I really like the aesthetics of the far north (and I suppose the far south is not that different, in that regard). So seeing a documentary about that region from David Attenborough, a man who produces series I usually find middle-of-the-road, I actually thought I'd like it somewhat better than the usual fare - perhaps, more than "Planet Earth II"! Reading about some controversy about some of the footage having been manipulated a little bit, the filming having been done in a zoo rather than in the wild, did not particularly discourage me, because that scene would only fill in the context for what is otherwise clearly a picture of the outdoors. On I went.
In reality, if you love Attenborough's shows - well, that's one of them. If you hate them - it is, still, and you should avoid it. And if you're lukewarm about them, like me, it still is, but concentrated in a setting I tend to enjoy.
Yes, imperial units are still used. Yes, the pauses are long and the lines are scarce, making for an occasional boring segment. Yes, it feels overproduced at times. Yes, sometimes the information is slightly (or more) incorrect, misleading etc. Yes, footage gets recycled.
But the awesome visuals of the polar regions with their harsh, unforgiving climate and the charisma and charm of the various animals found in these regions, their lives, adaptation etc - all of that is very strong, as usual. Some of the scenes are truly awe-inspiring and represent some of the best documentary footage we're likely to see. This series concentrates a bit more on the people towards its end, which drags it down a little bit, in my opinion, but also gives some perspective on the humanity's role in the region, I suppose.
In reality, if you love Attenborough's shows - well, that's one of them. If you hate them - it is, still, and you should avoid it. And if you're lukewarm about them, like me, it still is, but concentrated in a setting I tend to enjoy.
Yes, imperial units are still used. Yes, the pauses are long and the lines are scarce, making for an occasional boring segment. Yes, it feels overproduced at times. Yes, sometimes the information is slightly (or more) incorrect, misleading etc. Yes, footage gets recycled.
But the awesome visuals of the polar regions with their harsh, unforgiving climate and the charisma and charm of the various animals found in these regions, their lives, adaptation etc - all of that is very strong, as usual. Some of the scenes are truly awe-inspiring and represent some of the best documentary footage we're likely to see. This series concentrates a bit more on the people towards its end, which drags it down a little bit, in my opinion, but also gives some perspective on the humanity's role in the region, I suppose.