.jpg)
Disney Nature's "Earth."
Walt Disney Pictures debuted their new Disney Nature label this past Earth Day with a documentary entitled "Earth." The motion picture is now available on DVD and is definitely worth a watch - even if it seems to fly by.
The movie chronicles a year in the lives of several different animal species. Disney's marketing folks would have you believe the flick focuses in on three very different families - polar bear, elephant and whale - but that is not really the case. Although these creatures receive the most screen time and the filmmakers return to them more than once, they merely act as strings lightly holding the rest of the footage together. The movie is by no means centered around their experiences.
Instead, viewers are treated to very brief snippets from many different creatures' experiences. The filmmakers take the audience on a journey around the planet, stopping to visit all of the amazing animals that live in the ocean, the tropics and the African deserts. Of course, James Earl Jones is on hand to narrate and offer a little storytelling humor.
It is a nature show fan's dream movie, offering stunning glimpses into worlds they have only imagined. However, surprisingly, "Earth" is endearing enough to captivate a broad range of viewers. Some survival-of-the-fittest scenes may be a bit too intense for younger audiences but, fortunately, there are very few of these moments and those that are included are wisely edited to eliminate anything too graphic.
If there is any criticism against "Earth" it is that it comes off as a bit rushed. Just when the viewer's eyes are glued to a particularly astounding visual, the filmmakers switch gears and scurry off to the next topic. This prevents the movie from ever dragging - though the ocean scenes come awfully close - and allows the filmmakers to exhibit all the planet has to offer in a very short amount of time, but it does give the flick a somewhat jerky flow.
Everything else about "Earth" is breathtaking. This movie is able to inject even the blackest heart with an ounce of spirituality. My personal favorite scenes take place in the tropics where the filmmakers reveal some of the most unusual birds on the planet. Sure, “Earth” just shows off what this place we live on is really all about, but Disney Nature has captured something truly awe-inspiring and worth celebrating.
Walt Disney Pictures is offering consumers an opportunity to receive $5 off the “Earth” DVD or $10 off the “Earth” Blu-Ray Combo Pack through Labor Day.
Comments