Earth: The Biography DVD Credits:

Region: 1

Earth: The Biography DVD Release Date: 21st June 2008

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Earth: The Biography DVD Review:

Much like the enormously successful BBC documentary series Planet Earth, the BBC mini-series Earth: The Biography, gives an in-depth look at how the Earth works. Hosted by former child star turned geologist Dr. Iain Stewart, Earth: The Biography gives an up close and personal look at what makes the Earth function on a daily basis.

This five part mini series spends each one hour episode on a particular aspect of the Earth’s history and function. The first part examines volcanoes. But rather than going to the old fail safes to examine volcanoes from a distance, Dr. Iain Stewart leads the way to a larger than life look at both what caused volcanoes billions of years ago to some of the positive effects like the hot water lakes in Iceland or the warmth that the carbon dioxide it creates, provides keeping the Earth inhabitable.

Through the use of some of the most impressive CGI (Computer graphics) seen in a documentary, Dr. Iain Stewart and the rest of the filmmakers give insight into the inner workings of the Earth, its oceans, atmospheres and the seemingly innocuous yet immensely important ice covered parts of the world. The CGI also gives the audience a sort of front row seat to some of history’s most enigmatic and powerful events in the creation of the world. Ultimately the four parts of the mini-series comes together in the fifth part of the series, Rare Earth. This episode combines all four of the elements and hypothesizes that the Earth is an incredibly rare and unique planet indeed and it is humankinds responsibility to do whatever it takes to protect it and to keep it operating like it should.

This is a series that shows the Earth in new and surprising ways. With an extensive use of satellite images that reveal new views of our planet, and timelapse shots filmed over the duration of many months, brings the planet to life on screen.

Not since Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, has there been a host who possesses as much care, knowledge and insight into the subject matter he is discussing as Dr. Iain Stewart. It is truly evident that he is both passionate and concerned, as he first presents how truly amazing each of the Earth’s individual parts are and how amazing the combination of said parts is to the fragile balance that the planet thrives upon.

Earth: The Biography is education grade, and could easily be incorporated into a curriculum, but is entertaining enough that normal viewers would choose to watch. BBC has once again outdone themselves with this magnificent documentary series, truly worthy of boating the BBC name.

Earth: The Biography is presented in widescreen and features a 5.1 stereo surround soundtrack. The mini series is available on both a two-disc DVD release and on high definition Blu-Ray disc.

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Earth: The Biography DVD review written by: Andrew Mattson