As said many times, David Attenborough is a national treasure. He may apparently dislike the term, but it is hard to not say that about such a great presenter who has contributed significantly to some of the best programmes (of the documentary genre and overall) the BBC has ever aired/produced.
It is really hard picking favourites, let alone a definite favourite, among what Attenborough has done because he has done so many gems, it is the equivalent of trying to choose your favourite ice cream flavour or your favourite operatic role (for examples) and finding you can't pick. To me 'Kingdom of Plants 3D' is one of his best 3D offerings, after being disappointed slightly by 'The Penguin King' this is Attenborough on top form. It contains everything that is so good about his work, regardless of whether it's one of his best or not, and seeing 3D this good for a TV series makes me appreciate 3D in general more.
'Kingdom of Plants 3D' looks amazing visually. It is gorgeously filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate (a great way of connecting more with the plants) way and never looking static. In fact much of it is remarkably cinematic. The editing is always succinct and smooth and the scenery is spectacular.
3D has had very variable execution when used. Sometimes it can enhance the experience and look great, at other times it distracts and is both overused and abused. Luckily, the 3D here in 'Kingdom of Plants 3D' is of the incredibly well made kind and enhances the experience, allowing one to see these amazing plants up close. It is a long way from soulless either, helping one to actually care for something that is non-human.
The music score fits very well, never overly grandiose while never being inappropriate while also being a beautiful score in its own right.
Even if not ground-breaking in terms of information and subject (but very much so in the use of 3D), 'Kingdom of Plants 3D' is incredibly educational and always maintains interest. Still found myself learning a vast amount. In terms of the facts there was a very good mix of the known ones and the unknown.
Attenborough's presenting as always helps quite a bit. He clearly knows his stuff and knows what to say and how to say it. He delivers it with his usual richness, soft-spoken enthusiasm and sincerity, never talking down to the viewer and keeping them riveted and wanting to know more.
To conclude, wondrous. 10/10 Bethany Cox
