Planet Earth on The Discovery Channel

[Turtleboy]

Wow. How beautiful, especially in HD.

However, I think I may start watching it on mute, or with music playing on the stereo.

Shut up, Sigourney.

[justapixel]

I think I'll wait until I get HD to watch this. All I could think of when watching Galapagos was how much better it would be if I had HD.

[PurpleMonkeyDish]

I think I'll wait until I get HD to watch this. All I could think of when watching Galapagos was how much better it would be if I had HD.

I am waiting to watch it for just that reason. One day D* will get National Geo HD and I will watch it then.

I have been recording planet earth in HD and look forward to watching it.

[Gregor]

Outstanding photgraphy, and for once DHD puts captioning on their programming.

[scottjf8]

I didn't think Sigourney was that bad..

The scene with the Dogs chasing the Deer was really cool.. and my 2 y/o daughter was going crazy when the polar bears were sliding down the snow hill

[Turtleboy]

The original BBC version had Sir David Attenborough (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Attenborough) do the narration, but because we're Americans who can't stand hearing a non-American accent, they replaced hin with Sigorney Weaver for the US version.

[mostman]

The original BBC version had Sir David Attenborough (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Attenborough) do the narration, but because we're Americans who can't stand hearing a non-American accent, they replaced hin with Sigorney Weaver for the US version.

Seriously? Sweet! One of my all time favorites. His bowerbirds documentary was outstanding.

I wonder if we can buy that version of the DVD with the correct region code.

Also wondering if they will be doing HD-DVD or BluRay versions of this.

[Rob Helmerichs]

I wonder if we can buy that version of the DVD with the correct region code.
I'm pretty sure the American DVDs will have the British narration (and the British order, which was different).

[vertigo235]

I think both version are going to be available.

[Sadara]

oh ya! This recorded tonight, I've been playing too much Wii, the Tivo is filling up!!

[Anubys]

there were 3 eps last night, correct?

have not watched them yet, but recorded them in HD on all three TVs...are these kid-friendly? can my three and half year old daughter watch them?

[WinBear]

Funny, I only found out about this show from seeing the gorgeous previews in theatres this week. I had to put a note in my Palm to set up the recording when I got home. I'm looking forward to checking it out tonight.

[avery]

Fascinating, engrossing and beautiful done.

And yes Anubys, 3 installments were shown last night: Pole to Pole, Mountains and Deep Ocean - absolutely worthwhile and appropriate for kids.

My only disappointment is with the narration. The ocassional comment is needlessly on the corny side. I find the technical aspects/achievements of the photography, equipment, etc. being mentioned throughout, a distraction that breaks the flow. They've certainly done an amazing job, but I'd rather hear it just once, at the beginning of each installment. And finally, I do NOT care for Sigourney Weaver as the narrator at all. IMO, a more substantive male voice would have been a better fit for the program.

[mrpantstm]

I've been watching the british version on DVD and have really enjoyed it. I couldn't see Signourney Weaver narrating this instead of Sir David Attenborough. The Planet Earth Journals are also very interesting although I doubt those are being shown.

[bdlucas]

Saw "Pole to Pole" last night. Beautiful photography, and worth watching for that reason.

As a nature or science show, it's pretty shallow. For that reason I have no issue with Sigourney Weaver as narrator, because the script is pretty much fluff anyway.

[MikeMar]

Watched about 1/2 of pole to pole and love it, just AWESOME pictures on HD!!! Going to keep a few of them for a long time just to show people when they come over :)

[markp99]

I had to change the channel due to the narration. Something about the tone of her voice and pacing/tempo of her speech was just grating for me. Maybe it was just my mood; I'll try again.

It was fantastic to look at on my new 46' HDTV! I like the TB's idea to mute and play a sound track instead. ;)

[Zevida]

I recorded these last night and I briefly clicked it on before work this morning. This is the first time I've ever really regretted cancelling my HD digital cable. I could see the fuzziness even recorded at "Best" quality and I knew how fabulous it would work in HD. Hopefully I'll still be able to enjoy them.

[jsmeeker]

only watched "Pole to Pole". But the others that aired last night should have been recorded.


