Well... it was somewhat entertaining and had decent cinematography. Unfortunately, how can this compete against any David Attenborough BBC series? Plus, after seeing a handful, it's clear that all Disney does is get some pretty good footage and then add anthropomorphic sound effects and manipulative narration and editing to create a story similar to any generic Disney animate film (not Pixar). It's not a bad watch, but no need to spend your time.
24 Reviews
Life with dolphins
TheLittleSongbird22 March 2021
While some DisneyNature documentaries are better than others, they are mostly very interesting and a common factor is that they are extremely well made. As well as having amazing animals. When it comes to the music and the narration (writing and delivery), those are the aspects where the quality is variable. Saw 2018's 'Dolphin Reef' for DisneyNature documentary completest sake, as well as being a great fan of nature documentaries, Disney in general and the intimate approach to the storytelling. As well as liking Natalie Portman as an actress.
As far as the DisneyNature documentaries go, to me 'Dolphin Reef' to me is easily one of the best. It is one of the more illuminating ones in terms of information, if not quite as much as David Attenborough (incomparable when it comes to nature documentaries) at his best, and when it comes to the narration 'Dolphin Reef' is one of the few where this aspect is not a problem. Both in how it's written and delivered, when it is often uneven or a weak point even in the good ones.
'Dolphin Reef' isn't quite perfect. While it is good showing that life under the sea has its challenges for the animals, the two suspenseful scenes don't quite gel with the gentle tone that the story generally has. And the challenges/dangers faced as shown here actually could have been more suspenseful and a little on the tame side, other documentaries do better at the feeling of "how on earth was this filmed?".
However, as usual for DisneyNature 'Dolphin Reef' looks wonderful. Underwater has always looked beautiful in nature documentaries, and 'Dolphin Reef' contains some of the most awe-inspiring underwater footage seen in a while. The atmosphere is also nailed, the world is both beautiful and suitably unforgiving and enhanced by the ever spectacular photography. The music is not too loud or constant and it's not too jaunty or ominous. There is atmosphere and a soothing one.
The narration is a rare case for the DisneyNature documentaries where there are no issues to be found. In terms of writing, it was honest, entertaining and informative with no overuse of jokiness or mawkish sentimentality. Portman does a lovely job delivering it, it is gentle and sympathetic but never sounds phoned in and instead it was like she was reading a bedtime story. No over-eagerness or cutesiness.
Loved the footage too. Stunningly shot and not only has a vast emotional impact, a big amount of charm and soothing quality on the whole but it always educates and fun and moving to watch. The story is entertaining, sweet without being sugar heavy and tear-inducing, without veering into soap opera. The pacing is better than most DisneyNature documentaries too, it isn't jumpy and it isn't dull. The animals are a visual feast and have great personalities that are worth rooting for. All without coming over as too humanised. It was amazing seeing dolphins on film and it made me wonder why we don't see them in documentaries enough.
Overall, very good and one of the better DisneyNature documentaries. 8/10
As far as the DisneyNature documentaries go, to me 'Dolphin Reef' to me is easily one of the best. It is one of the more illuminating ones in terms of information, if not quite as much as David Attenborough (incomparable when it comes to nature documentaries) at his best, and when it comes to the narration 'Dolphin Reef' is one of the few where this aspect is not a problem. Both in how it's written and delivered, when it is often uneven or a weak point even in the good ones.
'Dolphin Reef' isn't quite perfect. While it is good showing that life under the sea has its challenges for the animals, the two suspenseful scenes don't quite gel with the gentle tone that the story generally has. And the challenges/dangers faced as shown here actually could have been more suspenseful and a little on the tame side, other documentaries do better at the feeling of "how on earth was this filmed?".
However, as usual for DisneyNature 'Dolphin Reef' looks wonderful. Underwater has always looked beautiful in nature documentaries, and 'Dolphin Reef' contains some of the most awe-inspiring underwater footage seen in a while. The atmosphere is also nailed, the world is both beautiful and suitably unforgiving and enhanced by the ever spectacular photography. The music is not too loud or constant and it's not too jaunty or ominous. There is atmosphere and a soothing one.
The narration is a rare case for the DisneyNature documentaries where there are no issues to be found. In terms of writing, it was honest, entertaining and informative with no overuse of jokiness or mawkish sentimentality. Portman does a lovely job delivering it, it is gentle and sympathetic but never sounds phoned in and instead it was like she was reading a bedtime story. No over-eagerness or cutesiness.
