Love in the Animal Kingdom

I'm not sure if he wants to watch the birds or eat them

Love in the Animal Kingdom presented by Nature

Plot: While all animals need to get together to produce a new generation. However, some take extra care and consideration when choosing potential mates. Some consider elaborate dances, bright colors, and synchronized calls as good indicators for a beau. Nice territory or high social position attract loyal mates. Many species obediently follow protocol, then immediately flirt with a neighbor's mate. Still, a few remain loyal to each other exclusively for the breeding season, occasionally longer. No matter the attraction or fidelity, relationships provide a means of continuing the species.

Genre: Animals, Documentary

Reading Level: Aimed at all audiences. However, some scenes between mates may be awkward to explain to younger viewers.

Similar Titles: Animal Odd Couples, Why We Love Cats and Dogs

Personal Thoughts: With Valentine's Day on the horizon, this is a relevant documentary. However, some of the "private" scenes may prove too mature (or giggle-worthy) for tweens to appreciate. Also, the documentary ends with an unnecessary Bambi-esque narration.

Side Note: Birds of paradise are hilarious.

Secrets of Scotland Yard

Baddies beware

Secrets of Scotland Yard presented by Nova

Plot: The documentary details the transformation of Scotland Yard from mere crowd control to one of the world's oldest and most revered detective agencies. Starting when London experienced a surge in population, the original Scotland Yard began as a means of keeping order, but was not permitted to actually investigate crimes. A shocking murder changed the Yard's status to a detective agency. Throughout the years, changing equipment and growing crimes continue to allow the institution to grow and adapt into one of the planet's greatest law enforcement agencies.  

Genre: Documentary, History

Reading Level: Like most PBS documentaries, the title is pretty accessible. Keep in mind, references to murder and some black and white photographic evidence are present, so warn sensitive viewers.

Similar Titles: Rise of the Drones, Mystery of a Masterpiece,  Mystery of Easter Island

Personal Thoughts: A great documentary showing how a famous institution became what it is today, the title follows the story of Scotland Yard without skimming over the negative aspects of its history.

One of the cases discussed has currently gathered controversy. The Crippen case has some highly controversial discussions following the usage of new DNA identification methods. While this does not detract from the title itself, viewers may with to do additional research.

Honey Badgers: Masters of Mayham

Don't care!

Honey Badgers: Masters of Mayham by Nature on PBS.

Plot: Honey badgers, also known as ratels, are one of Africa's more clever, adaptable, and aggressive animals. The creatures have to be both smart and tough, since they must contend with lions, leopards, and hyenas. However, their ingenuity often leads to conflicts with farmers and stock keepers. Scientists also wish to discover methods for co-habitating with the powerful mammals.

Genre: Documentary, Animals

Reading Level: I think it's rated TV-G

Similar Titles: Is that Skunk?, Raccoon Nation

Personal Thoughts: A good resource for those seeking more information than a viral video.

 

Saving Otter 501

Ees a baabee odda

Saving Otter 501 produced by Nature on PBS.

Plot: Sea otters, once common throughout the Pacific coast, now struggle to survive. Some fail to, leaving their pups orphaned. This is the story of one such otter. Otter 501 was found at a very young age. Too small to hunt, groom, or swim, she would never survive in the ocean on her own. So sea otter rescuers set out to raise her for release. They receive help from Toola, another rescued otter with skills in parenting orphaned otters. Even with all the help, though, 501 has a rough life ahead of her.

Genre: Documentaries, Animals

Reading Level: Rated TV-G, if recall serves. However, sensitive viewers may need caution, since some otters get hurt or die throughout the documentary.

Similar Titles: Leave it to Beavers, Yellowstone Otters

Personal Thoughts: The title offers plenty of footage of adorable baby otters. It also manages to explain the difficulties in releasing otters and potential problems for new releases. The importance of otters in their native habitat finds effective mention, as well.

Apparently, it's mustelid week at Charlin at the Library.

Too Cute

So adorable...

Too Cute presented by Animal Planet.

Plot: The series follows the first weeks of young animals. Dogs and cats form the bulk of the episodes, but other animals, such as ducks and goats, eventually find their way into the show. The animals are filmed from birth to approximately eight weeks of age, showing their developments while referring to the history of their breeds. Additionally, the show touches on training animals for various tasks, such as agility courses and shows. The result is a show that is overwhelmingly cute, but still educational.

