Sir David Attenborough is one of the most well-respected (and well-known) personalities in the field of nature programmes and his narration is flawless as he educates and inspires without patronising his audience or anthropomorphising his subjects. Spectacular camera work (of a standard not seen since the BBC's classic Life on Earth series) captures images of a fascinating world rarely seen by human eyes--in fact, in several instances, the subjects and behaviours filmed for this series have never been witnessed before, let alone caught on camera. This is particularly apparent on the series highlight, "The Deep" (Programme 2), where film crews discovered two new species in the depths of the ocean: a grotesque fish named the Hairy Angler and a fantastic, pink octopus-like creature, which is so new that it remains unnamed (but was nicknamed "Dumbo"). Both are testament to the fact that, although oceans cover two-thirds of the Earth, we know less about them than we do the moon. It is proof that, to us land-dwellers, much of our Blue Planet is alien indeed. A handsomely illustrated companion book is also available. -- Robert Burrow

Whilst the astute viewer may notice that some of the footage used in the series originates in early Attenborough programmes, that hardly detracts from the power and quality of the imagery. Some of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring footage ever captured of the natural world can be seen on these discs! In addition, the sheer sense of discovery and natural voyeurism that the viewer can get from these discs is immense.

Like all of the BBC's great nature documentaries this series is built on superb photography and editing. The patience and dedication that was necessary to capture many of the scenes in this series will be appreciated upon first viewing. It is just compelling!

Blue Planet has been lovingly crafted and is a homage to the oceans of the world and their often teeming, beautiful, or breath taking inhabitants. It also serves as a testimony to Attenborough and the BBC in their joint commitment to bring the glory and drama of the natural world into our living rooms. Arguably, together they have done more than other association to make us conscious of the richness of our biological world, and its splendid behavioural diversity and complexity.

For anyone who has ever felt awe or fascination watching life in or on the oceans, then this series will prove deeply satisfactory: you can rely on this production to reward the depths of your oceanic curiousity! :)


The Ultimate Series On The Oceans of the World   January 6, 2005
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Even those who share just a small passion for the Oceans, or nature in general should not miss this!!! The footage is superbly beautifull and breathtaking and the generalist character of the series takes us in a wonderfull voyage across all types of marine environaments and animals. The best series to date on this subject!!!


Beyond imagination   February 20, 2004
 7 out of 24 found this review helpful

The 5 years of masters work involved in the creation of this un-ordinary documentary; is way beyond imagination.


Complete, fulfilling and rewarding in its entirity   October 15, 2003
 21 out of 24 found this review helpful

Never before has a DVD of such quality graced my DVD player. All essential requirements of a quality viewing are not only met, but surpassed to an extreme in which it appears to have been filmed and produced way ahead of its' time. I feel priveliged to have been allowed a view into a world one could never have imagined existed. The amazon rating system does not do this production justice, as it deserves more than 5 stars. I shall treasure my box set forever!