Loved the footage too. Stunningly shot and not only has a vast emotional impact, a big amount of charm and soothing quality on the whole but it always educates and fun and moving to watch. The story is entertaining, sweet without being sugar heavy and tear-inducing, without veering into soap opera. The pacing is better than most DisneyNature documentaries too, it isn't jumpy and it isn't dull. The animals are a visual feast and have great personalities that are worth rooting for. All without coming over as too humanised. It was amazing seeing dolphins on film and it made me wonder why we don't see them in documentaries enough.
Overall, very good and one of the better DisneyNature documentaries. 8/10
Amazing
charrison-481305 April 2020
Excellent a must see
jtaylor310520085 April 2020
A Breathtaking Dive into the Coral Kingdom
Mysterygeneration1 March 2024
Some of the most breathtaking underwater cinematography ever seen may be seen in "Dolphin Reef". The film shows off the vibrant hues of the coral reef and the variety of animals that live there, taking viewers to a world full of life. Every shot is a visual feast, with anything from bright schools of fish darting amid the coral to playful dolphins gliding through the water with grace.
While viewers, especially young ones, will undoubtedly be enthralled with the playful dolphins, "Dolphin Reef" presents a far more comprehensive viewpoint. The movie explores the complex network of life in the coral reef, emphasizing how different marine animals are related to one another. You'll learn more about each species' crucial role in preserving the fragile balance of this undersea ecosystem as the story progresses.
A compelling documentary, "Dolphin Reef" is appropriate for audiences of all ages. Young brains are captivated by the captivating narration, which makes difficult ecological topics approachable and inspires wonder and curiosity. The film's examination of the circle of life and the problems the reef faces as a result of human activity can spark meaningful conversations and increase family knowledge of environmental issues.
Even though seeing dolphins is unquestionably one of the movie's highlights, it's important to keep in mind that "Dolphin Reef" is primarily concerned with the coral reef environment. This documentary might not be your first choice if all you want is an in-depth examination of dolphin behavior and social dynamics.
While viewers, especially young ones, will undoubtedly be enthralled with the playful dolphins, "Dolphin Reef" presents a far more comprehensive viewpoint. The movie explores the complex network of life in the coral reef, emphasizing how different marine animals are related to one another. You'll learn more about each species' crucial role in preserving the fragile balance of this undersea ecosystem as the story progresses.
A compelling documentary, "Dolphin Reef" is appropriate for audiences of all ages. Young brains are captivated by the captivating narration, which makes difficult ecological topics approachable and inspires wonder and curiosity. The film's examination of the circle of life and the problems the reef faces as a result of human activity can spark meaningful conversations and increase family knowledge of environmental issues.
Even though seeing dolphins is unquestionably one of the movie's highlights, it's important to keep in mind that "Dolphin Reef" is primarily concerned with the coral reef environment. This documentary might not be your first choice if all you want is an in-depth examination of dolphin behavior and social dynamics.
Mother Nature
moudjimmy8 April 2020
I can't even begin to imagine who had the courage to get this al on tape. It must have been terrifying and breathtaking all at once. Such vivid enabling footage you can't stop yourself from being astonished.
I felt like at one point in life I too was Echo. The Ocean Kingdom is so relatable and now all I want to do is get up and clean the ocean. What a work of Art, thank you Disney
I felt like at one point in life I too was Echo. The Ocean Kingdom is so relatable and now all I want to do is get up and clean the ocean. What a work of Art, thank you Disney
Amazing footage! Nice story.
marioestolano-660058 April 2020
Great documentary
prvshopper5 April 2020
overwhelmingly impressive.
hfahad826 April 2020
Fake story, not scientifically correct
adillin23 April 2020
This 'documentary' takes footage from a National Geographic doc about Floroda dolphins and weaves it into Disney's story about alleged Polynesian dolphins. The only place where dolphins make a mud ring to hunt fish is in Florida, which is definitely not in Polynesia. Look it up. The mud ring footage was taken from Nat Geo's accurate and very good movie (which is also on Disney Plus) and drops it into the Dolphin Reef movie. It's laughable. The landscape and water are quite obviously different and clearly not in Polynesia. Dolphin Reef is a sham, a joke and should be enjoyed for the visuals, not the information.
