Earth: The Biography (BD) [Blu-ray]

Dr. Stewart's latest contribution to science for the non-scientist continues his refreshing perspectives on the planet earth. If this video does not educate, enthrall, and entice you to learn more about our planet and its fragility, you must be one of those people who will not allow themselves to be confused with facts because your mind is already made up.Once you get used to Dr. Stewart's Scots accent, his explanations of natural phenomena are remarkable for their clarity and simplicity. Even so, he does not condescend as he shares his wonderment at the most recent scientific discoveries that he presents in ways that compel the viewer to pay attention.While some may contend that his topic includes "controversial" issues such as global warming, he never makes a statement without offering solid evidence. Indeed, his discussions are replete with references to the scientific recognition that they are theories that continue to evolve as evidence is accumulated. Thus, the only "controversy" would arise from the fact that the accumulating evidence tends to support scientific concerns.For example, the evidence is uncontrovertible that Greenland's glaciers are melting at a rate never observed in modern times. Even so, Dr. Stewart includes the observation that scientists can only theorize about the consequences because they are unable to follow the melt water through the glacier and under the ice. Hence, scientists continue to explore and ask questions and postulate new theories ... because that is what good scientists do and that is what good science requires.Anyone think that there is no problem if the frozen tundra warms up? Watch Dr. Stewart singe his eyebrows as he shows that the white stuff under the moss is methane by igniting it. So, how much methane would be released if (or when) the tundra warms up? And what will be the effect of this greenhouse gas? Watch the video.Regardless of your political views on global conditions, this presentation offers the serious questioner the most recent research available. It could cause you to change your mind -- or, like a good scientist -- it could inspire you to find contrary evidence so that an informed dialogue will help us solve our planet's problems.Last, but not least, so many interesting facts, theories, and supporting evidence are demonstrated that I was amazed at the organizational skills required to present so much information in only two DVD's. I include this video in my five-star list of videos that includes, among others, Blue Planet, Life on Earth, ... and Dr. Stewart's "Weather" -- which I also highly recommend.

I like most BBC nature documentaries, and this was no exception. I had vague doubts about this one before watching it. It was surprisingly good. The narrator explores (even in person at some risk to his life) a number of major geophysical processes: the atmosphere, glaciers, volcanoes, caves, ocean currents, forests, tectonic plates, and even the moon. He describes the interconnections between these major processes, and how they affect our global climate. Some work to keep the Earth cooler, while others serve to warm the planet. He documents how dependent life on Earth is on the efficient balancing of these major processes. For most of the chapters of this two disk set, the environmental conservation statement is more implied. The last chapter is devoted to discussing the dangers of global warming, and how our very existence as a species may be at risk if climate change gets out of control. According to Stewart, if that happens, and a substantial proportion of other living species that we depend on for our own existence perish, so may we perish. I learned a lot more about Earth from this documentary than I imagined I would, with numerous "take-aways". My favorite take-away was the discovery by scientists that our Moon is gradually moving farther away from Earth. No need to worry now, for that will take millions of years. But eventually, if the moon drifts away into an independent orbit around the sun, ocean tides and even the movement of tectonic plates may be impacted. His strong Scottish accent took a bit of getting used to, but that was a minor thing. Stewart did an outstanding job.

All in all I think this is an excellent overview of the 4.5 billion year history of our planet. "Earth" goes a bit further than geology by putting each of the presented forces into an affective context. Our biosphere is more integrated and dependent than most people realize. This series serves to bring that thought to light. People can put out all the good or bad information they like. It is up to the reader/viewer to find the truth through several sources. None of the documentaries produced should be taken as THE authority on any subject. Whatever National Geographic would like to TELL me I should believe Is not what will evolve into the truth for me. I will decide that for myself. Considering my philosophy on assimilating this or other information I think some folks were a bit hard on this series. It is what it is and if I want more information I will find it. These types of programs are meant to be educational ENTERTAINMENT. Thought provoking without covering every possible detail. As educational entertainment this show has done a wonderful job of explaining the processes of the earth and how they relate to everything around us including our own existence. This program is worth the $20 I paid for it and this series is well worth sitting down with your kids to watch. Programs like this can only spark more curiosity and imagination. More than the actual facts and figures which can be researched at anytime I think programs like this serve to keep our curiosity and imagination moving and our brains thinking. Watch it with your kids and see how many questions you get!! The family interaction generated will certainly be QUALITY family time. Who better to teach your kids than you??

Like most of the BBC documentary this one does not disappoint

This is a series presented by Dr.Iain Stewart with his refreshing Scottish accent.He has presented this series of how the impact of "Volcano", "Atmosphere", "Ice", and "Oceans" affect the Earth.He finishes the series with his presentation why our planet is unique in the episode "Rare Earth". Few documentaries have me as riveted as this one as Dr.Stewart took me around the world into space and into volcanoes under the sea and ice.But for me the most remarkable of the whole series was the the salt mines in Sicily.The style of presentation of Dr.Stewart is very pleasant which will make it enjoyable for children and adults to watch. This documentary is at par with Life and Planet earth.Bravo to the makers of this documentaries and Dr.Stewart you do more for the environment than fear mongering it brings awareness through education.I hope people watch this on Blue ray to enjoy the great photography.

This is a great video on how our Earth works, with fantastic photography and a story told by a guy (and various others whom he visits) who really know what he (and they) is talking about After you've seen that, you'll be surprised how different our planet will look for you. His approach of choosing individual topics (volcanoes, air, etc) for segments of this story, rather than geographical areas, and the type of illustrations he provides, is refreshing, interesting, and logical. I wish he would continue with several more topics on related subjects and hence more of this great photography.

Very interesting to watch and keep in my collection

It's a bit of a downer full of doom and gloom but the content is good. The end message is the world will survive. It will even survive us and work its way back into equilibrium no matter how much we abuse it. The question it poses is given how much we're abusing the ecosystem, will we survive?

Produit intact. Livraison excellente et rapide