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Special Features
• On Thin Ice - A unique exploration into how climate change is affecting the animals and people of the polar regions and what that might mean for the rest of us.
• Science at the Ends of the Earth – An examination of the remarkable scientific work being performed at the South Pole
• Freeze Frame – A series of 6 10-minute “making of” featurettes, one for each episode.
• Production Video Diaries - A set of 47 video shorts made by the Frozen Planet producers, directors, camera crew and more giving personal insights into this remarkable series.
• Frozen Planet: The Epic Journey – The best moments from this remarkable series compiled into one 60-minute highlights special
• Science at the Ends of the Earth – An examination of the remarkable scientific work being performed at the South Pole
• Freeze Frame – A series of 6 10-minute “making of” featurettes, one for each episode.
• Production Video Diaries - A set of 47 video shorts made by the Frozen Planet producers, directors, camera crew and more giving personal insights into this remarkable series.
• Frozen Planet: The Epic Journey – The best moments from this remarkable series compiled into one 60-minute highlights special
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Saying that the excellence of Frozen Planet is predictable is not to diminish it with faint praise, but rather to acknowledge that it meets the extraordinarily high standards of all the BBC's nature documentaries--starting with the mother ship, Planet Earth, and continuing through Human Planet, Wild Pacific, Ganges, and all the others. Narrated as usual by the redoubtable David Attenborough, these seven episodes (on three discs, plus bonus material) take us to the Arctic and Antarctica, the two most remote and least hospitable areas on the planet. And yet, despite environments where temperatures reach minus 70 degrees Celsius and the sun doesn't shine for half the year, life flourishes. Not surprisingly, there's a lot of attention given to seals, penguins, and polar bears--so much, in fact, that as engaging as these sequences are (including those depicting male bears and elephant seals waging bloody warfare against would-be suitors trying to horn in on their mates), one might be forgiven if a certain fatigue eventually sets in. Fortunately, there's a great deal more, especially in the more diversified Arctic: from slugs, snails, and caterpillars that freeze solid in winter and thaw in the spring (a cycle that repeats year after year until, at age 14, the insect finally becomes a moth) to minke whales, beluga whales, and narwhals (the single-horned "unicorn of the sea"), from seabirds and cod gathering by the millions to a large pack of wolves tracking a herd of bison (one of many extraordinary aerial sequences) and caribou in mass migration. There are breathtaking shots of the landscape as well, including a glacier in Greenland that advances at a rate of 40 meters per day, as well as a stunning depiction of the aurora borealis. Finally, there is the human element; in episode six, "The Last Frontier," we visit Longyearbyen, Norway, the northernmost town on the planet, and the Dolgan, a tribe in Siberia who hunt walrus with harpoons and scale sheer cliffs to gather eggs to sustain themselves. Finally, the seventh and last episode, "On Thin Ice," chronicles in alarming detail the climate changes, including the rapid loss of ice, that point to serious consequences for the entire world within a few decades.
All of this is presented by way of the kind of magnificent, gorgeous camera work that beggars verbal description. Each episode also contains a "freeze frame" segment explaining how the camera crews captured a particular sequence, sometimes very much at their own peril, while bonus material includes several dozen short "video diaries" and "Frozen Planet: The Epic Journey," an hour-long compilation of some of the series' best moments. --Sam Graham
Product Description
From the Emmy-winning team behind Planet Earth and The Blue Planet comes Frozen Planet, the epic tale of two disappearing wildernesses. The Arctic and Antarctic remain the greatest wildernesses on Earth. The scale and beauty of the scenery and the sheer power of the elements are unmatched anywhere else on our planet. And against all odds, these vast, frigid environments are teeming with life. Using the latest camera technology, Frozen Planet captures unimaginable imagery above and below the ice, and follows the extraordinary fluctuations that accompany the changes of seasons in this most extreme of environments, often for the first time. Frozen Planet takes you inside a polar bear’s den to witness a mother polar bear and her newborn cubs, showcases the thrilling hunting tactics employed by a pod of killer whales to launch a seal off an ice floe, uses time-lapse photography to allow you to witness the amazing underwater fauna thriving around Mr. Erebus, the world’s most southerly volcano, and much, much more. Using crystal clear high definition cinematography, Frozen Planet will open your eyes to the remarkable colors and variety of life in this frigid environment. With the Poles under grave threat from climate change, this extraordinary series provides a chance to explore these great wildernesses before they change forever.