Really, really cool. Ariel shots were awesome. Especially ones that showed the scale of the herds of animals. Really amazing. And the super slo-mo of the great white shark was hella cool.

I was mixed on the narration. It wasn't so much with Sigourney Weaver, I don't think. Rather, the actual script she was reading. I didn't like all of the lines. Some were a little cheesy and unneeded.

[Sadara]

I started watching Mountains last night and OH MY GAWD, I want to see this in HD. Hopefully, we'll be able to finally buy an HD TV this year and we can get it on DVD and rewatch them. I'm actually planning to start Mountains over again and letting my kiddos watch it. I think my daughter will enjoy it a great deal.

[jsmeeker]

I too can't wait for HD. Hopefully, Discovery HD channel will repeat the heck out of this for a long, long time, just for the pure eye candy that this show would be. It would probably make a great "show off" program.

[Ladd Morse]

3 installments were shown last night: Pole to Pole, Mountains and Deep Ocean One point -- the correct name is "Ocean Deep". This is important because an older, non-super-duper HD episode of Planet Earth was named "Deep Ocean" and it is still airing also.

Ocean Deep

Ocean Deep

[whitson77]

Just incredible shots. It was awesome. I watched the first two episodes.

[Amnesia]

IMO, a more substantive male voice would have been a better fit for the program.Male?!?! Why is that? That seems awfully sexist.


I wonder if we can buy that version of the DVD with the correct region code. Also wondering if they will be doing HD-DVD or BluRay versions of this.Yes. The British version will available on US DVD on 24 April. It will also be available on both HD formats on the same date. See The Digital Bits (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/mytwocentsa134.html#pla) for more info.

[DreadPirateRob]

I haven't watched it yet (recorded it, hope to watch some of it tonight with my 4-year old), but I really think Morgan Freeman should have been the narrator. Everything sounds better when Morgan says it. ;)

[PurpleMonkeyDish]

but I really think James Earl Jones should have been the narrator. Everything sounds better when Darth Vader says it. ;)

FYP :p

[cut_here]

I just had to turn it off after the birds near the beginning of Pole to Pole because our cat freaked out and started hunting the birds and trying to attack the screen. It's the first time in the nearly 6 months we've had this HDTV that he's ever paid attention to anything on screen (and we actually watch quite a bit of nature programming). I'm looking forward to watching the rest later but don't want to deal with paw prints on the screen right now.

[bicker]

I like Weaver's narration. Not intrusive at all, I felt. I did think that the script had the line, "for the first time," in it too many times.

My cat's eyes were riveted to the screen.

[Anubys]

Male?!?! Why is that? That seems awfully sexist.


I don't agree...99% of the music I like is by male singers...I usually don't find the female voice to my taste when it comes to music...it doesn't make me a sexist...I think that's a very extreme conclusion to draw...

[jradosh]

I watched Deep Ocean last night. The parts with the whale, tuna and bait fish were unbelievable! :eek: And then the diving/swimming birds... Holy %$@# that was amazing.

I'm looking forward to the rest of it. :up:

[Rob Helmerichs]

I don't agree...99% of the music I like is by male singers...I usually don't find the female voice to my taste when it comes to music...it doesn't make me a sexist...
No, probably just a repressed gay guy. :p

[Anubys]

No, probably just a repressed gay guy. :p

I am a lesbian trapped in a man's body...

[Sadara]

I watched all three episodes last night. Wow wow wow wow wow!! I gotta get an HD TV and rewatch this stuff in HD. Amazing!! That great white catching the seal and jumping out of the water, WOW! The whale shark, tuna and bait fish scene was just amazing. I actually liked the hunting dogs and see how they coordinated their hunt, very smart!! The eagle catching that othe bird mid flight was amazing! I could go on and on and on!!

Oh and I couldn't help but laugh when I saw the last scene of Pole to Pole and the polar bear was bumping his nose on the camera! I bet that camera man pee pee'd himself! lol

I gotta see this in HD! This is the first time anything has made me want HD!

[jradosh]

I gotta see this in HD! This is the first time anything has made me want HD!
Yes, you must see this in HD. The whale/tuna/bait fish scene is worth the price alone. You can see each frickin' fish in the school!!!

