Disney Nature - Earth

Filmed in partnership with Discovery Channel and the BBC, Disney Nature’s “Earth” offers a condensed version of Discovery’s “Planet Earth” series. This first installment focuses on land. A second feature, Disney Nature’s “Oceans”, will be released on earth day 2010. This new series of films has been dubbed a return to old school Disney with a nod to Walt’s original real life adventure series.

Narration is provided by the former king of pride rock, James Earl Jones, an inspired choice when you think about it. More than once we hear about the “circle of life” and you just can’t help but think of the Lion King. Another Disney nod occurs when a family of ducklings emerges from a tree for their first flight. As the birds jump and half glide to the forest floor, Mr. Jones informs us that although they can’t fly yet, they do offer a lesson in “falling with style” a subtle Buzz Lightyear reference.

Primarily the film touches upon the lives of polar bears, elephants, and two humpback whales named George and Gracie. Ok they weren’t named George and Gracie. That was just a quick Star Trek reference on my part. The animals in the film are not given names and this is where my memory gets fuzzy when I try to recall the original real life series. In my mind I picture that in the old series, names might have been given and this personalized the animals to the viewer. But perhaps I am thinking of some other Disney live action films such as “Charlie the Lonesome Cougar” and “The Hound that thought he was a Raccoon.”

The film is breathtaking on the big screen, only an IMAX presentation could have improved the view. In fact, I was telling my pal Trace the other day that I’d like to see a number of these scenes added into the SOARIN’ attraction at Epcot. Don’t take away what’s there, just add to it. Who wouldn’t want to fly over the North Pole on a hot summer day and get a cold blast of air? Here I am going of on a tangent again…

Rated G, the movie offers good family entertainment. Kids should not be too frightened by the few “circle of life” scenes. Yes there are some animal attacks, but in my opinion they are not very graphic. There is no blood and gore and the scenes close before the final kill. There is an environmental message here, but you have to expect that with any nature film. The good news is that although climate change is mentioned you won’t be groaning in your seat while someone tries to prove or disprove global warming. The focus remains where it should, on the nature.

Documentary style films often do not last very long in theatrical release. If you get the chance to see this on the big screen please do. Hopefully this might find its way into an IMAX rotation.

The closing credits include footage of the camera operators and how they filmed some of the scenes.

For more information and streaming video visit Disney Nature.