| Series cast summary: | |||
| Benedict Cumberbatch | ... |
Narrator
6 episodes, 2009
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| Mike Rowe | ... |
Himself
/ ...
3 episodes, 2009
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Richard Wollocombe | ... |
Himself
3 episodes, 2009
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A documentary series on life in and adapted to the conditions of the Southern part of the Pacific Ocean, a vast aquatic region with an unequaled number of islands. Both wildlife and human cultures developed in a unique variety, largely determined by such natural conditions as huge distances, sea depths, currents and winds. Written by KGF Vissers
Benedict Cumberbatch narrates this six hour-long BBC nature series about the south pacific. The first episode jumps around from island to island. The predator caterpillars are incredible although the jumping around gets random. There is a structure from episode to episode but this show needs a simple map or better computer animations to explain the structure. For example, the Castaway episode could illustrated more clearly the migration routes and the vast distances through an animated map. In the Volcano episode, the life cycle of the volcano can be illustrated with simple animation. The sixth episode does have some disturbing fishing imagery which has a sad beauty in high def.
Despite the jumping around and a need for clearer expositions, this series is simply beautiful. The creatures, the waters, and even the people are impossibly exotic and wonderfully amazing. The rolling waves and 'Over the Rainbow' closing credits fill me with a relaxed deserted-tropical-beach joy.