Scott Davis
- CinemaNerdz
Disneynature revived the true-life documentary tradition of Walt Disney in 2009 and faithfully has delivered a new, and increasingly wondrous, adventure around every Earth Day — from Earth, Oceans, African Cats and Chimpanzee to Bears, Monkey Kingdom and now Born in China. Some of the proceeds from the first week’s box office for these films goes right back into the cause, a nice and rare gesture from a major studiom where it all seems to be about money these days. In the…...
- 4/19/2017
- Deadline
Narrated by John Krasinski (“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,” NBC’s “The Office,” “Amazon’s “Jack Ryan”), Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure film “Born In China” takes an epic journey into the wilds of China where few people have ever ventured. Following the stories of three animal families, the film transports audiences to some of the most extreme environments on Earth to witness some of the most intimate moments ever captured in a nature film. A doting panda bear mother guides her growing baby as she begins to explore and seek independence. A two-year-old golden monkey who feels displaced by his new baby sister joins up with a group of free-spirited outcasts. And a mother snow leopard—an elusive animal rarely caught on camera—faces the very real drama of raising her two cubs in one of the harshest and most unforgiving environments on the planet.
Featuring stunning,...
Featuring stunning,...
- 4/11/2017
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Since any New York City cinephile has a nearly suffocating wealth of theatrical options, we figured it’d be best to compile some of the more worthwhile repertory showings into one handy list. Displayed below are a few of the city’s most reliable theaters and links to screenings of their weekend offerings — films you’re not likely to see in a theater again anytime soon, and many of which are, also, on 35mm. If you have a chance to attend any of these, we’re of the mind that it’s time extremely well-spent.
Anthology Film Archives
Andy Warhol‘s rarely screened Chelsea Girls will have a 50th-anniversary screening introduced by Jonas Mekas.
Multiple shorts programs also screen this weekend.
Metrograph
A Park Chan-wook retrospective brings Oldboy and Joint Security Area on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, while a documentary about the making of Oldboy, Old Days, screens on the latter day.
Anthology Film Archives
Andy Warhol‘s rarely screened Chelsea Girls will have a 50th-anniversary screening introduced by Jonas Mekas.
Multiple shorts programs also screen this weekend.
Metrograph
A Park Chan-wook retrospective brings Oldboy and Joint Security Area on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, while a documentary about the making of Oldboy, Old Days, screens on the latter day.
- 9/30/2016
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Well, another year spent in the company of classic cinema curated by the TCM Classic Film Festival has come and gone, leaving me with several great experiences watching favorite films and ones I’d never before seen, some already cherished memories, and the usual weary bag of bones for a body in the aftermath. (I usually come down with something when I decompress post-festival and get back to the working week, and this year has been no exception.) There have now been seven TCMFFs since its inaugural run in 2010. I’ve been lucky enough to attend them all, and this time around I saw more movies than I ever have before—18 features zipping from auditorium to queue and back to auditorium like a gerbil in a tube maze. In order to make sure I got in to see everything I wanted to see, I had to make sure I was...
- 5/7/2016
- by Dennis Cozzalio
- Trailers from Hell
Whether it be stalking prey through a kitchen or jumping out a dark forest to slash people to bits, there is nothing cute or cuddly about the raptors from Jurassic Park. But thank god for Mashable, you actually achieved this feat by re-imagining the movie as a Disney style nature documentary, along the lines of Disneynature’s Bears, Chimpanzee, and African Cats. The result is absolutely fantastic.
- 3/29/2016
- by noreply@blogger.com (Tom White)
- www.themoviebit.com
The Barnes & Noble sale is in full effect until December 1st, the Black Friday deals have already begun, and we still haven’t seen the lowest of the low prices yet.
Thanks to everyone for supporting our site by buying through our affiliate links.
A note on Amazon deals, for those curious: sometimes third party sellers will suddenly appear as the main purchasing option on a product page, even though Amazon will sell it directly from themselves for the sale price that we have listed. If the sale price doesn’t show up, click on the “new” options, and look for Amazon’s listing.
I’ll keep this list updated throughout the week, as new deals are found, and others expire. If you find something that’s wrong, a broken link or price difference, feel free to tweet at me.
Deals On Amazon
Amazon’s Black Friday Deal Calendar Sign...
Thanks to everyone for supporting our site by buying through our affiliate links.
A note on Amazon deals, for those curious: sometimes third party sellers will suddenly appear as the main purchasing option on a product page, even though Amazon will sell it directly from themselves for the sale price that we have listed. If the sale price doesn’t show up, click on the “new” options, and look for Amazon’s listing.
I’ll keep this list updated throughout the week, as new deals are found, and others expire. If you find something that’s wrong, a broken link or price difference, feel free to tweet at me.
Deals On Amazon
Amazon’s Black Friday Deal Calendar Sign...