[JohnB1000]

Personally I would be wary of calling this kid friendly. My animal loving 8 year old watched it and was quite distressed by the usual animals killing animals scenes. The wolfs stalking & eating the caraboo and the lost baby elephant upset her enough that we had to stop her watching. Later there was leopards eating deer innards, and sharks biting seals in half.

[Anubys]

Personally I would be wary of calling this kid friendly. My animal loving 8 year old watched it and was quite distressed by the usual animals killing animals scenes. The wolfs stalking & eating the caraboo and the lost baby elephant upset her enough that we had to stop her watching. Later there was leopards eating deer innards, and sharks biting seals in half.

that's exactly what I was worried about...I don't think my 3.5 year old can handle that...thanks for the warning...

[Rob Helmerichs]

I couldn't believe everything in the Ocean one was real--I was thinking, "This has GOT to be CGI!"

Amazing stuff. I was planning on spacing them out, but I blew right through them, and now I have to wait a few days for the next one (until Sunday, which is still a pretty crowded night)...

[TostitoBandito]

I couldn't believe everything in the Ocean one was real--I was thinking, "This has GOT to be CGI!"

Amazing stuff. I was planning on spacing them out, but I blew right through them, and now I have to wait a few days for the next one (until Sunday, which is still a pretty crowded night)...

Unfortunately much less crowded with Rome and BSG gone though.

[Ladd Morse]

I did think that the script had the line, "for the first time," in it too many times.I think we need to make this a drinking game. Every time she says "for the first time" or "innovative technology" or anything else along those lines, we all have to down a shot! :)

[Rob Helmerichs]

Unfortunately much less crowded with Rome and BSG gone though.
True, but Entourage and the Sopranos are coming back, plus Tudors (which looks awful, but I'm hoping I'm wrong)...

[Amnesia]

Luckily Planet Earth, The Tudors, Entourage and The Sopranos all have multiple airings.

[Anubys]

True, but Entourage and the Sopranos are coming back, plus Tudors (which looks awful, but I'm hoping I'm wrong)...

I can't imagine giving Tudors a chance...awful is too kind!

[Rob Helmerichs]

I can't imagine giving Tudors a chance...awful is too kind!
I know, but HBO/SHO's series have been SO good, I just have to try it.

[avery]

One point -- the correct name is "Ocean Deep". This is important because an older, non-super-duper HD episode of Planet Earth was named "Deep Ocean" and it is still airing also.
Actually, Discovery Channel and The Science Channel list the installment as "Deep Ocean", as does the DVD available on their sites. Discovery HD lists only "Ocean Deep, Ocean Wide". No "Deep Ocean" at all.

This initially had me puzzled as well which is why I checked all 3 of their sites for clarification. In addition, The Science Channel seems to be the only one airing ''The Future'': a 3-part add-on bonus which is also on the DVD.

Are three titles all the same show - the only distinction being HD?

[avery]

Male?!?! Why is that? That seems awfully sexist.
It's not meant as sexist. I'm female and just happen to prefer the less intrusive [IMO] lower registers in narrative [and musically, as another poster mentioned] - male or female.

[bicker]

Sigourney Weaver was fine with the narration, and much less obtrusive than Attenborough would have been. The point of the program is the visuals, and anything to keep the narration low-key, like presenting the narration in a generic accent commonly heard in the country the program is being broadcast in, is a very positive thing.

[IJustLikeTivo]

Yes, you must see this in HD. The whale/tuna/bait fish scene is worth the price alone. You can see each frickin' fish in the school!!!

For me, the amazing stuff was twofold. The Okavango Delta water footage from overhead and underwater and the second was the great white leaping completely out of the water to get the seals.

[markz]

I haven't watched it yet (recorded it, hope to watch some of it tonight with my 4-year old), but I really think Morgan Freeman should have been the narrator. Everything sounds better when Morgan says it. ;)

I think Patrick Warburton should narrate this! :)

I am setup to record all this, unfortunately I don't have HD yet.

Oprah had three of the producers and a camera man on her show the other day and devoted the whole hour to talk about it. It was pretty cool seeing some of the behind the scenes stuff.

[TostitoBandito]

I think the "how they did it" things at the end of each episode are the most interesting part of it. Like the one about how they spent months walking/waiting around in the Himalayas looking for snow leopards.