The Frozen Planet DVD and Blu-ray will feature the original BBC broadcast version, with narration by world-renowned naturalist David Attenborough (Planet Earth, Life, The Blue Planet).
The Frozen Planet DVD and Blu-ray will feature the original BBC broadcast version, with narration by world-renowned naturalist David Attenborough (Planet Earth, Life, The Blue Planet).
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
147 of 154 people found the following review helpful
By Zev Toledano
Format:Blu-ray
This review is based on the UK Blu-Ray release and, so far, based on what I've read, the US release will be identical (as with Human Planet). Unfortunately, once again, Discovery seems to be planning to air their own butchered version, this time replacing David Attenborough with Alec Baldwin. I'm sure I don't have to recommend to most of you to seek out Attenborough's version.
This is the latest flagship release of the BBC's Natural History Unit, the next in line in the epic 'Planet' series after Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Life, and Human Planet. It was produced by Alastair Fothergill, executive producer of Planet Earth, and shares several similarities with that release in terms of structure and approach.
David Attenborough not only narrates this one in superb, warm and energetic form, but even makes a couple of appearances in the harsh Antarctic locations at the age of 85! The writing seems to be a collaborative effort however, and is somewhat chaotic.
This seven-part seven-hour series covers the natural and wild habitat of the Arctic and Antarctic circles, covering indigenous life, their survival tactics, hunts, and mating cycles, as well as the landscape and natural events, most of which involve ice in dozens of surprising forms, and the extensive effects of the seasonal cycle. The first episode is a kind of overview, four more episodes cover these habitats during the four seasons, the sixth episode covers various human explorations, studies and residents of these regions, and the final controversial episode covers melting ice and global climate change.
I recently re-watched Attenborough's Life in the Freezer (also produced by Fothergill) in preparation for this series, figuring that this would cover much of the same ground and would probably be a remake/upgrade (as with Planet Earth). Unfortunately, I guessed correctly, but this series adds the following:
- Arctic footage (Life in the Freezer only covered Antarctica). But even this footage is not always fresh, having seen polar bears, arctic wolves and other Arctic animals in many previous releases such as Planet Earth and Life.
- Breathtaking landscape footage in high definition. You've never seen so much ice and snow take on so many forms and do so many awe-inspiring things.
- Upgraded footage in high definition. A lot of the Antarctica footage covers the same ground as Life in the Freezer, except this time they use the latest technology and go the extra mile (or hundred miles) to create the perfect shot.
That said, I felt that Life in the Freezer, in its mere 3 hours running time, educated me better and more systematically. Although Attenborough gives us a wealth of facts and knowledge on this release, the overall writing and structure is lacking. This is mainly due to the chaotic and whimsical structure similar to Planet Earth that splices together any spectacular footage it could find regardless of its educational value. Categorizing the footage under which season it happened in is simply not enough guys.
Let's illustrate this with a specific example: In Life in the Freezer, Attenborough discussed and showed us lichens to complete the picture of life on Antarctica. But, evidently on this release, lichens were deemed too boring and they were replaced with yet another bloody and action-packed hunt instead.
Other details:
- The quality of the picture and sound is top-notch as expected.
- The first overview episode doesn't repeat the same footage used in later episodes as they did with Life/Planet Earth, but cuts out footage from several scenes in upcoming episodes instead to provide a random selection of upcoming attractions. So it is not as repetitively annoying, but it is still the wrong thing to do in my opinion.
- As on previous releases, each episode ends with 10-minute behind the scenes footage. Except this time, some of the scenes that are covered aren't on the episode we just watched, which is a bit weird.
In summary, at least half of this is a remake, and the structure is very weak, but the footage is breathtaking, there are many moments of dramedy as with the Life series, there is some new and surprising behaviour, and the not-so-new is upgraded. So I'll give it four stars. Personally, I think the best reason for getting this is the breathtaking footage of the ice and landscape.
This is the latest flagship release of the BBC's Natural History Unit, the next in line in the epic 'Planet' series after Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Life, and Human Planet. It was produced by Alastair Fothergill, executive producer of Planet Earth, and shares several similarities with that release in terms of structure and approach.
David Attenborough not only narrates this one in superb, warm and energetic form, but even makes a couple of appearances in the harsh Antarctic locations at the age of 85! The writing seems to be a collaborative effort however, and is somewhat chaotic.
