| Earth: The Biography [Blu-ray] | ![Earth: The Biography [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YMgnZK-9L._SL160_.jpg) | Actor: Iain Stewart
Studio: BBC Warner
Category: DVD
List Price: $34.99
Buy New: $21.99
as of 9/6/2010 05:32 CDT details
New (32) Used (12) from $14.05
Rating:  29 reviews
Sales Rank: 22,297
Format: Color, Subtitled, Widescreen
Languages: English (Subtitled), English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: Blu-ray
Discs: 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Running Time: 60 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 883929026050
UPC: 883929026050
EAN: 0883929026050
Theatrical Release Date: 2008
Release Date: July 22, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Five episodes tell the story of Earth's geologic history and how natural forces such as volcanoes are critical in its formation and maintaining an eco
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:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 29
 Seems like it should be on that huge screen at Best Buy July 24, 2008
Julie Neal (Sanibel Island, Fla.)
23 out of 28 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.
Another EPIC from BBC November 14, 2008
Nature Photographer (Singapore)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Updated: 2nd Feb 2009.
My recent purchase of a Sony Bravia 46" W4500 Series BRAVIA, the Blu-ray version now plays at 1080/24p.
Original review:
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.
Getting to know Our Planet April 12, 2009
Bruno F. Smid
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Since we spend our whole life time on this wonderful planet, why not learn about its origins and events that have led up to its present shape? This excellent, high resolution DVD provides most of the answers by actual photography and understandable graphics and gave me a new perspective and insights into our own world. Highly recommend it - it does not conflict with any other recent info DVD's - rather, it complements it for a well-rounded understanding of our part in the universe. Iain Stewart's narrative is clear and understandable - an important element for an info DVD.
The Best Earth documentary EVER!!! August 22, 2008
Aramis Veras (Santo Domingo)
3 out of 4 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
R. Cano (Managua, Nicaragua)
2 out of 3 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.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 29
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