Genre: Documentary, Animals

Reading Level: Rated TV-G (some of the animals are slimy when they are first born, so sensitive viewers may appreciate a warning)

Similar Titles: Animal Odd Couples, America's Cutest

Personal Thoughts: While some parts of the documentary are clearly set-up (a puppy running away from home and a litter of kittens escaping their room, for example), the series does show the various stages of growth young animals experience. It also alerts viewers to necessities present in specific breeds, such as the need for warmth with sphinx cats, frequent grooming with Havanese, and socialization with bullmastiffs. As such, the show appeals to audiences seeking cute films while warning future pet owners of their animals' requirements.

Nature: An Original Duckumentary

 Waterfowl propaganda

Nature: An Original Duckumentary presented by PBS.

Plot: Hundreds of species of ducks exist. They live between the worlds of water, air, and land. However, survival in such varied environments requires special adaptations and behaviors. The documentary follows the yearly cycle of adult North American wood ducks while also reviewing the lifestyles of famous and not-so-famous ducks.

Genre: Animals, Documentary

Reading Level: I believe it is rated TV G

Similar Titles: The Life of Birds, Magic of the Snowy Owl

Personal Thoughts: The film tends to take itself a bit to seriously. To do so, the cinematography and audio are appropriately attractive and interesting. Many of the facts, particularly regarding duck adaptations, pleasantly surprise viewers. Still, ducks are, in my mind, innately funny, so a bit more levity may benefit the title.

Duck Dynasty

Sprite is watching a DVD

(Let me think I'm clever)

Duck Dynasty presented by A&E.

Plot: The series follows the daily events of the Robertson family. The family runs Duck Commander, an extremely popular and profitable duck-call company. However, they still encounter issues every family does, such as community events, school days, and yard sales. Additionally, they regularly participate in hunting, fishing, off-roading, and other "redneck" activities. Managing all aspects of their lives provides constant challenges and stress, but they still genuinely care for each other and their blessings.

Genre: Documentary, Television

Reading Level: I believe the shows are generally rated TV-Y7. The family avoids swearing, but some hunting and cleaning sequences may trouble sensitive viewers.

Similar Titles: Dirty Jobs, Billy the Exterminator

Personal Thoughts: While the show seems to follow the traditional, odd-family-making-a-reality-television-series formula, it also brings in some unique features. Family drama does appear in most episodes, but the drama resides mostly in good-natured taunts or contests rather than the more popular winners against losers method, making it a bit more family friendly than some other reality programs.

Additionally, the hunters, while inclined to goofiness, are not the bad guys. For some reason, hunting seems to be an aspect of most villains in fiction, and showing some of the reality of hunting offers viewers a new and, perhaps, needed view of a different lifestyle.

Walking with Beasts: Whale Killer

 Mammals, mammals, everywhere!

Walking with Beasts: Whale Killer presented by BBC.

Plot: Following the success of Walking with Dinosaurs, Walking with Beasts: Whale Killer refers to the Age of Mammals. Most of the episode dedicates itself to ancient marine mammals, especially Basilosaurus, a massive, extinct whale. The show also addresses how changes in ocean climates affect land creatures, especially larger animals.

Genre: Documentary, Television

Reading Level: Not Rated; but does contain sequences with high violence and gore.

Similar Titles: Chased by Dinosaurs, Life of Mammals

Personal Thoughts: Like the previous Walking with series, the show attempts to recreate some of the world's most unique ancient animals. Unfortunately, it still falls into the speculation and spectacle trap. For example, the powerful Andrewsarchus is, in fact, known only through a single skull, making the description of muscles and hooves entirely speculative. Similarly, Basilosaurus' willingness to enter a shallow lagoon seems extremely unlikely, given the estimated size of the whale. Still, the show has its fans and, considering the still-impressive special effects, it is not difficult to understand why.

Tanked

Y U PUT TREVALLY IN THREE-FOOT TANK?

Tanked presented by Animal Planet.

Plot: The series follows the work, trials, and successes of a successful Las Vegas aquarium company. Some aquariums demand creative thinking under strict time schedules. Others allow the company to make a difference in their customer's lives.

Genre: Television, Documentary

Reading Level: Not Rated; occasional cursing may offend some viewers.

