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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
Actor: Patrick Stewart
Studio: BBC Warner
Category: DVD
List Price: $39.99
Buy New: $27.95
You Save: $12.04 (30%)
New (25) Used (9) from $22.28
Avg. Customer Rating:  18 reviews
Sales Rank: 1935
Format: Color, Subtitled, Widescreen
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: Blu-ray
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 90
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
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...
 Seems like it should be on that huge screen at Best Buy July 24, 2008
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
With vivid, well-composed landscapes and animal shots popping up at least once a minute, this documentary series looks great in Blu-Ray. Even many of the basic shots are really well lit. The CGI effects are cool, too.
Is it as good as Planet Earth? No. These shows are not a nonstop visual extravaganza. But don't let that dissuade you. If it wasn't for "Planet Earth" everyone would be raving about this set. Because though the screen sometimes 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. And like I said, though it's not all eye candy, there is plenty of it.
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.
The Best Earth documentary EVER!!! August 22, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Simply-put, is the 'state of the art' in documentary development. The technique used to explain complex stuff about our planet is just amazing.
Here you can learn about all the FACTORS that absolutely had to happen the exact time and in the exact order, that they occurred for the Earth to become a perfectly BALANCED habitat for higher fantastic life-forms.
Every content is presented with very precise scientific data and with Bleeding edge, nice Graphics even being watched in Standard Definition.
Overall, is the BEST (for me) BBC documentary, hosted by one of the most important scientific, Dr. Iain Stewart. I recommend this Blu-ray to all.
Aramis Veras
Santo Domingo
Excellent biography August 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is an excellent documentary if you want to know more about the origin of earth, its formation, and nature forces that rules the weather, topology among other things. It's a must-buy after Planet Earth.
Earth the Biography August 25, 2008
This was an amazing documentary and to view it on Blu-ray is just eye candy. My wife and I became quickly addicted. I recommend this product to everyone.
Riveting September 19, 2008
With the HD picture and the spectacular content, Earth: The Biography is a riveting program!
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