Good job! Excellent voice and friendly images
globalisationana8 April 2020
This is just a joy to listen to and visually magnificent. It looks almost real. Definitely a good quality piece. What a real difference and good actress makes to the story. It is truly nice to watch? it never feels sugary but interesting. She really has a gift. In comparison with the terribly-voiced second documentary of the series ( elephant) this is the real Disney + endless magic.
Lovely story for fans of Disney nature documentaries
the1movielover9 April 2020
Lovely and uplifting story for all fans of Disney nature documentaries.
Natalie Portman is an accomplished narrator who carries the movie without her voice being overwhelming.
Really enjoyed this, I was captivated throughout the entire storyline.
Highly recommend.
Natalie Portman is an accomplished narrator who carries the movie without her voice being overwhelming.
Really enjoyed this, I was captivated throughout the entire storyline.
Highly recommend.
Great film! Great for the family!
creative_hotdog9 April 2020
I LOVED watching this with my daughter! We are both fans of dolphins and we loved watching the story. My daughter learned a lot that she never knew before.This is a great family film and I look forward to watching it again!
Magnificent storyline
EmsieJB9 April 2020
Clips of BBC Blue planet & Spy in pod; gives WRONG facts; FICTION not docu.
cgtam25 December 2023
Laughable Pure FICTION script to match pieced clips. Narration from Portman is OK- for young kids script like bedtime tale.
ERRORS in script: Only Florida has few mud ring hunting dolphin pods - takes 5 yrs minimum to learn. No Polynesian island spotted dolphin hunts in mud rings. Too much time wasted on male mantis shrimp esp no female mantis shown which is VIP to male. Cuttlefish do NOT eat large mantis shrimp, they eat tiny crabs. Tiger sharks do NOT hunt & eat other sharks- PPL named it "Tiger" due to its stripes.
Omitted FACTS: Nature controls predators population by very limited breeding & most predator babies die; 1 in 1000 sharks may survive to adulthood; whales breed 1 in 4-5 yrs, whale calf usu dies after leaving mother. Only hardiest survive, then PPL slaughter them or die from OUR garbage that's flooded entire planet; or ship strikes bc ships been using whale routes daily instead of moving away from known areas; includes giant expanding ports; globally very great city is founded next to ancient whale cove.
FALSE SCRIPT : "if left alone, corals will thrive." NO. Our global pollution can be seen from SPACE!!! Wide poison flows out rivers & beach drains 24/7 globally into every sea. THAT kills all corals, incl overfishing, & plethora of HUMAN activity in sea from recreational boating to huge shipping cargo fleets to oil drilling; of course global warming of seas by over 1% = death of ALL corals ( bleaching) billions sea lives, no coral regeneration. Seas have already warmed 1%- thus loss of 1/3 Great Barrier Reef, vital sea ice in both poles, & extreme global severe weather. These 2018 Facts again all LACKING here.
FALSE script: dolphins & sharks do NOT socialize, they're enemies. Adult male Dolphins ram sharks so mothers & young can escape. Male humpbacks don't fight to "escort females with newborns." Humpbacks battle to mate at same time other females give birth & many newborns get injured if mother cannot escape unwanted courting with newborn. Mother whales all STARVE for 8 mos, so she must have enough reserves to feed calf or no milk & both may die. ALL large whales are single moms.. Male whale escorts may be allowed months later at end of migration to poles.
Fact: Orcas do kill whale calves but usu hunt them when there's a whale baby boom, & orcas do NOT fail in newborn hunts that take 4-6 hrs, exhausting calf which is then easily drowned.. Male humpbacks CAN be nearby & do sometimes help but usu fail bc orcas are skilled fast group hunters.
This 2018 script & film is PURE FICTION, showing pristine coral reef = big lie. Reefs looked like this 75 yrs ago, not after 2000.
Most VIP is coral reefs CAN become pristine again IF PPL CHOOSE to change, stop over fishing, stop oil drilling, stop polluting, govts enforce anti pollution acts agreed in past & enact new laws, esp ENFORCEMENT OF laws, to MANAGE seas that benefits all. Stop short term greed that's killing our future & kids future too.
Fact: Plastic, abandoned fishing nets that both degrade, pollute & kill ALL sea life has increased; incl using ocean as human garbage dump for every toxin, biohazard, radiated waste, fleets of floating garbage that are let loose on the seas until it sinks.
