Earth - The Biography | 
| Actor: Dr. Iain Stewart
Studio: BBC Warner
Category: DVD
List Price: $29.98
Buy New: $17.90
You Save: $12.08 (40%)
New (33) Used (8) from $17.90
Avg. Customer Rating:  13 reviews
Sales Rank: 2416
Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dvd-video, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Subtitled), English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 230
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 1000039821
UPC: 883929026067
EAN: 0883929026067
ASIN: B0018CWVWE
Theatrical Release Date: 2008
Release Date: July 22, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: Factory sealed.
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| Editorial Reviews:
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
Description
This landmark series uses specialist imaging and compelling narrative to tell the life story of our planet, how it works, and what makes it so special. Examining the great forces that shape the Earth - volcanoes, the ocean, the atmosphere and ice - the programme explores their central roles in our planet's story. How do these forces affect the Earth's landscape, its climate, and its history? CGI gives the audience a ringside seat at these great events, while the final episode brings together all the themes of the series and argues that Earth is an exceptionally rare kind of planet - giving us a special responsibility to look after our unique world. This is a series that shows the Earth in new and surprising ways. Extensive use of satellite imagery reveals new views of our planet, while timelapse filmed over many months brings the planet to life. Offering a balance between dramatic visuals and illuminating facts, this ground-breaking series makes global science truly compelling.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
 Outstanding! September 4, 2008
I have studied these subjects for many years now and generally very a very critical eye. I find absolutely no fault with these programs. Full marks to Dr. Stewart for all of his efforts.
 overview of planet Earth August 31, 2008
This is a very good visual introduction to Earth for anyone whose interests are not directed to the physical and biological sciences. The videography is vivid and captivating. Overall, it is well executed.
Wonderfully done and educational! August 31, 2008
Saw this originally on TV, and wanted it in my video library. There are so many things on this earth to learn about, and this was a fantastic way to increase that knowledge!
Brilliant Documentary !! Great accent !! August 31, 2008
I am from the french speaking part of Canada and started speaking proper (or at least acceptable) english in late high-school so I dont quite understand why a native english speaking north-american would have difficulties understanding a scottish accent when I do so without even having to rewind any part of the program.
I got my copy from the UK a few months ago (where it is known as 'Earth: The Power of the Planet') and I actually quite enjoyed Iain Stewart's accent since it gave a nice touch to the production.
Cheers !!
Better than "Planet Earth" series? August 21, 2008
I see several reviewers not liking "Earth: The Biography" as much as "Planet Earth", both of which I own. I found the BBC version "Earth: The Biography" to be far more useful on a broader scale, packing an enormous amount of information and understanding into only 4 main episodes, and finally the amazing "Rare Planet" finale. I have a background in Biology & Genetics, but I would recommend this series to anyone- layperson or scientist. It is in-depth enough to satisfy my questioning nature, while clear and succinct enough for my 10 year old and totally non-science daughter to understand!
If you want an understanding about "the big picture" about the dynamics of our planet, then this is the right series. I feel that "Planet Earth" is more for those who would appreciate a huge in-depth episode about each little thing- a whole episode dedicated just to caves! For a broad understanding in far less time though, "Earth: The Biography" is the way to go.
Ok, well truly I'd recommend them both! :-) It just depends on your personal taste as to which style you like: everything in a nutshell, or much longer detail under the microscope kind of view.
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