- 11/23/2015
- by Ryan Gallagher
- CriterionCast
Surprised? Nope. Impressed? Absolutely. Kate Middleton's back to her royal recycling ways, whipping out one of her favorite dove gray sheaths for the Place2Be Headteacher Conference in London on Nov. 18. And really, it's no wonder why the sleek Mathew Williamson design is one of the Duchess' favorites, considering it's flattering fit-to-form, knee-length silhouette coupled with exquisite teal and gold beaded embroidery around the collar and the sleeves. Plus, a careful eye will note a subtle peplum detail, (nearly) disguised underneath the 33-year-old's clutch. Looking back, the now mama-of-two first whipped out this designer confection for the UK premiere of Disneynature's African Cats back in...
- 11/18/2015
- E! Online
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 will be in contention for the crown all weekend long. It's rated PG, and the first one opened at $31.9 million in 2009. It was a simpler time. Adjusted for inflation, this result would actually be less than the first, so I'm factoring in zero sequel bump. I'd say the main factor there is the kids who grew up with Paul Blart, the character, are now too old to care about Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, the movie. Thus, they'll need to get a whole new crop of families this time around, which means a very similar result. I give them one thing though, they are advertising the hell out of it. $32.4 million is my prediction. Unfriended is a low-fi horror film that should follow the trend of "just big enough to keep making them". There's not a huge amount of precedent for an April horror, films...
- 4/16/2015
- by Laremy Legel
- Rope of Silicon
The latest Earth Day release from Disneynature, Monkey Kingdom, is the charming story of Maya, a toque macaque living in the rainforest of Sri Lanka, whose world is changed when her son Kip is born. Anxious for her son to have all the best that life in their troop has to offer, Maya tries, not always successfully, to climb the social ladder and advance up the pecking order of the troop. At the top sits alpha male Raja, and his harem of top females and offspring that get the best beds, the best food and the best treatment.
After an attack on their home, Castle Rock, by a neighboring troop of monkeys, Raja is injured and the troop must now rely on Maya and her mate Kumar’s jungle smarts and street savvy to survive. One particularly hilarious sequence shows the local town and markets overrun with monkeys, stealing every...
After an attack on their home, Castle Rock, by a neighboring troop of monkeys, Raja is injured and the troop must now rely on Maya and her mate Kumar’s jungle smarts and street savvy to survive. One particularly hilarious sequence shows the local town and markets overrun with monkeys, stealing every...
- 4/15/2015
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Netflix has teamed up with WWF to produce a follow-up to the BBC's groundbreaking Planet Earth series.
Our Planet will be an eight-part documentary series that will premiere in 2019 in collaboration with Silverback Films.
The natural history series will come from the creators of the critically-acclaimed Planet Earth, which aired on BBC One in the UK and Discovery in the Us in 2006.
The four-year project will focus on never-before-filmed wilderness areas and its animal inhabitants, including ice caps, deep oceans, deserts and remote forests, and will use the latest in 4K camera technology.
It will be led by Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey, who created Planet Earth, Frozen Planet and Blue Planet for the BBC, as well as the Disneynature films Earth, Bears, African Cats and Chimpanzee.
"Netflix is proud to be the global home for perhaps Silverback's most ambitious project to date," said Lisa Nishimura, Vice President of Netflix Original Documentaries.
Our Planet will be an eight-part documentary series that will premiere in 2019 in collaboration with Silverback Films.
The natural history series will come from the creators of the critically-acclaimed Planet Earth, which aired on BBC One in the UK and Discovery in the Us in 2006.
The four-year project will focus on never-before-filmed wilderness areas and its animal inhabitants, including ice caps, deep oceans, deserts and remote forests, and will use the latest in 4K camera technology.
It will be led by Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey, who created Planet Earth, Frozen Planet and Blue Planet for the BBC, as well as the Disneynature films Earth, Bears, African Cats and Chimpanzee.
"Netflix is proud to be the global home for perhaps Silverback's most ambitious project to date," said Lisa Nishimura, Vice President of Netflix Original Documentaries.
- 4/15/2015
- Digital Spy
Check out the new trailer for Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom.
Life is an adventure for Maya, the clever and resourceful blonde-bobbed monkey in Monkey Kingdom, Disneynature’s new feature film set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia. Maya’s world is forever changed when she welcomes her son, Kip, into her complicated extended family. Like all families, Maya’s has more than its share of colorful personalities—and she’s determined to give her son a leg up in the world. When their longtime home at Castle Rock is taken over by powerful neighboring monkeys, Maya’s whole family is forced to relocate, where she uses her street smarts and ingenuity to lead them to untapped resources amidst strange new creatures and unsettling surroundings.
Ultimately, they will all have to work together to reclaim Castle Rock, where Maya can hopefully realize her dreams for her son’s future.
