Galapagos (BBC)

This DVD will transport you to the wonders of the Galapagos. The documentary provides viewers with in depth commentary and footage that will certainly bring the destination closer to you. Image quality and footage are superbly filmed, and Tilda Swinton's soothing voice & pitch set the right tone for an amazing destination. Wildlife footage has been captured in an unbelievable way; not only from a visually entertaining point of view, but also from a detailed point of view. Loved the scenes where giant tortoises are featured, marine iguanas feeding, blue-footed boobies displaying, albatrosses courting, and the only-tropical penguin on Earth fishing underwater. The volcanic eruption footage is also remarkable for its quality. For viewing purposes, the larger the screen the better. We went to the Galapagos in May 2006 for nine days and it was an unbelievable experience. We used Adventure Associates in the US, and also Ecuador's Metropolitan Touring. This dvd will remind us constantly of the powerful message the islands left upon us. We asked for "what is the best time to go", and we understand that tourism is managed year-round. We were advised that in the summer months, Easter, Xmas and New Year's, finding space can be challenging, but in months like April, May and early June, finding space is easier, and that wildlife is at its prime due to the transition months between one season and the other one. They were SO right! We saw so many incredible things both on land and underwater (weather was unbelievably perfect too!). We noticed larger vessels offered greater amenities, onboard options, and their level of Naturalists' environmental interpretation is excellent. We are making arrangements to go back again with friends in early June 2007, and will give them this dvd as a gift. Back to the dvd, the sound quality is perfect and the low price of $14.99 is very affordable. This is thus far the best comprehensive documentary we have seen about the Galapagos, and it will not be a disappointment. I have purchased other documentaries, and although they were good, this one remains our favorite. Another hard-to-find dvd is NG's "Galapagos, Land of Dragons", but was never released in dvd format, just vhs. You know what happens with vhs tapes after playing them twenty times. The dvd case has easy access to the dvd itself, and the different menus are easy to navigate through. The only con is that it brings just the audio program in English. It'd have been great to add Spanish and German. All science teachers and libraries should have it. You will not be disappointed with this dvd. Hope you can visit this extraordinary destination.

The cinematography and time-lapse photography are exquisite. The scientific narration is quite good and the scientists are not afraid to say from time to time that they do not know something. The music in the tradition of Planet Earth is usually lovely. The underwater photography in the third episode is some of the best I have ever seen with color, clarity and lighting worthy of any. Maybe the very best. Some problems. The estimable Ms. Swinton I believe to be an unfortunate choice of narrator. I like the idea of not anthropomorphizing nature (which is done to some degree anyway by the music), but I believe the narrator's voice should express compassion and awe for the animals and nature, which Ms. Swinton does not. She tries nobly, but her calling is elsewhere. The closeups of the birds and the beasts, the flowers unfurling, the long-necks of certain turtles, the fish feeding in the algae, the reptiles silhouetted by the sun, the whales and the penguins, and the flow of iconic images underscored by a narrative embracing geology, biology, history, and the writing and thoughts of Charles Darwin leaves indelible images. The producers know what they have, and this is one of the very best.

I first saw this series on TV and I just hope it will be on every night as I go through the National Geo wild channel, animal planet and HDTV channels and so on and if its on TV I watch it from start to finish, if its not I find myself disappointed so I thought about it and decided it was time to purchase it. The narration is great and as with the planet earth, life and blue planet DVD sets the views are like nothing you will see anywhere else not even if you were in the Galapagos yourself, because you are not gonna see a lizard, fish , frog etc. as close up as they show them to you in these documentaries! My 3 kids and I loves this one (Galapagos), planet earth, life, African rift valley, and wild pacific. So Thank You BBC, National Geo, discovery all the individuals involved in the making of these awesome documentaries.

Great video of the Galápagos Islands.

This is my favorite nature documentary Tilda Swanton’s voice is unworldly. She is one of a kind.

This program is the pinnacle of programs done on the Galapagos Islands. My science classes loved it, and the explanation of why Darwin's theory started here is fascinating to even the layman. I have wanted to go to the Galapagos personally since I was a boy, and this is the next best thing to being there. Flawless photography, perfectly executed, and Tilda Swinton is an inspired choice for narration. Her understated British accent gives the program even more class. You won't find a more technically perfect {or comprehensive, not to mention fascinating) account, of the discovery of the Galapagos Islands and about how studies of these islands forever changed our view of biology on the planet.

The three "Galapagos" programs (BBC/National Geographic) set a breath-taking new standard for wildlife cinematography. The artistic quality of this project is absolutely incredible- it is clear that only the most outstanding footage, of the highest resolution, artistic quality, and impact, was presented. This is much more than a wonderful lesson in Natural History- it is a real work of art, and a masterpiece at that. It places the Galapagos in perspective like no other film has done, but it teaches much more about the beauty of life itself. The narration is perfect, and does not compete with the beautiful sights and sounds that make up these programs.

Though the program is not new the photography is unsurpassed IMO. It also presents a historic perspective on Darwin's theories . Tilda Swinton's narrative naturalness emphasizes the subject matter, not a performance. All in all enjoyable yet informative viewing.

A fascinating viewing of some of the most unusual creatures in the world,many of which are found nowhere else on earth. The high quality filming shows many of the islands spectacular volcanoes and the formation of the islands over the centuries. The landscapes are positively dangerous in many parts and it is a miracle that some of the species have survived the constant upheavals and battles against the elements. A most informative and educational film which I would recommend.

Sehr interessant

I bought this as a birthday gift for a friend who recently accompanied me to Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands. It is an awesome place and BBC have produced an equally awesome series of 3 episodes. Tilda Swinton, as narrator, is wonderful. The icing on the cake.

C'est au cours d'une croisière aux Galapagos en 2012 que j'ai découvert cette video diffusée à bord de notre bateau de plongée. J'ai bien peur qu'elle ne constitue déjà le témoignage d'un espace protégé qui ressemblait fort au Paradis perdu ; pression démographique et touristique, pêche intensive, changements climatiques, les Galapagos ne semblent plus aujourd'hui à la hauteur des images qu'on peut admirer dans ce documentaire. Parc marin classé et encadré, avec des restrictions d'accès aux îles très importantes qui ne vous permettront plus de réaliser les images terrestres et sous-marines dont vous rêviez, les Galapagos sont effectivement menacés. Restera ce documentaire beau, intelligent et flamboyant comme témoignage. Avec des images dont seuls les photographes de la BBC ont le secret, des effets spéciaux sur les parties pédagogiques du discours, des gros plans hallucinants sur les animaux, dévoilant la réalité d'une nature qui s'offre ici sans détours. C'est grand, c'est cru, c'est violent et c'est ainsi depuis des millions d'années... Bref ce film m'a permis de remonter le temps, de m'émerveiller et de gommer ma frustration sur un voyage personnel raté. Travail admirable, "Galapagos" est un témoignage exceptionnel dans tous les sens du mot !

I initially saw this on TV, but bought it for a friend for Christmas as she had been to the Galapagos and thought she would like to have it to remember her vacation. It's fascinating to see the differences in the various islands, and the changes evolution has made on the differnt species of birds, lizards and tortoises.An excellent series especially appropo in this anniversary of Darwin's birth.