The BBC is known for its event television docuseries centered around wildlife and nature. In a few days, their latest installment arrives in Prehistoric Planet. Step back in time to the Cretaceous Period when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
One of the first things you’ll notice is how visually stunning the show is. The effects team at Moving Picture Company do a stellar job creating photorealistic environments and the focus on different habitats each episode demonstrates their versatility. But viewers don’t come to see backgrounds. The dinosaurs are equally impressive and try to be accurate representations based off of the science. You really feel the magnitude and scale of these majestic beasts. But on the other side of the spectrum, the hatchlings and juveniles are really adorable. The animation is smooth and the scenes could easily be mistaken for live-action.
Much like any nature documentary, Prehistoric Planet dives into these creatures’ peculiar behaviors. There is a good mix of dinosaurs featured from the popular Tyrannosaurus Rex and Velociraptor to more lesser-known species. Regardless, a fascinating picture is painted for each and it’s interesting to see familiar actions from modern wildlife exhibited back then. The audience is treated to compelling scenes of survival and suspenseful battles between hunter and prey alongside more quirky and playful activities. A variety of tones are hit providing a full experience. In addition, it’s admirable the level of character building into these nameless animals that make you invested in them.
It should also be mentioned, though expected, the fine work that both David Attenborough and Hans Zimmer provide taking the docuseries to another level. As narrator, Attenborough provides a voice that matches the informative nature of the content while being an excellent storyteller that captures the viewer. Zimmer’s score serves as a complement to events on screen enhancing the mood. The accompanying music also instills more character into the featured creatures.
Prehistoric Planet strikes an optimal balance of educational and entertaining while making the prehistoric beasts the star through jaw dropping visuals.
The five-day event of Prehistoric Planet begins Monday, May 23, on Apple TV+.
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