Life is an adventure for Maya, the clever and resourceful blonde-bobbed monkey in Monkey Kingdom, Disneynature’s new feature film set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia. Maya’s world is forever changed when she welcomes her son, Kip, into her complicated extended family. Like all families, Maya’s has more than its share of colorful personalities—and she’s determined to give her son a leg up in the world. When their longtime home at Castle Rock is taken over by powerful neighboring monkeys, Maya’s whole family is forced to relocate, where she uses her street smarts and ingenuity to lead them to untapped resources amidst strange new creatures and unsettling surroundings.
Ultimately, they will all have to work together to reclaim Castle Rock, where Maya can hopefully realize her dreams for her son’s future.
- 12/4/2014
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In 1948 Walt Disney invented the nature movie with his collection of feature films and short programs he dubbed "True Life Adventures." These programs were revolutionary and essential, educational and entertaining. In short: nobody had ever seen anything like them. (It goes without saying that this breakthrough is, in the laundry list of Disney's cultural and technological accomplishments, frequently overlooked.)
Sixty years after the first "True Life Adventure" was unleashed on an unsuspecting world, Disney created Disneynature, a shingle used to produce new nature films for modern audiences. And these films are great. From the oddly emotional family drama of "African Cats" to this year's joyful "Bears," the new Disney nature films usually spotlight an individual animal species, gorgeously photographed and evocatively narrated. The latest Disneynature production is "Monkey Kingdom," out this spring, and we've got the exclusive new trailer.
The trailer starts out similar to the cheeky teaser, set to Lorde's "Team,...
Sixty years after the first "True Life Adventure" was unleashed on an unsuspecting world, Disney created Disneynature, a shingle used to produce new nature films for modern audiences. And these films are great. From the oddly emotional family drama of "African Cats" to this year's joyful "Bears," the new Disney nature films usually spotlight an individual animal species, gorgeously photographed and evocatively narrated. The latest Disneynature production is "Monkey Kingdom," out this spring, and we've got the exclusive new trailer.
The trailer starts out similar to the cheeky teaser, set to Lorde's "Team,...
- 12/2/2014
- by Drew Taylor
- Moviefone
Disneynature: Bears
Directed by: Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
Narrated by: John C. Reilly
Running Time: 1 hr 18 mins
Rating: G
Due Out: August 12, 2014
Plot (courtesy of Disneynature: From Disneynature, the studio that brought you “Earth” and “Chimpanzee,” comes the must-own true life adventure “Bears,” available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy), Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere (Dma), and On-Demand, Aug. 12, 2014. An epic story of breathtaking scale, this heartwarming and visually spectacular film showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Families everywhere can now travel to a majestic Alaskan wilderness teeming with life without leaving home as “Bears” arrives on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, and Digital HD featuring stunning high definition picture, transporting sound, and exciting bonus features both parents and their children will love.
To celebrate the in-home debut of “Bears,” Disneynature is proud to...
Directed by: Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
Narrated by: John C. Reilly
Running Time: 1 hr 18 mins
Rating: G
Due Out: August 12, 2014
Plot (courtesy of Disneynature: From Disneynature, the studio that brought you “Earth” and “Chimpanzee,” comes the must-own true life adventure “Bears,” available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy), Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere (Dma), and On-Demand, Aug. 12, 2014. An epic story of breathtaking scale, this heartwarming and visually spectacular film showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Families everywhere can now travel to a majestic Alaskan wilderness teeming with life without leaving home as “Bears” arrives on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, and Digital HD featuring stunning high definition picture, transporting sound, and exciting bonus features both parents and their children will love.
To celebrate the in-home debut of “Bears,” Disneynature is proud to...
- 8/18/2014
- by Jeff Bayer
- The Scorecard Review
Nature lovers can watch Bears at home as it arrives on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 12.
Audiences were invited into the world of Bears in April when Disneynature's film about the formidable species roared into theaters, and now nature lovers can watch it at home as it arrives on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 12.
To celebrate the film's small-screen release, we're giving you a chance to win a pack of fun prizes, including a stuffed bear, a Bears pendant designed by Alex Woo, and your own copy of Bears. The prize also contains copies of Disneynature films African Cats, Crimson Wing, Wings of Life, Chimpanzee, Earth and Oceans. Click here to enter to win, and here for the official rules.
More: John C. Reilly Takes You Behind The Scenes Of Disney's Bears
Even if you don't win, you can purchase the pendant featuring a mother bear and two cubs in sterling silver or 14K gold, and 20 percent...
Audiences were invited into the world of Bears in April when Disneynature's film about the formidable species roared into theaters, and now nature lovers can watch it at home as it arrives on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 12.
To celebrate the film's small-screen release, we're giving you a chance to win a pack of fun prizes, including a stuffed bear, a Bears pendant designed by Alex Woo, and your own copy of Bears. The prize also contains copies of Disneynature films African Cats, Crimson Wing, Wings of Life, Chimpanzee, Earth and Oceans. Click here to enter to win, and here for the official rules.
