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A thorough and entertaining overview of one of evolution's greatest success stories, the series is loosely structured to follow the development of mammals, beginning with the basics in "A Winning Design", which clarifies what makes a mammal different from reptiles and birds--no, it isn't egg-laying: both the platypus and the echidna are egg-laying mammals; it's their ability to adapt. And it's this adaptability that becomes the crux of the remainder of the series. "Insect Hunters" focuses on mammals who have specifically adapted to eating insects, from the giant anteater and the armoured armadillo to bats, which have evolved into complex and effective hunters. "Plant Predators" demonstrates the particular (and often peculiar) adaptations of herbivores, while "Chisellers" is about those mammals who feed primarily on roots and seeds, ranging from tree-dwelling squirrels to opportunistic mice and rats. "Meat Eaters" talks about the evolutionary arms race that exists between predators and prey, and the unique adaptations of both individual and pack hunters. Omnivores are explored in "Opportunists"--mammals like bears and raccoons, whose varied diet allows them to occupy nearly any environment. "Return to the Water" discusses those mammals such as whales, seals and dolphins that have left behind life on dry land and adapted completely to life in the sea, existing at the top of the food chain. The last three episodes--"Life in the Trees", "Social Climbers" and "Food for Thought"--take the viewer through the development of primates, eventually culminating in that most successful mammal: man. --Robert Burrow
Great for kids too!, 2005-06-15
With three boys ages 3,5 & 7, DVD requests were always Bob the Builder, Thomas, Tweenies, etc. No longer! David Attenborough has the rare talent of capturing the attention of adults and young children alike. This series is excellently presented, beautifully shot and thoroughly enjoyable. If you would rather your children learnt something when watching the box, then this is the DVD for you.

If you're new to Coast, this is the series that investigates and explores the mysteries of the British coastline. It's an ambitious piece of work, attacked with real enthusiasm and knowledge by its team. And it's their passion that's one part of the success of this series.

The other magical ingredient though is the British coastline itself, and few opportunities are passed over to maximise it. There's some glorious photography on show here, all the better for its digital presentation, and if anything--extraordinary given the running time of the three series--the only criticism of note is that in their desire to cover all of the British Isles, the team go at a faster pace sometimes than you'd like.

That's hardly a damning criticism though, and it certainly pales in comparison to perhaps the best complement that you can attribute to Coast, that it inspires you to seek out and visit the many places it shows you. A superb, fascinating piece of work, and this three-series set is a complete delight. --Jon Foster
Coast - a must!, 2008-07-20

This is an excellent series with true BBC investigation and great contribution from experts and people that lived during the times that some of the programs refer to.
It is definitely worthwhile buying and watching the whole series and it gives many hours of entertainment at a very good price. I actually think that buying the 3 series in one box is a great advantage and worth the extra money as you can not get enough of it.Great value!
Please go ahead and buy all 3 and you will enjoy it for sure!!

Besides this peek into a less-romanticised version of the past, John Adams is also a story of the man himself. Adams' frustration at being forgotten or overlooked at critical junctures of America's early development--sent abroad for years instead of helping to draft the U.S. constitution--is detailed. So is his dismay that the truth of what actually transpired leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence has been slowly forgotten and replaced by a rosier myth. But above all, John Adams is the story of two key ties: Adams' 54-year marriage to Abigail Adams (Laura Linney), every bit her husband's intellectual equal and anchor, and his difficult, almost symbiotic relationship with Thomas Jefferson (Stephen Dillane) over decades. Giamatti, of course, has to carry much of the drama, and if he doesn't always seem quite believable in the series' first half, he becomes increasingly excellent at the point where an aging Adams becomes bitter over his place in history. Linney is marvelous, as is Dillane, Sarah Polley as daughter Nabby, Danny Huston as cousin Samuel Adams, and above all Tom Wilkinson as a complex but indispensable Ben Franklin. --Tom Keogh
Gripping Review of History, 2008-06-09
This portrayal of the progression in the definition of democracy and freedom as developed by the American forefathers is gripping and inspiring. "John Adams" is human and beautifully depicts this critical moment in history, showing that through conflict, disagreements, challenging ideas and thoughts, a people can form a seemingly unreachable way of governing. I particularly enjoyed the representations of the stark differences in policy between John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and other forefathers. The acting was terrific, script well-written. I highly recommend this series to all individuals of all ages from all backgrounds.