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Earth - The Biography | 
 enlarge | Actor: Dr. Iain Stewart
Studio: BBC Warner
Category: DVD
List Price: $29.98
Buy New: $21.99
You Save: $7.99 (27%)
New (41) Used (11) from $8.90
Avg. Customer Rating:  18 reviews
Sales Rank: 2595
Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dvd-video, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 230
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: WARDE39821D
UPC: 883929026067
EAN: 8839290260670
Theatrical Release Date: 2008
Release Date: July 22, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Product Description
Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 07/22/2008 Run time: 230 minutes Rating: Nr
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...
 Fascinating and full of information July 24, 2008
23 out of 23 found this review helpful
Is it as good as Planet Earth? No. This documentary series doesn't a never-ending overabundance of brilliant imagery. But don't let that dissuade you. If it wasn't for "Planet Earth" everyone would be raving about this set. Because though its visuals aren't always as stunning as that excellent series -- sometimes the screen shows just a guy or two talking in front of a washed out sky -- overall "Earth: The Biography" is just as interesting and at times even more informative. The special effects are good, too.
Generally, I'd say this set is great for anyone with even a passing interest in geology, at least if they're over, say, 8.
These are the same shows that recently aired on the National Geographic Channel. There are no bonus features.
Disc 1 has three shows, "Volcanoes," "Atmosphere" and "Ice." Disc 2 adds "Oceans" and "Rare Earth." Each of the first four explains how that particular system works, as well as what happens when it's messed with.
The last show examines a theory that says simple life may actually be common on other planets, but complex life -- i.e., animal life -- requires such a complex sequence of events that we'll never find another human-like population. It goes on to examine how humans are damaging the planet. Did you know each year people cut down enough forest to cover the state of South Carolina?
Everything is presented with plenty of objective, scientific information.
My favorite show is the first one, since it includes the formation of Earth. Did you know scientists think our planet once had a twin? Or that the moon is drifting away from us?
Though the narrator, Dr. Iain Stewart, speaks in a Scottish brogue, I didn't have any trouble understanding him. He's calm and articulate.
By the way, you can't help but be reminded of "Planet Earth" as you watch this. A commercial for it is actually the first thing that comes up when you pop in Disc 1.
Besides "Planet Earth," I'd recommend pairing this up with An Inconvenient Truth. Or a trip to go see Wall-E.
This is just amazing July 23, 2008
13 out of 14 found this review helpful
I thought I had a decent science education until I saw this spectacular, mind-expanding series. But no. I sat on the couch and watched all five hours of this brilliant presentation and felt I had been robbed in college. The stuff on vulcanology and atmospheric science alone makes this show worth having, but the theories about 'Rare Earth' at the end make it even more special. The photography and recreations are amazing [National Geographic should win some sort of award from the high-def people] and the host is charming. Even middle-school kids will drop their jaws at some of the footage and photography in this show. I have bought at least a half-dozen DVDs for people who need a little science in their lives. Mega-bril!
More of a resume than a biography ;) August 7, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
'Earth - The Biography' is a documentary about Earth's geology, atmosphere, and oceans.
It provides a short overview of how our planet was created but its main focus is on how Earth's natural forces combine to create conditions for life - and how this makes Earth a unique place in the Solar system and 'perhaps in the universe'.
It's a very high quality documentary that is on the same level as 'Planet Earth' and 'Blue Planet' - with great footage and visions of earth.
The guy with the accent is actually very charming, watchable, and non-obtrusive. I'm a non-native speaker and had no problems understanding what he was saying. Besides, there are subtitles.
I only regret that they did not put any special features on the DVD. After watching all five episodes, I really wanted to see a little more.
Thought provoking and entertaining......... August 16, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
All in all I think this is an excellent overview of the 4.5 billion year history of our planet. "Earth" goes a bit further than geology by putting each of the presented forces into an affective context. Our biosphere is more integrated and dependent than most people realize. This series serves to bring that thought to light. People can put out all the good or bad information they like. It is up to the reader/viewer to find the truth through several sources. None of the documentaries produced should be taken as THE authority on any subject. Whatever National Geographic would like to TELL me I should believe Is not what will evolve into the truth for me. I will decide that for myself. Considering my philosophy on assimilating this or other information I think some folks were a bit hard on this series. It is what it is and if I want more information I will find it. These types of programs are meant to be educational ENTERTAINMENT. Thought provoking without covering every possible detail. As educational entertainment this show has done a wonderful job of explaining the processes of the earth and how they relate to everything around us including our own existence. This program is worth the $20 I paid for it and this series is well worth sitting down with your kids to watch. Programs like this can only spark more curiosity and imagination. More than the actual facts and figures which can be researched at anytime I think programs like this serve to keep our curiosity and imagination moving and our brains thinking. Watch it with your kids and see how many questions you get!! The family interaction generated will certainly be QUALITY family time. Who better to teach your kids than you??
Understanding the Earth with science, not opinion September 7, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Dr. Stewart's latest contribution to science for the non-scientist continues his refreshing perspectives on the planet earth. If this video does not educate, enthrall, and entice you to learn more about our planet and its fragility, you must be one of those people who will not allow themselves to be confused with facts because your mind is already made up.
Once you get used to Dr. Stewart's Scots accent, his explanations of natural phenomena are remarkable for their clarity and simplicity. Even so, he does not condescend as he shares his wonderment at the most recent scientific discoveries that he presents in ways that compel the viewer to pay attention.
While some may contend that his topic includes "controversial" issues such as global warming, he never makes a statement without offering solid evidence. Indeed, his discussions are replete with references to the scientific recognition that they are theories that continue to evolve as evidence is accumulated. Thus, the only "controversy" would arise from the fact that the accumulating evidence tends to support scientific concerns.
For example, the evidence is uncontrovertible that Greenland's glaciers are melting at a rate never observed in modern times. Even so, Dr. Stewart includes the observation that scientists can only theorize about the consequences because they are unable to follow the melt water through the glacier and under the ice. Hence, scientists continue to explore and ask questions and postulate new theories ... because that is what good scientists do and that is what good science requires.
Anyone think that there is no problem if the frozen tundra warms up? Watch Dr. Stewart singe his eyebrows as he shows that the white stuff under the moss is methane by igniting it. So, how much methane would be released if (or when) the tundra warms up? And what will be the effect of this greenhouse gas? Watch the video.
Regardless of your political views on global conditions, this presentation offers the serious questioner the most recent research available. It could cause you to change your mind -- or, like a good scientist -- it could inspire you to find contrary evidence so that an informed dialogue will help us solve our planet's problems.
Last, but not least, so many interesting facts, theories, and supporting evidence are demonstrated that I was amazed at the organizational skills required to present so much information in only two DVD's. I include this video in my five-star list of videos that includes, among others, Blue Planet, Life on Earth, ... and Dr. Stewart's "Weather" -- which I also highly recommend.
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