More: John C. Reilly Takes You Behind The Scenes Of Disney's Bears
Even if you don't win, you can purchase the pendant featuring a mother bear and two cubs in sterling silver or 14K gold, and 20 percent...
- 8/12/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
Captain America: The Winter Soldier held the top spot at the box office this weekend for the third weekend in a row, but newcomer Heaven is for Real was able to leapfrog Rio 2 and score a second place finish with a $22.5 million Easter weekend, and a total of $29.5 million since its Wednesday opening. In fourth was Transcendence, slipping even further, down to $10.8 million for its opening frame followed by A Haunted House 2, which also slipped from estimates, down to $8.8 million for the weekend. The weekend's other new wide release was Disneynature's Bears and it seems people must not like bears as much as they like chimps, African cats, oceans or the Earth as this is the worst opening for a Disneynature film yet at only $4.7 million. I've listed the current top ten from the points and accuracy leaderboards directly below and you can find the full leaderboard here.
- 4/21/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Welcome to the weekend preview! Check out what’s happening this weekend and decide what you’re going to do, we can only help so much. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook because my mom says those are cool.
Transcendence – Rt (18%) – Trailer
Science-fiction is a fun genre, it brings authors and dreamers together to create some amazing work. It looks like another movie that is scared of the future; am I wrong to keep thinking of The Lawnmower Man when watching trailers and clips for this movie?
Heaven is for Real – Rt (51%) – Trailer
Another heavy-handed, faith-based, movie for the kids this Easter weekend. They could have saved a ton and just gone right the Hallmark channel with this one.
A Haunted House 2 – Rt (11%) – Trailer
I didn’t realize the first one went to theaters, or I just chose forget. I don’t even.
Bears – Rt (87%) – Trailer
These docs are always enjoyable,...
Transcendence – Rt (18%) – Trailer
Science-fiction is a fun genre, it brings authors and dreamers together to create some amazing work. It looks like another movie that is scared of the future; am I wrong to keep thinking of The Lawnmower Man when watching trailers and clips for this movie?
Heaven is for Real – Rt (51%) – Trailer
Another heavy-handed, faith-based, movie for the kids this Easter weekend. They could have saved a ton and just gone right the Hallmark channel with this one.
A Haunted House 2 – Rt (11%) – Trailer
I didn’t realize the first one went to theaters, or I just chose forget. I don’t even.
Bears – Rt (87%) – Trailer
These docs are always enjoyable,...
- 4/18/2014
- by Graham McMorrow
- City of Films
Disneynature films are not for the faint of heart. The entertaining and educational series has consistently placed a premium on absolute veracity – even when it comes with a very palatable and painful cost. The last Disneynature film, Chimpanzee, was built almost entirely on tragedy, as it centered on a young chimp (adorably named Oscar) who struggled to survive after the sudden death of his mother. The film’s very plotline was centered around death – a natural and normal death, but death nonetheless – and the entire film was a steady mix of the sad and the joyful (Oscar is eventually taken under the furry arm of an unexpected surrogate parent – another male chimp). Back in 2011, death also hung thick over African Cats, with one plotline following a cheetah mom who eventually loses two of her five cubs to hunting hyenas, and another chronicling an aging lioness who must abandon her own cub to her pride after getting injured...
- 4/18/2014
- by Kate Erbland
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Since 2009’s Earth, Disney’s nature documentary division has done a fine job forgetting about anthropomorphized animated animals and offering some delightful looks at the everyday life of the creatures that inspired their company’s best films. The formula is not fading, either, as 2014’s entry, Bears, arrives just in time to make you forget about the annoyances of computer-generated animals in recent films like The Nut Job and Rio 2.
Bears has the bare necessities that any fan of the studio’s nature docs expect: a stunning environment, a riveting survivalist plot and very, very cute animals. It also has John C. Reilly taking up duties as the doc’s playful narrator, and none of the film is soured by preachy environmentalist overtones.
The doc tells the story of a mama brown bear, Sky, and her oh-so-adorable young cubs Scout and Amber, as they trek through the Alaska Peninsula...
Bears has the bare necessities that any fan of the studio’s nature docs expect: a stunning environment, a riveting survivalist plot and very, very cute animals. It also has John C. Reilly taking up duties as the doc’s playful narrator, and none of the film is soured by preachy environmentalist overtones.
The doc tells the story of a mama brown bear, Sky, and her oh-so-adorable young cubs Scout and Amber, as they trek through the Alaska Peninsula...
- 4/17/2014
- by Jordan Adler
- We Got This Covered
The adorableness factor is pretty much off the charts in “Bears,” the latest annual offering from Disney's “Disneynature” imprint. Following the journey of a mother bear and her two infant cubs over the course of a year, the film mixes how'd-they-get-that-shot outdoor photography with a mostly kid-friendly Intro to Life Sciences. Young viewers who found it traumatic when those Disney “African Cats” devoured zebras and gazelles may be less disturbed at the sight of bears tearing into salmon, but there are occasional moments of peril that parents might want to consider before bringing their littlest ones to this G-rated documentary.