[smak]

Just watched the first episode, and was amazed. I'm glad I reaaranged my setup so i could get Discovery in HD.

Even more amazing then the shots they get, is that they get the shots at all. Some of those seem impossible to get to me.

Such a great job.

-smak-

[Animgif]

I can only find it on the Discovery Store in DVD, but not HDDVD...anyone know if they're planning on releasing it in HD-DVD format? DVD seems like such a waste for something like this.

[Rob Helmerichs]

Just watched the first episode, and was amazed. I'm glad I reaaranged my setup so i could get Discovery in HD.

Even more amazing then the shots they get, is that they get the shots at all. Some of those seem impossible to get to me.

Such a great job.
Yeah, I could swear some of it has to be CGI.

I know it's not, but it seems like it has to be. Amazing stuff.

[MamaKAS]

I like Weaver's narration. Not intrusive at all, I felt. I did think that the script had the line, "for the first time," in it too many times.

My cat's eyes were riveted to the screen.


Agreed. I don't mind her or her voice, but the script sucks.

Every 5 minutes "for the first time ever", "using our new state of the art cameras that only we have", "nobody else can do this", etc.

I felt like I was watching E, with all their "exclusive" interviews.

[IJustLikeTivo]

Agreed. I don't mind her or her voice, but the script sucks.

Every 5 minutes "for the first time ever", "using our new state of the art cameras that only we have", "nobody else can do this", etc.

I felt like I was watching E, with all their "exclusive" interviews.

True but the really annoying thing is how the kind of start a story by telling you something and then drop it to move to the next pretty shot. I love the images but both the writing and the editing are a bit odd.

[jsmeeker]

True but the really annoying thing is how the kind of start a story by telling you something and then drop it to move to the next pretty shot. I love the images but both the writing and the editing are a bit odd.


I kind of agree here, too. The commercial breaks frequently come in odd spots as well. They cut to commercial suddenly. Not in vary natural spots. It's pretty obvious that the episodes were cut to be commercial free, then some guy at Discovery just slammed them in at some set time mark someone gave him.

[ParadiseDave]

I'm glad I can FF through the repeated scenes in different shows. Seeing freezing penguins once was enough. Oh, wait... I already saw that in "March of the Penguins" as well.

They also repeated the polar bear and her cubs. I guess they needed more camera crews and more years to fill out the shows with new material. I hope this trend doesn't continue throughout the series.

[pmyers]

Yeah, I could swear some of it has to be CGI.

I know it's not, but it seems like it has to be. Amazing stuff.

I beginning to think that Discovery Channel and the HD TV makers teamed up and are duping us to sell more TVs ;)

[IJustLikeTivo]

I'm glad I can FF through the repeated scenes in different shows. Seeing freezing penguins once was enough. Oh, wait... I already saw that in "March of the Penguins" as well.

They also repeated the polar bear and her cubs. I guess they needed more camera crews and more years to fill out the shows with new material. I hope this trend doesn't continue throughout the series.

As I said earlier, the editing leaves something to be desired. I'm only two shows in so I haven't seen repeat segments yet but given the lack of cohesion I wouldn't be surprised. I certainly don't see much care being given to either the editing or the narration. They seem to think that the pictures will make up for the rest of the shortcomings. That's partially true due to the newness of the medium to many of us but as audiences get more HD savvy, that will not be enough.

[jsmeeker]

I'm not surprised by resuing footage since the first episode was "Pole to Pole" and was a general overview of the planet. As they go back and revisit specific types of land/sea areas, I guess it makes sense to explore some of those animals and such in greater depth.

[TostitoBandito]

As I said earlier, the editing leaves something to be desired. I'm only two shows in so I haven't seen repeat segments yet but given the lack of cohesion I wouldn't be surprised. I certainly don't see much care being given to either the editing or the narration. They seem to think that the pictures will make up for the rest of the shortcomings. That's partially true due to the newness of the medium to many of us but as audiences get more HD savvy, that will not be enough.

I believe the "Pole to Pole" episode where you first saw the polar bears was kind of a preview episode which gave a glimpse of the entire series. I know this was the one they showed a couple months ago as well. You will likely see everything from that episode repeated at some point in more detail in the series.