This seven-part seven-hour series covers the natural and wild habitat of the Arctic and Antarctic circles, covering indigenous life, their survival tactics, hunts, and mating cycles, as well as the landscape and natural events, most of which involve ice in dozens of surprising forms, and the extensive effects of the seasonal cycle. The first episode is a kind of overview, four more episodes cover these habitats during the four seasons, the sixth episode covers various human explorations, studies and residents of these regions, and the final controversial episode covers melting ice and global climate change.
I recently re-watched Attenborough's Life in the Freezer (also produced by Fothergill) in preparation for this series, figuring that this would cover much of the same ground and would probably be a remake/upgrade (as with Planet Earth). Unfortunately, I guessed correctly, but this series adds the following:
- Arctic footage (Life in the Freezer only covered Antarctica). But even this footage is not always fresh, having seen polar bears, arctic wolves and other Arctic animals in many previous releases such as Planet Earth and Life.
- Breathtaking landscape footage in high definition. You've never seen so much ice and snow take on so many forms and do so many awe-inspiring things.
- Upgraded footage in high definition. A lot of the Antarctica footage covers the same ground as Life in the Freezer, except this time they use the latest technology and go the extra mile (or hundred miles) to create the perfect shot.
That said, I felt that Life in the Freezer, in its mere 3 hours running time, educated me better and more systematically. Although Attenborough gives us a wealth of facts and knowledge on this release, the overall writing and structure is lacking. This is mainly due to the chaotic and whimsical structure similar to Planet Earth that splices together any spectacular footage it could find regardless of its educational value. Categorizing the footage under which season it happened in is simply not enough guys.
Let's illustrate this with a specific example: In Life in the Freezer, Attenborough discussed and showed us lichens to complete the picture of life on Antarctica. But, evidently on this release, lichens were deemed too boring and they were replaced with yet another bloody and action-packed hunt instead.
Other details:
- The quality of the picture and sound is top-notch as expected.
- The first overview episode doesn't repeat the same footage used in later episodes as they did with Life/Planet Earth, but cuts out footage from several scenes in upcoming episodes instead to provide a random selection of upcoming attractions. So it is not as repetitively annoying, but it is still the wrong thing to do in my opinion.
- As on previous releases, each episode ends with 10-minute behind the scenes footage. Except this time, some of the scenes that are covered aren't on the episode we just watched, which is a bit weird.
In summary, at least half of this is a remake, and the structure is very weak, but the footage is breathtaking, there are many moments of dramedy as with the Life series, there is some new and surprising behaviour, and the not-so-new is upgraded. So I'll give it four stars. Personally, I think the best reason for getting this is the breathtaking footage of the ice and landscape.
76 of 82 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning filming, and excellent narration by David Attenborough.
November 23, 2011
By rossuk
Format:DVD
It is about the life of animals and the seasons in the Arctic and Antarctic, which cover about a third of the area of the earth. It was filmed in HD using the latest technology, which gives this series the edge over previous series. It was three years in the making.
I have been retired for about a year. So I have been buying quite a few of David Attenborough DVD's, to update my education, as I have been working overseas for 20+ years. I have to confess, that I get bored with the plight of Polar bears, whales, penguins and seals very quickly. It covers many other species than the big four, plus superb landscape filming and I did not get bored. I am now up to episode 7 out of 7 as it aires in the UK. Frankly, the camera work was superb, slow motion and time lapse, under-sea, terrestrial and overhead. David's narration was excellent, it kept up my interest. For my fellow Amazonians, this is a must see/listen, it is stunning.
Episodes:
1. "To the Ends of the Earth" (This includes Scott of the Antarctic)
2. "Spring"
3. "Summer"
4. "Autumn"
5. "Winter"
6. "The Last Frontier" " (humans in the Arctic and Antarctica)
7. "On thin ice" (David Attenborough's view on climate change in the Arctic and Antarctic.)
NB Wiki has a much more detailed synopsis.
The book and the calendar are both available now. Frozen Planet: A World Beyond Imagination, Official BBC Earth Frozen Planet Calendar 2012
I have been retired for about a year. So I have been buying quite a few of David Attenborough DVD's, to update my education, as I have been working overseas for 20+ years. I have to confess, that I get bored with the plight of Polar bears, whales, penguins and seals very quickly. It covers many other species than the big four, plus superb landscape filming and I did not get bored. I am now up to episode 7 out of 7 as it aires in the UK. Frankly, the camera work was superb, slow motion and time lapse, under-sea, terrestrial and overhead. David's narration was excellent, it kept up my interest. For my fellow Amazonians, this is a must see/listen, it is stunning.