- 4/17/2014
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Transcendence should be the winner this weekend, even though it looks to be the most mysterious title on the board (generally a deal-breaker with general audiences). Here's the crazy part - right now it sits at 17 percent on RottenTomatoes! That's really shocking. I would have given it around a B- (just as Brad did), right on the border, but I can't believe it's treading in the teens while Divergent and Draft Day are 20 and 30 points higher. Still, the tracking for Transcendence is solid, Johnny Depp still draws a crowd (though more internationally) and I think the trailers have been halfway decent. At this point last year another non-sequel sci-fi with a big-name actor took the crown. Want a moment to guessc Time's up, the movie was Oblivion with $37.1 million. If you like that number, then my $30.6 million call is low, but if you're a stickler for tracking, you'll see me as high.
- 4/17/2014
- by Laremy Legel
- Rope of Silicon
Who else is excited about Bears, the latest Disneynature documentary, which arrives in theaters next Friday? After taking last year off, the Mouse House is back for another Earth Day release, and sure it’ll feature a lot of anthropomorphizing narration but at least that narration is being spoken by John C. Reilly. And with it also comes the first trailer for next year’s feature (yay, they’re back on an annual track), which is titled Monkey Kingdom. Disney has already gone ahead and debuted the spot a week early, though, and while it doesn’t have any celebrity voiceover (I don’t think this one’s has been revealed yet), it is entirely soundtracked with the singing voice of Lorde. Of course it is. After all, she has a song called “Royals,” perfect for a movie with the word “kingdom” in the title, though the tune in this trailer is “Team,” which...
- 4/10/2014
- by Christopher Campbell
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Keenly following the scent of African Cats and Chimpanzees, Disneynature’s Bears combines sweeping vistas and remarkably intimate wildlife photography to typically stirring effect as it documents a year in the life of a mother Alaskan brown bear and her two cubs. Save for some particularly playful narration provided by John C. Reilly, the film, clocking in at a tidy 77 minutes, adheres closely to the successful blueprint first laid out by 2007’s Earth, pitting a wildlife family unit against the not necessarily nurturing elements. Released just ahead of Earth Day, Bears could snuggle up handsomely with family audiences looking for
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- 4/9/2014
- by Michael Rechtshaffen
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Olivia Holt, performer of Bears anthem “Carry On” and Star of Disney Channel’s “I Didn’t Do It,” hosted a special showing of Disneynature’s Bears on the Walt Disney Studios lot and yours truly was there this morning for the family screening.
There was a raffle and giveaway for those who brought a new stuffed bear to donate to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and our tickets, which also doubled as bookmarks, were eco-friendly to be planted later. The logo even reminded me of Disney’s animated Brother Bear.
Check out these photos from this morning’s screening.
In an epic story of breathtaking scale set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, Disneynature’s 2014 big-screen adventure Bears follows a bear family as impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons.
Some quick reactions to directors Alastair Fothergill’s and Keith Scholey’s, as...
There was a raffle and giveaway for those who brought a new stuffed bear to donate to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and our tickets, which also doubled as bookmarks, were eco-friendly to be planted later. The logo even reminded me of Disney’s animated Brother Bear.
Check out these photos from this morning’s screening.
In an epic story of breathtaking scale set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, Disneynature’s 2014 big-screen adventure Bears follows a bear family as impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons.
Some quick reactions to directors Alastair Fothergill’s and Keith Scholey’s, as...
- 4/5/2014
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure Bears showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold.
The world outside is exciting – but risky – as the cubs’ playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches. As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food – ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run – while staying safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present wolf.
Bears captures the fast-moving action and suspense of life in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses—Alaska! Directed by Alastair Fothergill (“Earth,” “African Cats...
The world outside is exciting – but risky – as the cubs’ playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches. As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food – ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run – while staying safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present wolf.
Bears captures the fast-moving action and suspense of life in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses—Alaska! Directed by Alastair Fothergill (“Earth,” “African Cats...
- 4/3/2014
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
You can call off the search, because we may have found the cutest movie ever.
Step aside March of the Penguins, sayonara African Cats - a brand new documentary called Bears is heading our way and will be tugging the heartstrings like never before.
Narrated by everyone's favourite loveable character actor John C Reilly, the Disneynature release will follow Sky and her newborn cubs as they forge an unbreakable family bond against the majestic backdrop of Alaska.
Bears will open in Us cinemas on April 18 to coincide with Earth Day. No UK release date has been confirmed yet, but we reckon Paddington will have a run for his money this year.
Step aside March of the Penguins, sayonara African Cats - a brand new documentary called Bears is heading our way and will be tugging the heartstrings like never before.
