Customer Reviews

Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While this film is beautiful and informative, the storyline is, to quote my 7 year old, "Lame!!" Both my 5 and 7 year old, who love insect and bug movies/documentaries and haven't had trouble in the past when insects die, ended this movie weeping and angry. The story follows a butterfly and a praying mantis from birth to maturity, calling them by name and going through all of the dangers and developments they face. After all of it, they choose to end it with the mantis eating the butterfly. The butterfly wings float down together and land in the stream and float off. Artistic it was. Maybe that's nice for adults, but I would have liked a little warning before watching it with my kids.

This incredibly beautiful film is like a trip to the outer edges of Eden. The stunning cinematography is a sight to behold again and again. Judi Dench's measured voice work is a perfect match. This film reminds me a little of "Micro Cosmos" in tone and style. I have an affection for the great beauty of the natural world caught on film. I find it reassuring and also somewhat disturbing that this world is more mysterious than we can possibly imagine and also more awesome and wonderful. Yes, feel the wonder and awe. Because that's what this little gem is all about.

I agree with the reviewer above, Elizabeth. My son loves bugs. He's obsessed. He can't get enough bug movies... but this one is going in the vault with Star Wars until he's older. He came down the stairs crying his eyes out that the praying mantis ate the butterfly. And what makes it worse... they give the two insects names, so my son fell in love with them both. "He ate Peeo! He ate Peeo!!! Mom!!!!" Then we went into a discussion about the cycle of life, death, etc. -- all I wanted was 45 minutes of mommy time, not a philosophy lesson with my toddler.

It has been nicely prepared. Images are wonderful. However, once you watch Microcosmos and Life in the Undergrowth Bugs! can only be classified as "honorable mention" or even lower. The picture quality and quality of work is probably perfect but end result is not enough for fascinating the viewers -seen the competition. In my opinion, the purpose of the film was not clear neither (was it: filming the insects as close as possible without any filming patterns or telling a story of a butterfly?). So, I give 3-stars only for the efforts and meticoulous film production.

Extremely well captured moments and beautiful shots of the bugs' miniature world. Some perhaps too thrilling moments for little children of bugs eating other bugs.

Our whole family, my girls(2 and 3yrs), my wife and I love it, didn't expect to enjoy it this much. Wish we could see it in the original 3-D. It is obvious that they put a lot of effort into this, details. details details, all blown up to see up close. Makes you want to got to your own back yard to see what is living in the weeds. The extras are full of even more cool footage and stories. Buy it, otherwise, it's going to bug you!

Bought this for my grandson because he loves bugs. This video keeps him occupied and he carries it around with him most of the time. He loves bugs.. always has... He is 9.. Glad I could get it from Amazon..

I first rented this dvd and was so delighted that I decided to buy it so I could view it as often as I wished. Very educational, but in a format that all ages can enjoy. It is about the right length to keep children interested to the end. Hopefully there will be more like it made and hopefully Judi Dench will narrate them. Totally delighted.

My 6 year old child, who is easily distracted, can't get enough of this movie! Educational and entertaining. He asks about caterpillars and praying mantis all the time now. Amazing shots of the bugs

I LOVED this movie. The soundtrack was awesome and the story was done in a way that you connected with the characters. Judy Dench was the clencher. She has an incredible voice that made the story.