Earth

Earth (narrated by James Earl Jones) – Film is the perfect medium for nature films.  Because they can be projected on big screens and, now more than ever, on IMAX and even 3D, color and scope capture the beauty of nature.  That’s not to minimize the advances in camera technology. Earth is a magnificent movie from Disney Nature Films that is actually the feature condensation of Planet Earth, an 11-part 2006 British Broadcasting Company TV documentary whose U.S. version, narrated by Sigourney Weaver, won four daytime Emmys and was nominated for three more. Talk about an investment in time (and money), Planet Earth and its shortened feature took 40 camera teams shooting at over 200 different locations all over the world for more than five years.

The film, which is narrated by THE narrator of our time, James Earl Jones, starts in the Arctic and travels south, largely ending in the Antarctic.  (Patrick Stewart narrates the British version.) Mostly covering land animals, it also ventures underwater but not as well as the recent IMAX/3D release Under The Sea. For the air shots, a special airborne camera was used with a 400mm lens that was able to zoom into single animals from a kilometer away without disturbing them.

Released on Earth Day in hopes of capturing some of the renewed interest in “green” everything and to earn some money, the movie has more than recaptured its estimated $15 million production cost.  With a stunning score by 5-time Oscar nominee George Fenton, the music manages to create the emotions necessary to totally engage the audience.  This film is more than just for the kids.  It is a pleasant hour-and-a-half filled with cinematography beyond belief.  And remember to stay for the credits where they show you some of the techniques and travails of the camera crews.  Don’t miss this one.

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