Walking with Dinosaurs, which must have surprised even its makers by reaching the viewing figures usually reserved for royal weddings, was the undoubted television event of 1999. (The companion book and soundtrack album became bestsellers, too.) Extending the computer animation techniques developed for Jurassic Park (1993) these six 30-minute programmes, narrated by Kenneth Branagh, became the first blockbuster special-effects documentary. Here was natural history with a difference, recreating "the lost world" of the Cretaceous and Mesozoic with modern technology, the remarkable visuals enabling the programme-makers to show what life may have been like during the estimated 160 million years "when dinosaurs ruled the Earth".
As well as the dinosaurs, the series investigates the plants, insects, climate and geography of the distant past, and considers the mystery of why the creatures became extinct so suddenly. There has been some argument over how much is scientific fact, and how much is entertaining speculation--after all, Life on Earth (1978) and The Living Planet (1984) had the advantage of living subjects to film--but for the moment this series must stand as the definitive visual chronicle of the life and times of the fascinating "terrible lizards". A year later the BBC followed this with the surprisingly sympathetic The Ballad of Big Al (about a youthful Allosaurus), before the equally ambitious, and equally enthralling Walking with Beasts (2001).
On the DVD: Those interested in special effects techniques will appreciate the inclusion of a 50-minute "making of" documentary (which is also on the VHS). There's also an informative director's commentary, plus some behind-the-scenes picture sequences and additional graphics. The sound is vivid Dolby stereo and the picture is anamorphic 16:9 widescreen.--Gary S Dalkin
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Good buy for dinosaur obsessed under 5's Yes ok the science in this series is dubious. Yes ok the narrative is a bit over the top. But my (nearly) 3 year old son is utterly spellbound. If you have a dinosaur obsessed child to buy for, this dvd is the way to go. You might have to watch it first - the music can be a bit scary for the under 5's of a nervous disposition. Dubious science versus cartoons? I'm for dubious science all the way.
False history pushed into your brain Dinosaurs are of dubious authenticity. It is impossible to prove that they existed from a few skeletons or frozen hairy elephants in Siberia. Any program that tries to suppose what wandered around making footprints and giant poo's millenia ago is in the realm of fantasy from the start. The voiceover from Mr Branagh is very poor, worse than if 'gum chewer Dave' was doing it, a dinosaur himself no less. This program is like one big cartoon, computer graphics seem to age so quickly that this program... more info
Brilliant introduction to the world of Dinosaurs I watched this series on TV when it came out and remembered it as an enjoyable documentary series with CGI dinosaurs and landscapes that looked very real. I recently wanted to get something that would interest my young children so I bought this DVD. My decision has turned out a very good one as "my brood" is completely hooked on dinosaurs and want to watch the series over and over again. It has also prompted me to read up more on some of the different species. There appears to be some controversy over size... more info
BEST PREHISTORIC DOCUMENTARY SERIES EVER!!! Walking With Dinosaurs is by far the best prehistoric documentary series of all time! I dont understand how anybody could give it under 5 stars, even somebody who isnt into this kind of thing has to give it atleast 4! I would like to inform the anonymous reviewer (review titled I hate to burst bubbles but...) that he/she has got it completely wrong!! The dinosaur that liopleurodon takes is not an allosaur. Its actually a eustreptospondylus, an animal measuring about 10 foot in length. If he... more info
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