Narrated by everyone's favourite loveable character actor John C Reilly, the Disneynature release will follow Sky and her newborn cubs as they forge an unbreakable family bond against the majestic backdrop of Alaska.
Bears will open in Us cinemas on April 18 to coincide with Earth Day. No UK release date has been confirmed yet, but we reckon Paddington will have a run for his money this year.
- 4/3/2014
- Digital Spy
<< Continued from "April Preview (Part 1)"April 18The third weekend of April is packed with four new nationwide releases. Considering the strength of the past two weeks, and the historically slow nature of the box office in April, this weekend seems poised to deliver at least one or two misses.The highest-profile release on April 18th is Transcendence, which stars Johnny Depp as a scientist who has his consciousness uploaded in to a supercomputer. The movie marks the directorial debut of Wally Pfister, who shot the last seven Christopher Nolan movies. Nolan is an executive producer on the movie, though his name is conspicuously absent from all marketing material (odd, given that his last three movies have combined to earn over $2.9 billion worldwide). While the lofty sci-fi premise is generating some curiosity, Transcendence is lacking the kind of buzz one would expect from a major release like this. It doesn't help...
- 4/3/2014
- by Ray Subers <mail@boxofficemojo.com>
- Box Office Mojo
Welcome to the jungle for the real-life fun and games of a young chimp called Oscar, as captured by the team behind Disney documentaries Earth and African Cats. Narrated with anthropomorphic zeal by Tim Allen, it’s a wild, funny, and occasionally alarming adventure showing that survival is not only a tricky learning curve, but sometimes requires a bit of luck. High drama and sumptuous imagery makes it an eye-opening experience for all.
- 1/10/2014
- Sky Movies
A Witch, a Wolf, A Raccoon, and The Muppets. Everything you’d come to expect from Walt Disney Studios.
Not only did they release their official slate for 2014 on this final day of the year, but the studio also gave us a first look photo along with the official synopsis for director James Gunn’s much-anticipated Guardians Of The Galaxy.
Check out the whole kit and caboodle below.
The Wind Rises
In The Wind Rises, Jiro (voice of Joseph Gordon-Levitt) dreams of flying and designing beautiful airplanes, inspired by the famous Italian aeronautical designer Caproni (voice of Stanley Tucci). Nearsighted from a young age and unable to be a pilot, Jiro joins a major Japanese engineering company in 1927 and becomes one of the world’s most innovative and accomplished airplane designers. The film chronicles much of his life, depicting key historical events, including the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the Great Depression,...
Not only did they release their official slate for 2014 on this final day of the year, but the studio also gave us a first look photo along with the official synopsis for director James Gunn’s much-anticipated Guardians Of The Galaxy.
Check out the whole kit and caboodle below.
The Wind Rises
In The Wind Rises, Jiro (voice of Joseph Gordon-Levitt) dreams of flying and designing beautiful airplanes, inspired by the famous Italian aeronautical designer Caproni (voice of Stanley Tucci). Nearsighted from a young age and unable to be a pilot, Jiro joins a major Japanese engineering company in 1927 and becomes one of the world’s most innovative and accomplished airplane designers. The film chronicles much of his life, depicting key historical events, including the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the Great Depression,...
- 1/1/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
What’s new, what’s hot, and what you may have missed, now available to stream on Netflix, blinkbox, BBC iPlayer, Curzon on Demand.
new to stream
African Cats: gorgeously photographed, astonishingly intimate documentary; you won’t believe it can have been possible for cameras to get so close without disturbing the animals they’re watching [my review] [at Netflix] Blood: smart British cop drama is a dream showcase for star Paul Bettany [at Netflix] Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God: enraging documentary about the Catholic Church’s pedophilia coverup will leave you feeling battered by grief and fury [my review] [at Netflix] Smash His Camera: engaging and provocative documentary about early papparazzo Ron Galella and the ethical and free-speech issues surrounding such photography [at Netflix] The Words: intriguing exploration of living with mistakes made features great performance by Bradley Cooper, yet peters out with too much left unsaid [at Netflix]
streaming now, before it’s...
new to stream
African Cats: gorgeously photographed, astonishingly intimate documentary; you won’t believe it can have been possible for cameras to get so close without disturbing the animals they’re watching [my review] [at Netflix] Blood: smart British cop drama is a dream showcase for star Paul Bettany [at Netflix] Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God: enraging documentary about the Catholic Church’s pedophilia coverup will leave you feeling battered by grief and fury [my review] [at Netflix] Smash His Camera: engaging and provocative documentary about early papparazzo Ron Galella and the ethical and free-speech issues surrounding such photography [at Netflix] The Words: intriguing exploration of living with mistakes made features great performance by Bradley Cooper, yet peters out with too much left unsaid [at Netflix]
streaming now, before it’s...