Re dolphins- fact: Pretty & young dolphins like Echo in film are hunted to spend lifetime of misery imprisoned in new global marine parks for ppl entertainment lead by Sea World. Echo would witness his entire family slow brutal screaming slaughter in Japan's coves ( secret govt sanctioned yrly atrocity hidden from Japanese ppl) & be expected to perform in marine parks. Many young dolphins die from shock after slaughter. Dead dolphin still looks like it's smiling- that's their biological curved mouth curse- ppl think they're "smiling" when they're truly suffering. Dolphins cannot change upwards curved mouth. But they do express joy vocally & posturing when FREE & play, incl surf. Those are facts NOT in this fictitious tale.
Dolphins like all sea life are facing extinction. When that happens, PPL shall suffer greatly, & die out slowly too.
1 good message in film is debunking shark myth. But NOT showing huge depletion & millions sharks, all sea life from turtles to blue whales, killed in gargantuan fishing nets as "by catch" , dumped back into sea as trash for past 40 yrs 24/7 is totally irresponsible in 2018 ; now viewer think seas are just fine, packed with life, when the truth is complete OPPOSITE.
For those who don't want to "scare" kids", pretty lies are NOT the answer since it's same kids who are & shall struggle their ENTIRE LIVES in this once incredible Eden, & same kids will suffer lifelong consequences of those adults choosing to do nothing, refusing to change for all PPL survival. Changes needed are not hard nor costly.
Disney continues to stream THESE SHAMEFUL LIES as factual documentary.
SKIP THIS & watch BBC Blue Planet 1 & 2; Plastic Ocean, & for kids 10 yrs +, "Seaspiracy" docu filmed in 2010 ( Netflix) for global reality, & see small daily choices EVERY ONE can make that'll create true global difference.
ERRORS in script: Only Florida has few mud ring hunting dolphin pods - takes 5 yrs minimum to learn. No Polynesian island spotted dolphin hunts in mud rings. Too much time wasted on male mantis shrimp esp no female mantis shown which is VIP to male. Cuttlefish do NOT eat large mantis shrimp, they eat tiny crabs. Tiger sharks do NOT hunt & eat other sharks- PPL named it "Tiger" due to its stripes.
Omitted FACTS: Nature controls predators population by very limited breeding & most predator babies die; 1 in 1000 sharks may survive to adulthood; whales breed 1 in 4-5 yrs, whale calf usu dies after leaving mother. Only hardiest survive, then PPL slaughter them or die from OUR garbage that's flooded entire planet; or ship strikes bc ships been using whale routes daily instead of moving away from known areas; includes giant expanding ports; globally very great city is founded next to ancient whale cove.
FALSE SCRIPT : "if left alone, corals will thrive." NO. Our global pollution can be seen from SPACE!!! Wide poison flows out rivers & beach drains 24/7 globally into every sea. THAT kills all corals, incl overfishing, & plethora of HUMAN activity in sea from recreational boating to huge shipping cargo fleets to oil drilling; of course global warming of seas by over 1% = death of ALL corals ( bleaching) billions sea lives, no coral regeneration. Seas have already warmed 1%- thus loss of 1/3 Great Barrier Reef, vital sea ice in both poles, & extreme global severe weather. These 2018 Facts again all LACKING here.
FALSE script: dolphins & sharks do NOT socialize, they're enemies. Adult male Dolphins ram sharks so mothers & young can escape. Male humpbacks don't fight to "escort females with newborns." Humpbacks battle to mate at same time other females give birth & many newborns get injured if mother cannot escape unwanted courting with newborn. Mother whales all STARVE for 8 mos, so she must have enough reserves to feed calf or no milk & both may die. ALL large whales are single moms.. Male whale escorts may be allowed months later at end of migration to poles.
Fact: Orcas do kill whale calves but usu hunt them when there's a whale baby boom, & orcas do NOT fail in newborn hunts that take 4-6 hrs, exhausting calf which is then easily drowned.. Male humpbacks CAN be nearby & do sometimes help but usu fail bc orcas are skilled fast group hunters.
This 2018 script & film is PURE FICTION, showing pristine coral reef = big lie. Reefs looked like this 75 yrs ago, not after 2000.
Most VIP is coral reefs CAN become pristine again IF PPL CHOOSE to change, stop over fishing, stop oil drilling, stop polluting, govts enforce anti pollution acts agreed in past & enact new laws, esp ENFORCEMENT OF laws, to MANAGE seas that benefits all. Stop short term greed that's killing our future & kids future too.
