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Blue Planet : Complete BBC Series (Special Edition 4 Disc Box Set)  

Blue Planet : Complete BBC Series (Special Edition 4 Disc Box Set)

Rated: Exempt
Artist: David Attenborough

It's hard to rain too many superlatives on The Blue Planet, surely one of the finest and most fascinating nature documentaries ever made. But nonetheless, we're going to try.

Long in the making, the idea behind the show was to, using some cutting-edge technology, film previously unseen areas of the ocean, and to investigate life beneath the waves. And in doing so, it pretty much encompasses the full spectrum of creature size. From the staggering, gigantic whale of the first episode, through the miniscule life that's documented as the programme progresses, it's a jaw-dropping experience.

It's also a very, very accessible one. Thanks to a diligent, warm narrative from Sir David Attenborough, there's plenty of fact married up to the sheer spectacle of The Blue Planet, although in many ways the stunning photography almost needs no accompaniment. It's timeless work, too, with immense rewatch value, uncovering both life that's never been photographed previously while charting the habits of the more familiar. Icing The Blue Planet's cake is a series of short pieces documenting just how some of the incredible pictures were captured, and these are almost as interesting as the main feature.

Enough of those superlatives, though. Because The Blue Planet simply demands to be seen and enjoyed. Prepare, like many before you, to be mesmerised. --Simon Brew
Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 Epic, 2007-11-05
Wonderfully filmed, Blue Planet is a superb experience taking the viewer to another world: the seas of our planet.
The exploration of the depths of the ocean is particularly fascinating and intriguing. A truly novel experience.
Well worth the money.

 
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The World At War - Complete TV Series (11 Disc Box Set)  

The World At War - Complete TV Series (11 Disc Box Set)

Rated: Exempt
Staring: Laurence Olivier

When this epic series was first broadcast in 1973 it redefined the gold standard for television documentary; it remains the benchmark by which all factual programming must judge itself. Originally shown as 26 one-hour programmes, The World at War set out to tell the story of the Second World War through the testimony of key participants. The result is a unique and unrepeatable event, since many of the eyewitnesses captured on film did not have long left to live. Each hour-long programme is carefully structured to focus on a key theme or campaign, from the rise of Nazi Germany to Hitler's downfall and the onset of the Cold War. There are no academic "talking heads" here to spell out an official version of history; the narration, delivered with wonderful gravitas by Sir Laurence Olivier, is kept to a minimum. The show's great coup was to allow the participants to speak for themselves. Painstaking research in the archives of the Imperial War Museum also unearthed a vast quantity of newsreel footage, including on occasion the cameraman's original raw rushes which present an unvarnished and never-before-seen picture of important events. Carl Davis' portentous main title theme and score underlines the grand scale of the enterprise. The original 26 episodes were supplemented three years later by six special programmes (narrated by Eric Porter), bringing the total running-time to a truly epic 32 hours. --Mark Walker
Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 WWII DVD Bible, 2008-02-02
There is little else that I can say than "this is the DVD boxset Bible for the Second World War". Absolutely genius series.

 
List Price: £99.99
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Formula One Season Review 2008  

Formula One Season Review 2008

Rated: Universal, suitable for all
Staring: Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Räikkönen, Jenson Button


 
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Planet Earth : Complete BBC Series (5 Disc Box Set) [2006]  

Planet Earth : Complete BBC Series (5 Disc Box Set) [2006]

Rated: Exempt
Staring: David Attenborough
Director: Alastair Fothergill

As befits the BBC's reputation for producing some of the world's best nature documentaries, the five-disc set Planet Earth is an epic travelogue, focussing on different ecologies and the unique animals that inhabit them. Once again, Sir David Attenborough provides the narration, as the cameras fly across the surface of the earth, zooming in to give us a bug's eye view one minute, zooming out to give us an eagle's perspective the next. The BBC's cameramen filmed more than 200 locations, resulting in some truly spectacular footage, much of which has never before been seen--such as the rare sight of an endangered snow leopard hunting in the Himalayas, or great white sharks leaping from the water as they hunt. The creators of Planet Earth endured some of the world's most hostile environments, from the deepest ocean depths to an Antarctic blizzard to a fetid, cockroach- and bat-infested cave, just to grab a few moments of film; it's worth watching the "Making of" shorts that accompany each episode, in order to see just what lengths they had to go to. The three extra episodes here--Planet Earth: The Future--provide a sobering finale, as Sir David practically pleads with viewers to cherish the animals that we share this planet with, before it's too late. --Ted Kord
Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 Better even than the blu-ray version!, 2008-05-24
Don't hesitate! This is five-star in every way - and I've little to add to the other five-star reviews of this excellent series. In my view, this is right up there with the best of the best.