[ParadiseDave]

I am not watching them in order, or watching a complete episode at one sitting. Actually, Pole to Pole was the last episode I watched.

[bdlucas]

As I said earlier, the editing leaves something to be desired. I'm only two shows in so I haven't seen repeat segments yet but given the lack of cohesion I wouldn't be surprised. I certainly don't see much care being given to either the editing or the narration. They seem to think that the pictures will make up for the rest of the shortcomings. That's partially true due to the newness of the medium to many of us but as audiences get more HD savvy, that will not be enough.
I don't think it's really the editing. The intent isn't really to put together a nature or science show with any depth of subject material. It really is just about gorgeous photography, and that's what determined what material they filmed.

[jsmeeker]

I don't think it's really the editing. The intent isn't really to put together a nature or science show with any depth of subject material. It really is just about gorgeous photography, and that's what determined what material they filmed.


Gorgeous footage should still be cut together with care, even if the intent is pure eyecandy. Not doing so detracts from it being eye candy. It show flow smothly. Not be jarring.

[TostitoBandito]

Gorgeous footage should still be cut together with care, even if the intent is pure eyecandy. Not doing so detracts from it being eye candy. It show flow smothly. Not be jarring.


What's wrong with their editing? Seemed just fine to me.

[jsmeeker]

What's wrong with their editing? Seemed just fine to me.


The transitions from one area/animal to the next can sometimes be awkward and abrupt. and the commerical breaks tend to be abrupt as well.

[aindik]

Are these only airing on Sunday nights at 9 in HD? Against Desperate Housewives AND the Sopranos? This is DHD. Why aren't they airing it like 6 times a week?

[TostitoBandito]

The transitions from one area/animal to the next can sometimes be awkward and abrupt. and the commerical breaks tend to be abrupt as well.

There's only one 1.5-2 minute commercial break halfway through it on DHD.

[jsmeeker]

There's only one 1.5-2 minute commercial break halfway through it on DHD.


I don't have Discovery HD. Watch it on regular Discovery. Lots of breaks.

[TostitoBandito]

I don't have Discovery HD. Watch it on regular Discovery. Lots of breaks.

That sucks.

[astrohip]

Are these only airing on Sunday nights at 9 in HD? Against Desperate Housewives AND the Sopranos? This is DHD. Why aren't they airing it like 6 times a week?
They do. Episodes air several times during the following week (at least on DiscHD). I know today (Saturday) they are showing the ones from the last two Sundays.

To answer your question yourself, and be able to pick which shows you record (if you care), either (1) set a SP, then choose View Upcoming Episodes, or (2) click on any showing in the guide, and drill down to the same option "View..."

This will reveal all showings, all channels, any episode. Great way to find out if a show has alternate viewings available.

[avery]

Part of the problem regarding the editing [on which I agree] is that The Discovery Channel "has chopped each of these 11 hours down to 42 minutes each." **

:(



** Newsday 3/23/07

[bicker]

42 minutes * 11 episodes = 462 minutes

7 hours 53 minutes (the entire duration of the BBC presentation on DVD) = 473 minutes

Seems like they've cut a total of 11 minutes, or about one minute per episode.

[DUDE_NJX]

Isn't that the difference between PAL and NTSC framerates, though?

[ParadiseDave]

Speaking of the rough editing, we were watching "Grasslands" or whatever it was called last night, and they showed a flock of birds landing in the grass in Africa. Then they jump-cut to a herd of wildebeest. I replayed it saying, "Look! Those birds just turned into wildebeests!" My kids thought it was hilarious.

[Animgif]

I just about came in my pants - Deep Discount has the HD DVD and Blue Ray for sale - http://www.deepdiscount.com/Planet-Earth--Complete-Collection--HD-DVD--Upcoming-Releases_stcVVproductId8785459VVcatId463697VVviewprod.htm

It's not listed on the Discovery Channel's website! WOO HOO!

[DUDE_NJX]

I just about came in my pants - Deep Discount has the HD DVD and Blue Ray for sale - http://www.deepdiscount.com/Planet-Earth--Complete-Collection--HD-DVD--Upcoming-Releases_stcVVproductId8785459VVcatId463697VVviewprod.htm

It's not listed on the Discovery Channel's website! WOO HOO!

