Human Planet: Own it on Blu-ray and DVD.
If you enjoyed last month’s North American premiere of epic BBC/Discovery Channel co-production Human Planet, you’ll be happy to know that you can now own it on Blu-ray. Released on both Blu-ray and DVD on April 26, just two days following the broadcast conclusion, the series definitely deserves a spot on your media shelf. Four years in the making and filmed in over 70 locations – connecting 80 stories – requiring 120 days of trekking, 900 days camping, 275,000 lbs of camera equipment and 190 bottles of mosquito repellent, Human Planet truly continues in the proud tradition of BBC Earth’s award-winning natural history programs like Life, Planet Earth and Blue Planet.
Containing the original UK broadcast edition, including three hours of footage not shown here in the States, this collection is an exhilarating experience spotlighting humanity’s uncanny powers of adaptability. From compressor diving in the Philippines to herding reindeer in Norway to monkey hunting with the Brazilian Matis tribe, Human Planet captures the scope of human biodiversity in living color. With astounding camera work and engaging original commentary by veteran actor/narrator John Hurt, the series itself is impeccably crafted. Yet the only thing more astounding than the nuts-and-bolts of the BBC’s unique brand of visual storytelling is the emotional impact of these tales of cultural evolution and human survival.
You will swell with pride as a young Tubu woman learns from her elders the near-preternatural skill of navigating the featureless dunes of the Sahara. Likewise you will find yourself oddly moved when one of our protagonists is quickly passed over after performing in an elaborate fertility festival. Despite the fact that for most of us these are distinctly foreign concepts, Human Planet manages to distill each and every exotic experience, no matter how seemingly bizarre or remarkably visceral, down to the most basic of elements. In short, Human Planet tells human stories. A number of these make for scenes that are understandably intense and not necessarily for younger geeklings or the squeamish. Still, the unblinking eye of the camera does little more than document events as they unfold, in all their unabashed majesty.
With three discs chock-full of original series content both the DVD and Blu-ray releases are certainly deserving of your time, money and attention. That being said, the Blu-ray iteration is well worth the nominal added expense for the boost in quality as well as the supplementary BD-Live content for compatible players. To learn even more about the Human Planet series and home video release you can visit the official website, and you can also connect with other fans via Facebook.
In addition to my review materials our friends at Warner Bros. were kind enough to provide three copies of the Human Planet series on DVD to share with the GeekDad audience. Simply complete the following form before 11:59 PM on Friday, May 13 to qualify. Three winners will be chosen at random from all valid entries and contacted via email.
Review and contest materials provided by: Warner Bros. Entertainment
Giveaway rules:
Open to North American residents only.
One entry per physical address.
Must be 18 or older to enter.
Winners will be chosen by random from all valid entries.
Winners will be notified via the email supplied at time of entry, and in the following day’s giveaway post.
Prizes are supplied by 3rd parties, and GeekDad.com cannot be held liable for items damaged or lost in shipping.