I would also point out that disc 5 of this box set, entitled 'Planet Earth - The Future' contains three excellent documentaries (namely, 'Saving Species', 'Into The Wilderness' and 'Living Together') that would justify the cost of this box set by themselves. Yet the blu-ray version of this series (which I also bought) does not include these excellent documentaries - the blu-ray version instead replaces these with two somewhat middling documentaries (entitled 'Desert Lions' and 'Snow Leopards').

So, in my opinion, this standard DVD version of 'Planet Earth' is better quality even than the blu-ray version. Not to say considerably cheaper price-wise (on Amazon)!

As regards the viewing comparison between the standard DVD version of 'Planet Earth' and the blu-ray version of the series, well, I watched both, and both are outstanding. So there is really no reason to pay more for blu-ray on that evidence.

Indeed, I now think, on that evidence, that those with HD TV would be better off buying a DVD upscaler/player, which is much cheaper than a blu-ray DVD player. Amazon sell a selection of these; something like the multi-region Philips DVP 5980, or similar, would likely do just fine.

A final point: Those of you who are looking for wildlife documentaries set somewhere in the British Isles could also check out the excellent 'Wild Mann' DVD (2005) by Steven Ianson. This title is, however, sometimes difficult to track down.

 
List Price: £39.99
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Wild China  

Wild China

Rated: Exempt
Staring: Wild China

Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 Gorgeous look at the real China, 2008-06-26
As usual the BBC have excelled in this work. A very well deserved 10/10. Almost 6 hours of stunning education for less than £15. Now I must go and see China for myself.

 
List Price: £19.99
Our Price: £10.97
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Clarkson - Thriller [2008]  

Clarkson - Thriller [2008]

Rated: Parental Guidance
Artist: Jeremy Clarkson
Staring: Jeremy Clarkson

Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 SUB-ZERO, 2008-10-31
This is by far, the best Jeremy Clarkson DVD yet! It has amazingly beautiful supercars, such as the Aston DBS (the coolest car ever), the Pagani Zonda F, the Alfa 8C and lots more. And it wouldn't be right if the Stig wasn't there, so here he is, chasing sheep as always! Jodie Kidd also makes a star appearance, racing Clarkson through water. This DVD is a must-have christmas present this year, it has all you want if you are a car or Top Gear enthusiast.

 
List Price: £19.99
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Stephen Fry in America [2007]  

Stephen Fry in America [2007]

Rated: Exempt
Artist: Stephen Fry

A staple diet of the television schedules, travel documentaries in the company of famous names are clearly nothing new. But do consider making some time for Stephen Fry’s incredibly infectious trip around the United States, as Stephen Fry In America easily makes space for itself in a very crowded genre.

Traveling with the company of his black cab, Stephen Fry In America sees him covering the many States of America, on a mission to get some kind of flavour of US life. His journey takes him on one hand to making his own ice cream, through to spending time with hunters, the Amish community and Navajo Indians and plenty more besides. It’s a breathtakingly broad snapshot, and clearly a fascinating journey.

What really lifts Stephen Fry In America, however, is the joyful intrigue of our tour guide. Fry is an ideal choice for a project such as this, with his mix of intelligence, humour and genuine interest in the subject matter simply hard to resist. By turns fascinating and very funny, it’s a wonderful adventure, and one that always make sure to engage the viewer. Here’s hoping Mr Fry gets a few more stamps in his passport in the years ahead… --Jon Foster
Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 Fantastic TV series!!!!, 2008-11-10
This is an excellent TV series. It's a unique look at the side of American life that you rarely see & Stephen Fry is the ideal host, injecting his unique perspective & brand of humour. Unlike other series, looking into America, he hasn't gone for the obvious subjects. Instead concentrating on the people & their different ways of life. His love for the country & its people is apparent & his presentation of a different side of America (away from the usual stero-typical over weight arogant race we're normally presented with) is both fascinating & informative. The filming is beautifully shot, with some stunning views (this weekends episode featuring Monument Valley was simply stunning & makes you want to jump on the next plane over there). I can't wait to get the DVD to watch even more & look forward to more of Stephen Fry presenting in the future. The natural successor to Palin. Highly Recommended !!!!