Fact: Plastic, abandoned fishing nets that both degrade, pollute & kill ALL sea life has increased; incl using ocean as human garbage dump for every toxin, biohazard, radiated waste, fleets of floating garbage that are let loose on the seas until it sinks.
Re dolphins- fact: Pretty & young dolphins like Echo in film are hunted to spend lifetime of misery imprisoned in new global marine parks for ppl entertainment lead by Sea World. Echo would witness his entire family slow brutal screaming slaughter in Japan's coves ( secret govt sanctioned yrly atrocity hidden from Japanese ppl) & be expected to perform in marine parks. Many young dolphins die from shock after slaughter. Dead dolphin still looks like it's smiling- that's their biological curved mouth curse- ppl think they're "smiling" when they're truly suffering. Dolphins cannot change upwards curved mouth. But they do express joy vocally & posturing when FREE & play, incl surf. Those are facts NOT in this fictitious tale.
Dolphins like all sea life are facing extinction. When that happens, PPL shall suffer greatly, & die out slowly too.
1 good message in film is debunking shark myth. But NOT showing huge depletion & millions sharks, all sea life from turtles to blue whales, killed in gargantuan fishing nets as "by catch" , dumped back into sea as trash for past 40 yrs 24/7 is totally irresponsible in 2018 ; now viewer think seas are just fine, packed with life, when the truth is complete OPPOSITE.
For those who don't want to "scare" kids", pretty lies are NOT the answer since it's same kids who are & shall struggle their ENTIRE LIVES in this once incredible Eden, & same kids will suffer lifelong consequences of those adults choosing to do nothing, refusing to change for all PPL survival. Changes needed are not hard nor costly.
Disney continues to stream THESE SHAMEFUL LIES as factual documentary.
SKIP THIS & watch BBC Blue Planet 1 & 2; Plastic Ocean, & for kids 10 yrs +, "Seaspiracy" docu filmed in 2010 ( Netflix) for global reality, & see small daily choices EVERY ONE can make that'll create true global difference.
Beautifully done!
mckaylapatterson11 April 2020
The footage was beautiful and the lines were well thought-out! Natalie Portman was an amazing narrator and was very clear in what she was saying. While stuck in the house my family and I all enjoyed watching this new film on Disney+!
It's an okay movie..
cattycattyahh-558757 April 2020
I would say this movie isn't the best disneynature movie because it seems to not really focus on the dolphins as much as I thought. Also, it is kind of confusing to me that they have a Disney plus exclusive Disney nature movie because I feel like you should be able to get them on DVD but that's just me. Anyways, I would say the movie is okay if you want excellent photography focused mainly on the reef, so 8/10.
Beautiful creatures
sallynse4 April 2020
The kids watched both of the new documentaries and both kept them quiet but this one for me was just beautiful, I knew somethings about dolphins as I'm an Attenborough devotee but this was informative and beautifully shot. The narrator hit the spot nicely unlike the the other one I watched which was irksome and wondered why the had not chosen a man to do it. The film action was not something I had seen before and it held my attention and the kids loved it.
Very transposing
Zarif9 April 2020
Such a shame is so underrated. should promote it more. mind blowing shooting, all the camera angles and everything. natalie portman such a great voice acting. never seen such an artistic documentary before, beautiful storyline. im also a cameraman so thank you for the making-of shots at the end,...i was really wondering on some of them. very excited about your movie. thanks! i'll watch the others too.
Disney magic
shweta-5165730 April 2020
The last unexplored frontier, the oceans are beautifully depicted through the eyes of a young dolphin, Echo who is coming of age in the Polynesian Islands in this Disneynature feature. The documentary is a treat on the eyes from start to finish, and leaves you wondering how the magnificent otherworldly shots were captured.
Beautiful really enjoyed it
darlenedunne9 April 2020
I was really impressed on how this was put together, it seemed so real and enjoyed watching the dolphins swim to the Pacific Ocean , I really liked your voice and you made if so real . Its differently the kind of movie that I would tell my friend to watch with their children. I look forward to the next one,thank you for Sharing and good luck in the future.
Wello done!
natalielibka5 April 2020
MASSIVE PIECE OF WORK
ozoo_zozoo12 April 2020
This documentary piece of work is wonderful. Great captures, and you feel you're living each moment in the deepest spots in the sea. It also gives many pieces of info. about other living creatures beside the dolphins.
Really appreciate this work.. Special Thanks to the whole crew!
Really appreciate this work.. Special Thanks to the whole crew!
Stunning!
adevine-767505 May 2020
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