Similar Titles: Cake Boss, Billy the Exterminator

Personal Thoughts: I think I would enjoy this show more if I did not work at an aquarium. While I appreciate the series' ability to bring attention to the complexities of creating custom aquariums, it tends to avoid major issues facing the aquarium trade. For example, the show neglects to address the needs of the animals. Six-inch blacktip reef sharks, destined to reach four to six feet in length, cannot be housed in 4-foot long aquariums indefinitely. Triggerfish, pufferfish, lionfish, and naso tangs, while pretty, will eventually harass or devour anything they are kept with. Few public aquariums need any more of these animals, so donating such creatures is out of the question, leading to the abandonment or death of most of the fish. Also, the show neglects to mention the importance of "boring" but important aspects of maintaining a tank, such as cycling, water quality, and filtration. As a result, the tanks seemingly take an instant-creation quality, leading to misunderstanding of the difficulty in keeping a marine environment. To be fair, though, the show still manages to address some issues facing the aquarium trade, such as sustainability and tank size issues. The insider look, though, keeps me from really enjoying the program.

Walking with Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs

Dimetrodon explains how it really happened

Walking with Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs presented by BBC.

Plot: While dinosaurs remain the most beloved of ancient creatures, paleontologists find fossils that predate them. The show attempts to recreate life before the dinosaurs. Starting in the oceans, small, hard-bodied creatures eventually reach land and create a number of reptile-like animals. Strangely, the creatures eventually begin to show mammalian-like characteristics, leading to one of the oddest families, the mammal-like reptiles, no longer existing on the planet.

Genre: Documentary, Animals, Television

Reading Level: Not Rated, but examples of predation make it unsuitable for sensitive viewers.

Similar Titles: Walking with Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs Unearthed

Personal Thoughts: The series does promote interest in groups of animals often ignored by dinophiles. Unlike the more famous reptilians, most of the life addressed in Monsters is smaller, but still interesting. Unfortunately, the series lends itself to ample speculation, such as dimetrodon parental care or euchambersia toxicity. It also tends to focus on unlikely circumstances, such as a giant arthropod impaling itself on a tree stump. As a result, the series tends to be impressive, but not necessarily realistic.

Good Eats

Snack time?

Good Eats presented by the Food Network.

Plot: The show provides a cultural, scientific, practical, and comedic approach to food. Each episode, hosted by Alton Brown, discusses a particular dish, ingredient, or cooking style. After he introduces the topic of the episode, Brown addresses current beliefs or views of the food, usually with colorful graphics, "family" stories, or animated images. He then consults experts explaining the traditional relevance or science behind the topic in an approachable manner. For example, for the fish and chips episode, he discusses the different chemical makeup of fats through the use of a toy train. Similarly, he speaks with a historical anthropologist to discuss the original dishes of Thanksgiving, as well as an explanation for the transition to turkey. Brown then prepares a dish using the topic, offering the recipe to viewers. Through the use of humor, science, and culture, Alton Brown provides a food show for non-foodies.

Genre: Documentary, Food

Similar Titles: America's Test Kitchen

Personal Thoughts: Brown uses a surprising amount of humor to capture the imagination and science behind food. As such, the show provides surprisingly approachable and entertaining lesson about the things we eat. In some ways, it is similar to Mythbusters, since it addresses legends and science surrounding often overlooked or dismissed subjects.

Secret World of Bats

Secret World of Bats produced by Bat Conservation International.

Plot: Worldwide, bats are in peril. Misconception and superstition haunt the mammals wherever they live. Yet, they are vitally important to their environment. Many plants rely on bats for pollination and seed dispersal. Bats also provide insect control, devouring several hundred pests a night. In addition, bats have incredible adaptations which inspire scientists to develop new medical and technological innovations. Assisting bats benefits humanity.

Genre: Documentary, Animal, Conservation

Reading Level: Not Rated, but hunting scenes may be intense for sensitive viewers.

Similar Titles: Wild China, Bat and Man

Personal Thoughts: The documentary provides information under a barrage of conservation messages. Almost every segment seems to end with a sentence regarding human-influenced damage to bat populations. While bats certainly need attention from a conservation standpoint, the documentary would benefit from one or, at most, two segments directly addressing conservation with the rest of the film focusing on the importance of bats. The constant reminder of conservation topics break the flow of the documentary, making the film into little more than a rant against human actions.

