| Earth: The Biography [Blu-ray] | ![Earth: The Biography [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YMgnZK-9L._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Directors: Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield
Actors: James Earl Jones, Patrick Stewart
Studio: BBC Warner
Category: DVD
List Price: $39.99
Buy New: $27.75
You Save: $12.24 (31%)
Buy New/Used from $25.95
Avg. Customer Rating:   (18 reviews)
Sales Rank: 2200
Format: Color, Subtitled, Widescreen
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: Blu-ray
Running Time: 90 minutes
Number Of Items: 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: WARBRE39820
UPC: 883929026050
EAN: 0883929026050
ASIN: B0018CWVWO
Release Date: July 22, 2008
Theatrical Release Date: 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Description
This landmark series uses specialist imaging and compelling narrative to tell the life story of our planet, how it works, and what makes it so special. Examining the great forces that shape the Earth - volcanoes, the ocean, the atmosphere and ice - the programme explores their central roles in our planet's story. How do these forces affect the Earth's landscape, its climate, and its history? CGI gives the audience a ringside seat at these great events, while the final episode brings together all the themes of the series and argues that Earth is an exceptionally rare kind of planet - giving us a special responsibility to look after our unique world. This is a series that shows the Earth in new and surprising ways. Extensive use of satellite imagery reveals new views of our planet, while timelapse filmed over many months brings the planet to life. Offering a balance between dramatic visuals and illuminating facts, this ground-breaking series makes global science truly compelling.
Amazon.com
To demonstrate the stunning beauty and overwhelming power of the Earth, Dr. Iain Stewart climbs into the crater of an active volcano in Ethiopia, jets into the stratosphere, climbs the frozen crests of the Alps, races the tide at the Amazon basin, dives into underwater caverns in Mexico, and generally enjoys himself to no end. His infectious enthusiasm is hardly necessary, though; Earth: The Biography (formerly The Power of the Planet) is five episodes of phenomenal images and fascinating information about how our planet formed and the potent yet delicate balance of life. Stewart, the program's host, seems destined to become the Carl Sagan of geology; his cheerful Scottish accent (he sounds like he walked out of Trainspotting) is just waiting for a catchphrase like "billions and billions" to make him a household name. Earth: The Biography juxtaposes things gigantic (tectonic plates) and teeny-tiny (plankton) while gracefully explaining the crucial role each plays in making the world habitable for life as we know it. There's even surprising humor, like demonstrating the ocean's currents through the movement of 29,000 plastic ducks that were swept overboard in a storm, or how the first thing jet pilot Joe Kittinger does, after successfully parachuting from the highest point in the stratosphere anyone has ever jumped (including 15 minutes of free fall), is light up a cigarette. Add in some CGI models of prehistoric beasts and volcanic activity, and you've got a completely addictive examination of the Earth in all its majesty. --Bret Fetzer
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| Customer Reviews: Read 13 more reviews...
 Another EPIC from BBC November 14, 2008
In the beginning there was Planet Earth.. now there is Earth: The Biography. As a child I grew up being immersed in the physical geography and the birth of the earth.
Beautifully described via CG on plate tectonics and volcanoes, the destructive power of ice and water, and the vital importance of the the atmosphere.
For those that have watched the Life of Series by David Attenborough, will notice repeated footage those series, as well as repeated footage from Planet Earth, and Ganges.
Despite the various comments that this is a standard definition presentation by BBC, when I play it on my PS3, I am getting 1080i and not 420p, as some have remarked. Not true 1080p, but nonetheless stunning.
Great addition to my collection of BBC and Nat Geo documentaries.
 1080i not 1080p and a bit lack luster October 17, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was looking forward to this Blu ray having previously seen Ganges and Wild China. Earth was not in their league. It was if the BBC had subcontracted the task out, and the film makers took short cuts on the quality. The host is also a little annoying I feel. He comes across as if he's over doing it a bit.
So even though it was very educational, with the message not to worry, once we're all dead the Earth will still be here, I was not totally entertained in the manner previous shows had. So three stars.
Shape up BBC, we're used to the best !
A must have! September 21, 2008
Hi there, first of all I have to say "wow"!
Ordered from germany (the bluray is "regional code free") I received the disc within 1,5 weeks! Thanx to Amazon US!
If you like "Planet Earth" and other highly produced doku's from the BBC you have to order this great view of the "EARTH"! Five different titles - from "Volcanos" via "Ice" to "Rare Earth" brings you the permanent changing wonder's of our great planet a bit closer! A good narrator, highly quality pictures mixed with great computer simulations, that's all what my (your) Full HD panel need!
Joerg
Riveting September 19, 2008
With the HD picture and the spectacular content, Earth: The Biography is a riveting program!
 2 Stars for presentation only - the rest is science guess work, speculative nonsense September 16, 2008
0 out of 18 found this review helpful
Yes, a great looking documentary without a shadow of a doubt. But as is the case in any film which attempts to travel back in time - it's unreliable. What they teach as truth today will be thrown out of the window tomorrow. The fact is: Nobody was there 4 billion years ago and it's all guesswork on the evidence they have NOW.
It will have you believe that ALL scientists agree that this was the way it all happened, but it gives you absolutely no clue that the scientific community is completely split.
But again we are asked to worship at the alter of these great scientists who know everything, who are we to argue? So long as these productions keep people brainwashed with flashing lights and handy camerawork, it's all good for the sad demi-gods who arrogantly assume to know everything.
Complete garbage.
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