It doesn't look like such a great deal. They must have edited a lot of the stuff out to get down to that runtime. ;)

[Animgif]

It doesn't look like such a great deal. They must have edited a lot of the stuff out to get down to that runtime. ;)
What do you mean? It's 4 HD DVDs... http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000MRAAJW/ref=ord_cart_shr/103-4790269-3511814?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

[DUDE_NJX]

What do you mean? It's 4 HD DVDs... http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000MRAAJW/ref=ord_cart_shr/103-4790269-3511814?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance


Look at the first page you linked.

[Animgif]

Look at the first page you linked.
Ah ;) Ok, now I see =)

[sieglinde]

I don't get the objections to Sigorney Weaver. I have watched two of the episodes and she seemed fine. Unless the British narriator is so much better.

Are there uncut DVDs for sale? I may want this show as a keeper.

[aindik]

They do. Episodes air several times during the following week (at least on DiscHD). I know today (Saturday) they are showing the ones from the last two Sundays.

To answer your question yourself, and be able to pick which shows you record (if you care), either (1) set a SP, then choose View Upcoming Episodes, or (2) click on any showing in the guide, and drill down to the same option "View..."

This will reveal all showings, all channels, any episode. Great way to find out if a show has alternate viewings available.

That'll teach me. My DVR now has like 5 episodes of this clogging it up, after only setting the SP a week ago.

("View upcoming episodes" is slightly more difficult on a non-TiVo cable company DVR. But hey - it records in HD, doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and should be getting a TiVo software upgrade one of these decades).

[TostitoBandito]

I don't get the objections to Sigorney Weaver. I have watched two of the episodes and she seemed fine. Unless the British narriator is so much better.

Are there uncut DVDs for sale? I may want this show as a keeper.

Well it's Attenborough, who is like the voice of big-time nature programs. He narrated the Blue Planet series that they showed a few years back. I don't have any real objections to Weaver and I think she does fine, but Attenborough's voice just sounds like it belongs there and lends more credibility to the program, at least in my opinion.

[TostitoBandito]

That'll teach me. My DVR now has like 5 episodes of this clogging it up, after only setting the SP a week ago.

("View upcoming episodes" is slightly more difficult on a non-TiVo cable company DVR. But hey - it records in HD, doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and should be getting a TiVo software upgrade one of these decades).

Yeah, storing these in HD plus the six Star Wars movies in HD (which I will never delete) doesn't leave me with a lot of space ;)

[astrohip]

Yeah, storing these in HD plus the six Star Wars movies in HD (which I will never delete) doesn't leave me with a lot of space ;)
WeaKnees is your friend. I find myself saving everything HD. And the RD folder still has (141) next to it :up:

[spikedavis]

This is amazing. But I must say I cringe everytime I hear "But a predator lurks nearby...."

Why can't these animals just be nice to each other? :) It was pretty rough seeing a seal eat a penguin!

[spikedavis]

I don't get the objections to Sigorney Weaver. I have watched two of the episodes and she seemed fine. Unless the British narriator is so much better.

Are there uncut DVDs for sale? I may want this show as a keeper.

Agreed-Sigourney was just fine.

[efilippi]

One thing that struck me, seeing the huge caribou herds from above, is that we should drill in Anwr, there are plenty of animals.

Not what the filmers had in mind, I suspect. But I am probably the weird one, not typical.

[David Platt]

Man, I can't WAIT to see this thing on HD DVD. Mine should be arriving on Tuesday. Hopefully I can hold out on watching the last few episodes until then!

[kjnorman]

I don't get the objections to Sigorney Weaver. I have watched two of the episodes and she seemed fine. Unless the British narriator is so much better.



I may be a little biased here, being British an all, but David Attenborough IS NATURE! :D If Attenborough does not narrate then its not a nature program in my book. 'nough said? ;)

Growing up in England, whenever there was a nature program (and the BBC make a lot and some of the best in the world) Dicky would be there commentating. When I finally moved to this country and I watched the same nature shows only to find that David Attenborough was not commentating, well, I felt like I had just had a rib removed. :eek:

Yes! He's THAT good.