Wildlife Specials: Crocodiles: Smilling Predators

Wildlife Specials: Crocodiles: Smiling Predators presented by the BBC.

Plot: Crocodiles intimidate people worldwide. They are stealthy, ancient predators with fiercely effective hunting techniques. Yet, despite their primordial appearance, they often display complex behavior. To attract mates, they cry out with the range and variety of songbirds. Mothers show elaborate attention and care to their young ones. Even hunting can bring out unexpected actions. For example, crocodiles will collaborate in large groups to attack large, dangerous prey.  While crocodiles existed in the time dinosaurs and other ancient reptiles, their lifestyles are anything but primitive.

Genre: Documentary, Animals

Reading Level: Not rated, but aimed at a family audience.

Similar Titles: Polar Bear: Arctic Warrior, Eagle: Master of the Skies

Personal Thoughts: While the film is a bit dated (it was created in 1997) and does not offer the awe-inspiring cinematography of more recent documentaries, it still offers solid and captivating information about crocodiles' unexpected qualities.

Nature: Birds of the Gods

Nature: Birds of the Gods presented by PBS.

Plot: David Attenborough narrates a scientific expedition to locate and study the elusive birds of paradise in New Guinea. The birds influence the native culture with their bright feathers and distinctive displays, but finding them proves difficult for the scientists. Still, the researchers manage to observe and film several species. Since the filming took place during the birds' breeding season, many of the males' courtship displays find their way into the documentary.

Genre: Documentary, Animals, Culture

Reading Level: Not Rated, but aimed at a family audience.

Similar Titles: Nature: Humming Birds: Magic in the Air; Nature: A Murder of Crows

Personal Thoughts: The film manages to showcase both the birds and the people surrounding them. Often, documentaries focus on the animals and include humans only as the villains. While the episode does not deny human influences on the bird populations, it does not necessarily cast people in a negative light. In the film, people treasure the living birds as much as the plumage, and the efforts of scientists correspond to the traditions and needs of the locals. No one is the "bad guy," but both the hunters and the expedition team want to preserve a culture and a species linked to a unique island.

PBS offers additional resources and information at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/birds-of-the-gods/introduction/6229/.

Frozen Planet

Frozen Planet presented by the BBC.

Plot: A three-disc collection focusing on the northernmost and southernmost portions of the planet. Much like its predecessor, Planet Earth, the series attempts to film some of the strangest creatures and events of the natural world. Following the seasonal changes of the poles, the series reveals popular animals, such as polar bears, orcas, and penguins, as well as less famous creatures like guillemots and skuas. In addition, remarkable ice structures, ocean currents, and volcanoes find mention. The series is a solid addition to the BBC's collection of documentaries.

Genre: Documentary, Animals, Geography

Reading Level: Not Rated, but some bloody predator-prey instances occur.

Similar Titles: Life, Planet Earth

Personal Thoughts: The series combines gorgeous cinematography with Attenborough's steady narration to present an in-depth view of the poles. The series does not offer gentle transitions away from harsh realities, however. Each episode contains at least one Bambi moment, so caution sensitive viewers.

As a side note, keep a blanket or a sweater handy. It does not matter if it is summer. Viewers will get the chills.

Creepy Creatures

 
Creepy Creatures produced by National Geographic Videos.

Plot: A documentary on the creepiest creatures to walk the earth. Narrated by a black cat, the show displays some of the most unsettling animals and plants in nature. Many, including the sundew plant and black widow spider, trap their prey with sticky buds or webs. Others take a more active approach, such as the venomous cobra and clawed aye-aye. Some animals, seeking to provide for their young, pursue the dead as their victims, filling a morbid, but necessary, part of nature. With appropriately eerie music and choir songs, the documentary celebrates the gross, unnerving, and scary aspects of the natural world.

Genre: Animals, Documentary, Horror

Reading Level: Not Rated; but some footage, such as the cobra eating the rat, is not suitable for more sensitive viewers.

Similar Titles: Animal Atlas: Creepy Creatures, The Magic School Bus: Creepy, Crawly Fun!

