Sir David Attenborough is one of the most well-respected (and well-known) personalities in the field of nature programmes and his narration is flawless as he educates and inspires without patronising his audience or anthropomorphising his subjects. Spectacular camera work (of a standard not seen since the BBC's classic Life on Earth series) captures images of a fascinating world rarely seen by human eyes--in fact, in several instances, the subjects and behaviours filmed for this series have never been witnessed before, let alone caught on camera. This is particularly apparent on the series highlight, "The Deep" (Programme 2), where film crews discovered two new species in the depths of the ocean: a grotesque fish named the Hairy Angler and a fantastic, pink octopus-like creature, which is so new that it remains unnamed (but was nicknamed "Dumbo"). Both are testament to the fact that, although oceans cover two-thirds of the Earth, we know less about them than we do the moon. It is proof that, to us land-dwellers, much of our Blue Planet is alien indeed. A handsomely illustrated companion book is also available. -- Robert Burrow

Whilst the astute viewer may notice that some of the footage used in the series originates in early Attenborough programmes, that hardly detracts from the power and quality of the imagery. Some of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring footage ever captured of the natural world can be seen on these discs! In addition, the sheer sense of discovery and natural voyeurism that the viewer can get from these discs is immense.

Like all of the BBC's great nature documentaries this series is built on superb photography and editing. The patience and dedication that was necessary to capture many of the scenes in this series will be appreciated upon first viewing. It is just compelling!

Blue Planet has been lovingly crafted and is a homage to the oceans of the world and their often teeming, beautiful, or breath taking inhabitants. It also serves as a testimony to Attenborough and the BBC in their joint commitment to bring the glory and drama of the natural world into our living rooms. Arguably, together they have done more than other association to make us conscious of the richness of our biological world, and its splendid behavioural diversity and complexity.

For anyone who has ever felt awe or fascination watching life in or on the oceans, then this series will prove deeply satisfactory: you can rely on this production to reward the depths of your oceanic curiousity! :)


The Ultimate Series On The Oceans of the World   January 6, 2005
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Even those who share just a small passion for the Oceans, or nature in general should not miss this!!! The footage is superbly beautifull and breathtaking and the generalist character of the series takes us in a wonderfull voyage across all types of marine environaments and animals. The best series to date on this subject!!!


Beyond imagination   February 20, 2004
 7 out of 24 found this review helpful

The 5 years of masters work involved in the creation of this un-ordinary documentary; is way beyond imagination.


Complete, fulfilling and rewarding in its entirity   October 15, 2003
 21 out of 24 found this review helpful

Never before has a DVD of such quality graced my DVD player. All essential requirements of a quality viewing are not only met, but surpassed to an extreme in which it appears to have been filmed and produced way ahead of its' time. I feel priveliged to have been allowed a view into a world one could never have imagined existed. The amazon rating system does not do this production justice, as it deserves more than 5 stars. I shall treasure my box set forever!


Breath-taking and Eye-opening   August 12, 2003
 83 out of 84 found this review helpful

Only few people i know of, can teach you hundreds of things in a matter of hours without in anyway causing you to lose interest if even for a short minute. David Attenborough is without doubt one of these people, and if anything, your interest will more likely grow as the series continues.
The most famous naturalist today shows us scenes that one would only expect to come from the minds of fantasy and sci-fi writers. Aliens and dragons are in many ways a close description of some of the animals portrayed in this series. The sights and sounds of the footage used will humour, shock, dazzle and enthrall you at the least.
In no way has the ocean ever been so well explored and explained and undoubtebly it will be many years before this series is even rivalled.
Eight one-hour long episodes will show you five years worth of research and filming in some of the most desolate places on earth, whether from the cold plains of the antarctic or the deep canyons of the atlantic more than 3 miles beneath the surface.
The first episode gives you a basic introduction to the ocean and all that live in it. Thrilling action scenes for instance as you see a pod of dolphins, hundreds of shrarks and thousands of sea birds hunt in unison to catch an enormous shole of sardine.
The second will take you were only a handful of people have been before, the deep. Here is where you will meet the strangest possible creatures, and most beautiful(or horrid).
The third concentrates on the open ocean. Only here do you get a real impression on how big it really is. Here you see a schole, thousands of fish strong be reduced to nothing by several examples of the countless predators of the sea.
The fourth will take you to the poles where you're shown the few animals that mangage to bear temperatures of downto -70C.
The fifth coveres the effect of the seasons on the oceans. Watch how the spring sun enriches the seas with minuscule life and how the food chain developes from then on.
The sixth covers one of the most beautiful places on earth, the coral reefs. With the most colour rich plants and animals imaginable.
Number seven covers the effect of the tides on maritime life around the world. And how even land animals depend on them to feed.
And lastly eight will show you the lives of the animals that balance their life between sea and land, such as seals and penguins.
Nowhere is the cycle of life and balance of nature more noticeable than in the ocean. Nothing is wasted, everything has a reason. And as much as you hate seeing a young whale been hunted by a pod of killer whales, you can't help but marvel at the countless animals dependant on the remains that will eventually sink to the depths.
The only beings that disturbs this whole cycle, is... you guessed it. Disk three has a wonderful featurette showing how mankind has devastated life underwater, and how we are now trying to repare our damage.
Also included is a marvellous making off featurette and interviews, showing just how much effort was actually put into the making of the blue planet. But it was well worth it, as i can't imagine a more valueable addition to your dvd collection. Unmissable to anyone who's even slightly interested in nature, and for those who aren't, i can confidently say this will quickly change their mind...