 
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Top Gear: The Challenges 2  

Top Gear: The Challenges 2

Rated: Exempt
Artist: Top Gear

Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 Another Great Addition!, 2008-06-20
After the poor editing in the last Challenge DVD, it is pleasing that the BBC and 2 Entertain have taken notice. The DVD is nicely edited, with each feature running in it's entirety before moving onto the next.
The features include some of the best challenges from the last series. My favorites are the Amphibious Cars: PArt 2, the 24hour race, the race across London and the Motor Home Racing. There are also a few decent extras too!
It is priceless entertainment and has left me hungry for more. Perhaps we can expect to see the caravan, the van and the tractor challenge on DVD soon! I surely hope so!

 
List Price: £19.99
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Francesco's Venice : Complete BBC Series  

Francesco's Venice : Complete BBC Series

Rated: Suitable for 15 years and over
Staring: Francesco Da Mosto

Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 The spirit of Venice is woven into Francesco's soul!, 2008-08-08
The best reviews are always those whose author is well versed in the subject ~ seemingly an obvious point but something that is all too often ignored ~ and if the reviewer also loves his or her subject matter with a passion, so much the better.

It would be hard to find a more poetic, seductive reviewer than this super sexy man, who is clearly first a Venetian and second an Italian! Francesco draws the viewer in like an angler teasing a fish until you are well and truly hooked!

I had visited Venice briefly, many years ago but at the wrong time of year ~ high summer (definitely not recommended) without undertaking any pre-visit research (definitely another big mistake ~ it is preferable to research any country but essential in order to really 'get' Venice) and for far too short a time to really form an intelligent opinion on this unique city.

This year, I had the opportunity to return with a group of girlfriends to watch our daughters' choir perform over 4 days. Apart from the concerts/masses in which they were performing, our time was our own. Despite it being mid-May, the weather was atrocious ~ horizontal rain on one day, with only one hot sunny day which, fortunately, was the day we visited the Island of Murano.

Despite all this, having watched Francesco's Venice, I felt, so prepared, so well versed in the city's foundations, history and character, that the weather became (almost!) unimportant.

I would not hesitate to recommend, no insist, as I did with my accompanying girlfriends, that this DVD is a pre-requisite for any visitor to this amazing city. It would certainly be no penance for any woman to watch Francesco da Mosto for 4 hours but I would defy anyone, male or female, young or old, not to be drawn in by his amazing story-telling ability.

Here is Venice during its times of triumph and disaster, health and sickness, all enthralling and captivating to the viewer with Francesco as an attentive and informative guide. Because of his transparent love for his home city, the viewer too, gets drawn into this love affair that is still ongoing.
The mixture of fact and inserts of historical drama, add to the intrigue and, in the best way possible, we begin to understand Francesco's great love of his place of birth.

Only one word of warning, it is rated a 15 for a reason! Pre-vet before showing to any young children as it is pretty sexually explicit in parts!

Enjoy!
Dx

 
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Charley Boorman - By Any Means  

Charley Boorman - By Any Means

Rated: Suitable for 15 years and over

Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 enjoy the ride, 2008-10-10
I am throughly enjoying this series in actually fact more than LWD and LWR, Charlie is flourishing and exceedingly engaging to watch, He never moans and its a pleasue to hear him say how genuinly fantastic these far flung places are up close. He comes across very well and would be a joy as a travel companion, I find he says what the viewer is thinking , well certainly me anyway. I always felt he was very much in Ewan's shadow in the other two and quite honestly should not be, he was as big a part of the journey as him. Certainly LWD was spoilt with Ewans wife insisting on coming, sure shes a lovely lady but it spoilt the dynamice duo somehow.
I don't think I would bother buying the book but the tv series had been a wonderful journey to watch, look forward to watching what this lovely man does next.

 
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