Personal Thoughts: The age in this video shows, although not in the footage. Instead, the manner of presentation changed over the past decade or so. Most current documentaries show creepy creatures, but immediately extoll on their positive virtues or reveal their conservation situations. The change is for the better, since it encourages viewers to accept the strange creatures filling the earth as more than just creepy things. However, sometimes users need to enjoy creepy for creepiness's sake without a heavy environmentalist tone, and this video provides an excellent opportunity to do so.

Top Gear: Botswana Special

Top Gear: Botswana Special produced by the BBC.

Plot: Jeramey, James, and Richard are told to buy a used car in Botswana by the studio. They are only told that their cars must not be suitable for off roading. Once they arrive, the trio discovers they must drive across the nation of Botswana in previously-owned cars of questionably merit. An enormous salt desert, wild animals, and constant breakdowns complicate their journey. However, if they fail to maintain their cars, they will still complete the trip...in an old Voltswagon Beetle.

Genre: Cars, Documentary

Reading Level: Not rated, but probably around a G for some language and peril.

Similar Titles: Top Gear: Viet Nam Special, Ice Road Truckers

Personal Thoughts: Due to some of the comments and challenges, particularly those involving African Stig, this show would never be produced in the United States. That said, the program does provide solid entertainment and surprisingly deep moments. A good choice for car fanciers and car know-nothings.

Antarctic Wildlife Adventure

Antarctic Wildlife Adventure produced by National Geographic.


Plot: The documentary follows a family of five on their yearly trek to Antarctica. They document the various wildlife they encounter, including several species of penguins. The continent, they claim, is the last truly wild frontier. However, the pristine land of ice is being breached by the very scientists studying it. Additionally, fears of exploitation haunt the land. The family continues its studies, but with a wary eye on the future.

Genre: Documentary, Penguins

Reading Level: Not rated, but most elementary through middle school students will probably enjoy it.

Similar Titles: Life in the Freezer, March of the Penguins, Encounters at the End of the World

Personal Thoughts: The documentary reminded me of many I saw during science class in school. The film was dated (it was made in 1991) and the music even more so. Despite this, the information was accurate, and it introduced concepts such as biological surveys in a simple but not condescending manner. Also, unlike more recent films (such as March of the Penguins), the film really gave a sense of the enormity of Antarctica, both physically and historically.

One major complaint, though. Throughout the documentary, the narrator and scientists praise Antarctica as a scientific frontier, but continuously complain about the growing number of studies taking place. Perhaps I am taking this too seriously, but the statements seem contradictory.

Still, the documentary is amusing while remaining informative.

March of the Penguins: Companion to the Major Motion Picture

Jacquet, Luc; Maison, Jerome; and Fifield, Donnali. March of the Penguins: Companion to the Major Motion Picture. Washington, D.C. : National Geographic, 2006.

Plot: The book supplements the famous movie. Much of the text follows the narration of the film, garnished by attractive photographs and helpful captions.

Genre: Documentary-Books, Animals

Reading Level: Aimed at adults, but younger readers may it as well.

Similar Titles: Eye to Eye: Intimate Encounters with the Animal World, Penguins of the World

Personal Thoughts: Of all the books based on documentaries I read this week, this one was the most similar to the original source. The text was light but meaningful while the photos were gorgeous yet complementary.  As a result, the book provides an ideal companion to the movie.

As a side note, I tried to copy the cover with Jerome and Toothless. I'm not sure if it worked.

Planet Earth

Planet Earth. Produced by BBC.

Plot:  The British Broadcasting Corporation made a remarkable series recording some of the remarkable life present on the planet. Eleven episodes, arranged by habitat (for example, rainforests and shallow seas), display popular, as well as less famous, animals through formal narration, incredible cinematography, and creative music. Additionally, three episodes focus on conservation issues facing the planet.

Genre: Documentary, Animals, Conservation

Reading Level: Unrated, but some predation is present, so the sensitive may prefer a different documentary.

Similar Titles: Life of Birds, Life, Earth

Personal Thoughts: The photography for the series is amazing, both for its clarity and its subject. Animals are infamously difficult to film (there is a reason most directors refuse to work with them) and most episodes include a brief commentary of the difficulties facing the photographers. Yet, their efforts are well rewarded, both by the quality of the film and the critical praise of the Royal Television Society, Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, and Broadcasting Press Guild.

My only complaint involves the conservation episodes. Instead of showing active conservation efforts or issues, most of the episodes focus on, as a co-worker of mine would say, talking heads. As a result, audience interest dies quickly.