David Attenborough - Life Story [DVD] [2014]

This series was shown for the first time on television in 2014 and created considerable admiration for the latest levels achieved in the photography. When this Blu-ray version of the series became available it received even greater acclaim. Now the same discs can be viewed via the latest 4K televisions, a level of technology which was unavailable for the general public at that time. With the aid of these increasingly available 4K televisions, the series packs even more of an awesome punch visually.The structure of the series essentially charts the transition though the stages of life from birth to parenthood. This sequence of stages is seen to be the essential aim of all varieties of life as each struggles to continue its own individual survival. Examples of this development are drawn from all parts of the world with each episode focusing on one stage at a time. A wide selection of creatures representing the range of invertebrates to vertebrates are focused upon throughout in order to make the series universally applicable to all forms of life.The challenge for the film makers was to revisit previous life topics in a fresh way and to attempt to illustrate facets of life never before captured on ‘film.’ Just having improved technology was not considered sufficient to justify the series. It can be confirmed that, without doubt, such intentions have been fully met in each episode with some truly remarkable coverage.The commentary by David Attenborough for many viewers, and that includes this one, is an integral part of the success of these programs. At all times the depth of his understanding and his commitment and belief in what he says is absolute. It takes the experience far beyond casual, although awe-inspiring, visual entertainment and deeply into the realm of studies. These are delivered in a way that transforms what could be an academic exercise into a gripping natural drama that has implications for all life on earth. The responsibilities for all forms of life are made clear as well as the consequences of failure.Quite apart from the main feature of each program there are also the additional 10 minute documentaries added on which give an insight into the making of part of each program. One mesmerising documentary in this series, for example, features the team enduring the most unimaginably inhospitable environment in their attempt to capture the behaviour of bonobo apes. The privations for the team are extreme and lead from initial hope and determination through to utter dejection. The final success results in ecstasy for the cameraman only just falling short of tears.The above is only intended to give pointers as to what lies within this series. To do full justice to the series requires an understanding and appreciation that can only be gained by purchasing the discs.This is yet another wonderful series from the BBC. This makes an imperative viewing experience.

GREAT DVD. ARRIVED SAFELY AND ON TIME.THANK YOU.

This review is to point up the differences in the blu-ray version of this excellent series. If you're reading this you'll already know that it's a magnificently filmed nature documentary narrated by the Greatest Living Englishman, with surprising new insights (Kung Fu Mantids, Fratricidal nestlings, inland seal pup training ground etc.)The dvd looked good, but there were several instances where in panning shots of complex landscapes there'd be lots of glitching and artefacts - this was particularly noticeable on the scree 400 feet below those poor lickle Barnacle Goose chicks, the background during the camera pan would quite literally flash with white dots; and I remember it did the same thing during broadcast. If you experienced this, you'll be glad to know that the blu-ray does NOT have this problem, the scree is static (and hugely detailed), but there are other major improvements - the deep blue water the humpbacks were moving through looked kinda murky on the dvd, here they look crystal clear with rich colour. The same is true for many of the other darker sections, the seal pups training ground now looks as high-def and gorgeous as you could possibly wish, and the starlight camera footage of the Jerboa is crisp and sharp (frankly on the dvd I couldn't see about a quarter of that section).You know those inch-wide glossy screengrabs they put on the back of BBC Wildlife disc cases? And you think: "my tv never looks like that" well this does, all the way through. If you wanted to show off your tv/blu-ray combo just get the Kung Fu Mantis up and pause it - this is what blu-ray was made for. Essential.

I love wildlife, and natural, Great on blu ray, many thanks,

What can you say about this? It's Attenborough and BBC, so of course it's outstanding in its quality. I have one warning tough - as Attenborough gets older he seems to be less romantic about nature and shows more and more of the -necessary- cruelty that exists in the animal kingdom. So I would recommend to approach with a bit of caution - it's not all cozy family viewing as you might expect from an animal program.

Purchased as a gift for a close Friend

what can you say with the bbc and david attenborough. well filmed well put together informative and knowledgeable. we are so lucky to have this ensemble in the uk far surpasses the american equivalent nat geo (which are poorly filmed repetative and not very informative as they spend more time talking about the difficulties of the filming crew and yet how brilliant they were which is just not the case)

Stunning quality of image and brilliant stories. This is also safe to watch with small kids (meaning there is no gore or disturbing violence, even when, say, cheetah kills the deer).Overall, it's a must have in Blu-Ray quality and it's something you would want to watch over again. I would also recommend to show this to children for education purposes - even well educated adults will learn something they couldn't think of from this film, as well as see something they wouldn't imagine otherwise.

Les séquences sont remarquable et le commentaire est épatant. La première séquence vaut tous les thrillers

Definitely at par with planet earth, life and the other top nature series.

Excellent video. We enjoyed every chapter of amazing photography and nature facts.

Extraordinaria, como prácticamente todos los productos de la serie documental de Sir David Attenborough. Aviso que el Blu-Ray no tiene subtítulos en ningún otro idioma que el inglés. Con la capacidad de estos discos me resulta increíble esta carencia. Solo por eso le he quitado una estrella.

Diese Doku zeigt nicht nur fantastische Bilder der Tierwelt. Sie zeigt auch alles über den Kreislauf des Lebens. Einfach anschauen. Ist eine der besten!