- 12/17/2013
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
‘One Direction: This Is Us’ movie weekend box office: One of steepest Friday-to-Saturday drops ever (photo: One Direction members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson) The 3D concert movie One Direction: This Is Us failed to get even close to the $20 million mark at the North American box office this Labor Day weekend (Fri-Sun) despite relatively strong opening-day grosses. Featuring One Direction band members Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson, and directed by Morgan Spurlock, whose Super Size Me was shortlisted for the 2004 Best Documentary Feature Academy Award, One Direction: This Is Us debuted at 2,735 locations, pulling in a not inconsiderable $8.9 million on Thursday evening / Friday, August 29-30, 2013, which should have meant approximately $20 million by Sunday evening — especially taking into account that Monday is a national holiday. But it was not meant to be. Whereas Justin Bieber: Never Say Never...
- 9/1/2013
- by Zac Gille
- Alt Film Guide
In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature’s upcoming True Life Adventure Bears showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons.
The lastest film comes from the two directors who brought us the truly amazing African Cats and Chimpanzee - Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey. You can read my Cats interview with Scholey Here.
Check out the brand new trailer and poster below.
Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting – but risky – as the cubs’ playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches.
As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food – ultimately feasting at...
The lastest film comes from the two directors who brought us the truly amazing African Cats and Chimpanzee - Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey. You can read my Cats interview with Scholey Here.
Check out the brand new trailer and poster below.
Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting – but risky – as the cubs’ playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches.
As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food – ultimately feasting at...
- 8/15/2013
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Trailer, poster & images for Bears is moving, beautiful Disneynature has the new trailer up for their next true life adventure documentary directed by Alastair Fothergill (Earth, African Cats, Chimpanzee) and Keith Scholey (African Cats). Bears showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting—but risky—as the cubs’ playful descent...
- 8/15/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
If you loved Disneynature's heartwarming (and heartbreaking) "Chimpanzee," prepare for another journey into the wilderness with their upcoming film "Bears."
Directed by Keith Scholey ("African Cats") and Alastair Fothergill ("Chimpanzee"), "Bears" follows Sky and her two young cubs as they work to find food, stay safe from predators, and attempt to survive winter.
A new trailer features breathtaking scenery -- stunning mountain vistas and sparkling rivers in the Alaskan wilderness. As with other Disneynature movies, the intimacy of the footage is extraordinary; it almost feels as if you're Sky's third cub.
"Bears" opens April 18, 2014. A portion of opening week proceeds goes to the National Park Foundation.
[via Collider]...
Directed by Keith Scholey ("African Cats") and Alastair Fothergill ("Chimpanzee"), "Bears" follows Sky and her two young cubs as they work to find food, stay safe from predators, and attempt to survive winter.
A new trailer features breathtaking scenery -- stunning mountain vistas and sparkling rivers in the Alaskan wilderness. As with other Disneynature movies, the intimacy of the footage is extraordinary; it almost feels as if you're Sky's third cub.
"Bears" opens April 18, 2014. A portion of opening week proceeds goes to the National Park Foundation.
[via Collider]...
- 8/14/2013
- by Kelly Woo
- Moviefone
Over the weekend Disney held their D23 Expo, which is essentially the Mouse House equivalent of Comic Con and on Friday I brought you a series of news updates regarding their upcoming animated slate from Pixar, Disney Animation and Disneytoon, on Saturday they focused on their live-action properties which includes Maleficent starring Angelina Jolie, Brad Bird's Tomorrowland starring George Clooney, the studio's live-action Cinderella, Into the Woods, Saving Mr. Banks and the sequel to The Muppets, Muppets Most Wanted. They also announced the newest Disneynature property which will be Bears, directed by Alastair Fothergill (Earth, African Cats and Chimpanzee) and Keith Scholey (African Cats) and will arrive in theaters April 18, 2014. Clips from upcoming Marvel films -- Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy -- were shown much to the crowd's delight, but all the talk soon turned to Star Wars: Episode VII,...
- 8/12/2013
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Disney and Marvel Studios revealed exclusive details about their upcoming live action film slates this morning at the D23 Expo, aided by live and video appearances from talent and filmmakers and hosted by The Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn.
“Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm are some of the most powerful and beloved brands in entertainment,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “We have so many incredible cinematic adventures ahead of us, and it is especially exciting to be able to share the exclusive details with our biggest fans first at the D23 Expo.”
Horn welcomed the crowd to the D23 Expo and introduced the live action slate by talking about the addition of Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Studios and the excitement and anticipation surrounding Disney’s first “Star Wars” film, “Star Wars: Episode VII,” slated for release in 2015.
Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, and Sean Bailey,...
“Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm are some of the most powerful and beloved brands in entertainment,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “We have so many incredible cinematic adventures ahead of us, and it is especially exciting to be able to share the exclusive details with our biggest fans first at the D23 Expo.”