Episodes:
1. "To the Ends of the Earth" (This includes Scott of the Antarctic)
2. "Spring"
3. "Summer"
4. "Autumn"
5. "Winter"
6. "The Last Frontier" " (humans in the Arctic and Antarctica)
7. "On thin ice" (David Attenborough's view on climate change in the Arctic and Antarctic.)
NB Wiki has a much more detailed synopsis.
The book and the calendar are both available now. Frozen Planet: A World Beyond Imagination, Official BBC Earth Frozen Planet Calendar 2012
52 of 60 people found the following review helpful
By I. Hart
Format:Blu-ray
I cannot understand why some people are being so analy retentive as to cry, "Wolf!" Just because some of the sequences were filmed in a zoo, or a studio, or a 'controlled environment.'
The series itself is visually stunning, & makes many valid points: not least that life in those harshest of climes is life on the very edge of existence.
What was filmed in the Arctic & Antarctic was television at its best. The fact that not everything of the story could be filmed in those places, but had to be filmed elsewhere in conditions that best ensured the safety & survival of the subjects & the camera crew, only completed the picture.
It took nothing away from the reality, only adding to it by filling in the blanks; & had the programme been halted midway through a sequence, just to say that the next bit was filmed in a zoo - the magic of the moment is lost - the continuity is broken.
Nothing was done to intentionally deceive, not unless you're into extreme cynicism & conspiracy theories that is.
Did those people know that the dinosaurs in otherwise 'factual' TV series, weren't filmed in real life? They were nothing more than the (best guess) imaginings of scientists, palaeontologists & CGI?
Nit pick if you must, but get a life!
The series itself is visually stunning, & makes many valid points: not least that life in those harshest of climes is life on the very edge of existence.
What was filmed in the Arctic & Antarctic was television at its best. The fact that not everything of the story could be filmed in those places, but had to be filmed elsewhere in conditions that best ensured the safety & survival of the subjects & the camera crew, only completed the picture.
It took nothing away from the reality, only adding to it by filling in the blanks; & had the programme been halted midway through a sequence, just to say that the next bit was filmed in a zoo - the magic of the moment is lost - the continuity is broken.
Nothing was done to intentionally deceive, not unless you're into extreme cynicism & conspiracy theories that is.
Did those people know that the dinosaurs in otherwise 'factual' TV series, weren't filmed in real life? They were nothing more than the (best guess) imaginings of scientists, palaeontologists & CGI?
Nit pick if you must, but get a life!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another superlative effort by BBC
We honestly enjoy watching these documentaries several times a year; they continue to delight each time. Read more
Published 3 hours ago by Travel4fun
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible
One of the best series ever. The photography is astonishing, tottaly recomended. One of the best series produced by BBC.
Published 1 day ago by Jorge Calderon
5.0 out of 5 stars
David Attenborough
Need I say more? His narration of this series along with the fantastic work of the film team truly make this series and all other BBC documentaries my favorite things to watch. Read more
Published 3 days ago by David Essenburg
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring & beautiful
David Attenborough + nature documentaries = meant to be. Once again, another inspiring serious narrated by David Attenborough. Read more
Published 4 days ago by Holly Beck
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spectacular!
National Geographic has a high standard of videography to live up to, and this set of dvds is no different than any I have seen in the past. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Suzanne C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
BBC does it again
This series is absolutely amazing. The visuals and narration are stunning and just fun to watch. Couldn't ask for a better series.
Published 14 days ago by DeeWat
5.0 out of 5 stars
There's just something about these "Planet" documentaries
The scope of these types of movies, the filming, are beautiful. And David Attenborough somehow hides his voice as he narrates so you don't even realize you're listening while... Read more
Published 21 days ago by Matthew Kleinberg
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful and beautiful.
It was great and startlingly beautiful. Loved the narrator,, have a long history of doting on his thorough knowledge of his subject.
Published 1 month ago by Pat Tomlin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Breathtaking Videography!
This is a beautifully narrated version by David Attenborough (he's wonderful) of this gorgeous, frozen, dangerous planet. I highly recommend this to everyone of all ages.
Published 1 month ago by brenda ware
5.0 out of 5 stars
Freeze!
Walt Disney ruined nature videos for me at a young age. They always seemed contrived and patronizing, even to a grade schooler. Read more
Published 1 month ago by takingadayoff
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