- David Attenborough's groundbreaking study of the evolution of life on our planet.
- British naturalist David Attenborough examines the diversity and origins of "life on earth." As is usual with David Attenborough's work, the camera work is outstanding and employed techniques which were ground-breaking in their day. Also, as is his custom, Mr. Attenborough filmed this series in locales all across the world.—Jason A. Cormier
- On 16 January 1979 the quality and style of natural history TV programmes changed forever. On that date, "The Infinite Variety", the first episode of Life on Earth was transmitted (in the UK). The entire series of 13 x 55 minute episodes became the benchmark by which all other natural history programmes would be compared. Transmitted in weekly instalments it was designed to conveniently fill 3 months of TV scheduling at the BBC. Indeed, David Attenborough followed this "sledgehammer" format which he had successfully introduced during his previous tenure as Controller of BBC 2. The concept was to present, via TV, the history of life on Earth in a chronological and evolutionary manner such that each episode became a natural progression from the previous one. Above all, the commentary was pitched at a level suitable for the viewing audience to understand and find entertaining,thereby extending the "popularity" of natural history. Although David Attenborough himself appeared on screen many times, he nevertheless was keen that the creatures and plants themselves took centre stage. It was a massive undertaking. Taking 3 years overall and travelling the globe visiting some 30 countries. From the freezing Arctic ice shelf to the sweltering heat of Australia's Northern Territory. Using the latest camera technology of the day (see the Tony Soper interview added onto the DVD) he presents animals with amazing clarity in their own natural habitat, thereby demonstrating some previously unseen or unknown behaviours. The most memorable of these being his classic encounter with mountain gorillas in Rwanda under the supervision of the zoologist Dian Fossey. This is now acknowledged as one of the greatest TV moments ever shown. To maximise time spent in any one country or location, multiple shots of different animals and plants were taken together with David talking to camera in order to provide both commentary and continuity. Thus, for example in Australia, he closes the first episode "The Infinite Variety" by appearing from The Great Barrier Reef wearing sub aqua gear and in episode 9 "The Rise of Mammals" he opens the programme in the interior holding a platypus! Factually, the Life on Earth programmes successfully record the evolution of life (both animal and plant), from the very first single cell organisms to the present day species diversity and concludes with the most complex of all - man. Little did David Attenborough realise in 1979 that this was only a beginning. Over the next 30 years or more, he was to make further intensive natural history programmes that collectively have become known as " The Life Series" (see connections).
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