Horn welcomed the crowd to the D23 Expo and introduced the live action slate by talking about the addition of Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Studios and the excitement and anticipation surrounding Disney’s first “Star Wars” film, “Star Wars: Episode VII,” slated for release in 2015.
Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, and Sean Bailey,...
- 8/10/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
★★★☆☆ In the ever-watchable Chimpanzee (2012), Blue Planet producers Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield transport us to the Ivorian rainforests of Taï National Park, where we are introduced to three-month-old Oscar - a cheeky ape who gains an unexpected ally when he's faced with more than his fair share of troubles from a rival group of chimps. As is to be expected from a Disney Nature-backed documentary, the tone is light throughout as we witness the daily trials and tribulations of life below the canopy. The level is set (and kept) at 'pleasingly chirpy', with a heavy injection of anthropomorphism given to the travailing troop.
American actor Tim Allen's merry, if at times rather corny narration keeps this rather short, feature-length tale chortling along, referring to the oldest chimpanzee as 'Grandpa' and crowbarring in jokes seemingly swiped from his 1990s TV show Home Improvement. At times, this approach results in...
American actor Tim Allen's merry, if at times rather corny narration keeps this rather short, feature-length tale chortling along, referring to the oldest chimpanzee as 'Grandpa' and crowbarring in jokes seemingly swiped from his 1990s TV show Home Improvement. At times, this approach results in...
- 5/5/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
"If a lion could speak, we could not understand him," said Ludwig Wittgenstein, and he certainly could not tell us his name. Wittgenstein, that great lover of movies, was not talking about Disney Studios' True-Life Adventures though he might well have been, as he lived long enough to have seen that anthropomorphic series of natural history documentaries which began in 1948 (three years before his death) and continued until 1960. It was revived in 2008 as Disneynature, with headquarters in Paris, and is still patronising its young audiences with the storylines and names it imposes upon the excellent wildlife material its intrepid photographers bring home.
A couple of years ago we had remarkable footage about lions in African Cats, shot all over the place and turned into a turf war between two prides in Kenya, one headed by Kali, the other by Fang, and narrated by Patrick Stewart. Chimpanzee cuts together film shot...
A couple of years ago we had remarkable footage about lions in African Cats, shot all over the place and turned into a turf war between two prides in Kenya, one headed by Kali, the other by Fang, and narrated by Patrick Stewart. Chimpanzee cuts together film shot...
- 5/4/2013
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
Cuteness proximity alert! Cuteness proximity alert! As with African Cats, the previous film in Disneynature’s animal documentary series, Chimpanzee gets us way closer to creatures in the wild and lets us see them like we never have before, and as we never could in a zoo or some other environment to which they’re not native. This is an extraordinarily cozy and confident film that relaxes into life in the jungle in a way that feels much more comfortable than Cats does, perhaps because we can identify so closely with the tribe of chimps filmmakers Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield followed for months: their attention to and care for one another, friendships and squabbles alike, are heartrendingly familiar... and their clever use of tools and strategy, whether they’re hunting food or fending off an attack by a rival tribe, are potent reminders of how closely indeed we are related to these magnificent animals.
- 5/3/2013
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Welcome to the jungle for the real-life fun and games of a young chimp called Oscar, as captured by the team behind Disney documentaries Earth and African Cats. Narrated with anthropomorphic zeal by Tim Allen, it's a wild, funny, and occasionally alarming adventure showing that survival is not only a tricky learning curve, but sometimes requires a bit of luck. High drama and sumptuous imagery makes it an eye-opening experience for all.
- 5/1/2013
- Sky Movies
The simian star of new Disney film Chimpanzee is the latest animal to be portrayed as having human emotions. But does such anthropomorphism give a distorted view of nature?
You could say cinema and nature got off on the wrong foot, or paw, right from the start. In 1926, to much excitement, an adventurer named William Douglas Burden brought back two komodo dragons to New York's Bronx zoo – the first live specimens the western world had ever seen. Most of that excitement had been generated via a movie Burden had made depicting these semi-mythical reptiles in the Indonesian wild, voraciously devouring a wild boar. By comparison, the real, live komodo dragons were something of a disappointment. They just lay about lethargically in their cage, and died a few months later. It later transpired that Burden's film had been heavily edited and staged to amp up the drama. The dragons hadn't actually...
You could say cinema and nature got off on the wrong foot, or paw, right from the start. In 1926, to much excitement, an adventurer named William Douglas Burden brought back two komodo dragons to New York's Bronx zoo – the first live specimens the western world had ever seen. Most of that excitement had been generated via a movie Burden had made depicting these semi-mythical reptiles in the Indonesian wild, voraciously devouring a wild boar. By comparison, the real, live komodo dragons were something of a disappointment. They just lay about lethargically in their cage, and died a few months later. It later transpired that Burden's film had been heavily edited and staged to amp up the drama. The dragons hadn't actually...
- 4/26/2013
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
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