Narrator: Josh Duhamel
Directors: Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Michael Pitiot
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Universal Studios
Release Date: April 9, 2013
Run Time: 93 minutes
Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
When you think of April, one of the most important days of the month each year is Earth Day. I honestly have to give it to BBC Earth and Disneynature for really highlighting this month with wonderful nature documentaries. “Planet Ocean” is released by Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Narrating the doc is actor Josh Duhamel (“Transformers” series). It is directed by acclaimed photographer, filmmaker and environmentalist Yann Arthus-Bertrand (“Home”). “Planet Ocean” is visually stunning…plain and simple. It is engaging and really entertaining not just for the nature buffs but for the whole family!
Official Premise: Planet Ocean captures extraordinary images of our remarkable oceans – the source of all life on our planet. Filmed by directors Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Michael Pitiot, along with an outstanding team of international underwater cinematographers, in partnership with OMEGA, and with the scientific support of Tara Expeditions, the film aims to explain some of the planet’s greatest natural mysteries, while reinforcing how essential it is that mankind learns to live in harmony with our oceans. Planet Ocean serves as a reminder of the bond between humans and nature, and the duty that exists to protect and respect our planet.
The 1080p transfer and 1.78:1 aspect ratio just looks stunning. This type of film would have looked even better in 3D since it was so well shot. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sounds amazing and really transports you in the film and you feel like you are traveling through the ocean. I usually don’t focus much on the additional languages but this documentary also comes with DTS 5.1 tracks in Spanish, Portuguese, Czech, Italian, Japanese and Russian. Very impressive even though I speak non of those languages it is nice and makes this release very marketable.
The special features are quite impressive for this nature documentary. There is are three featurettes inside “The Making of Planet Ocean”, which goes behind-the-scenes in the documentary. The first is “In the Skies Above Rio”. which includes some really stunning images of Rio de Janeiro’s shores. I am a big fan of beautiful photography and this really left me inspired. “Underwater” is next and it looks into the mysteries of the marine life alongside the film’s underwater cinematographers. Lastly, included is “Shanghai”, which packs some really breathtaking aerial photography of the harbor and its significance.
Shanghai and some of the predation numbers demonstrate the reality of what Claude Levi-Strauss greatest fear – the poisoning of the planet.
When the base of our food chains die, white coral being an example, how long before that poisoning magnifies its way up to us Apex Consumers?
What will the additional consequences be as Fukushima’s poisons are added to the mix?
Might our descendants like to know what our plan are for them and their’s?
I doubt our Defense Budget includes an effective detoxification response, or an escape pod. Do you?