'A Perfect Planet' may not one of master David Attenborough's finest or most ground-breaking works. Then again, Attenborough's filmography is so brilliant and a rare case of not having a misfire in the lot (amazing for a man who has been in the business for sixty plus years), that the list of favourites is long and picking the very best is hard. 'A Perfect Planet' is still fantastic and do not agree with those that say that it is preachy, of 2021 so far it has been one of the few things worth watching.
It gets off to a brilliant start with "Volcano", which sets up exactly what to expect from the rest of 'A Perfect Planet' and couldn't have done it more perfectly. Anybody who loves visually stunning images, a wide variety of animals in shape, personality and familiarity, being entertained, moved and educated and a perfect example of how to narrate and present information will automatically fall in love with "Volcano" as it has more than that and more.
"Volcano" is a stunner visually. The scenery as to be expected is breathtaking in its beauty while also being unforgiving, reminding one that the inhabitants do have daily struggles in the habitat. The photography is near-cinematic at its best and is stunning throughout, the hyena amongst the hyenas long shot took my breath away as did the whole scene. The flamingos chicks sequence is also strikingly shot.
Liked too that the music didn't intrude or get too melodramatic or emotionally over-emphasised, while still having presence. When it comes to narrating documentaries, Attenborough in my and many people's mind incomporable. His delivery here of the entertaining, educational and emotionally varied narration is both enthusiastic and sincere, having great authority without sermonising. The animal footage is nothing short of amazing, with some unique sights like the tobogganing otters. How the crew managed to capture the hyena and wildebeest scene and capture the level of intensity it must have had is anybody's guess.
Freshness was also brought to the more familiar animals, have not seen flamingo chicks or iguanas portrayed in this way. Really cared for all the animals, was especially terrified for the wildebeest, and even the predatory animals have full impact. Including seeing marabou storks at their most frightening and never seen before glimpses at vampire finches, all the animals have the impact of well written human characters in relatable situations without being too humanised. "Volcano" beautifully shows the beauty of nature (like the otters) but also uncompromisingly doesn't skirt away from showing the brutality of it too (the hyena and wildebeest) and the impact that volcanoes, powerfully depicted and it was amazing at how important they are in correlation to wildlife, has on the world.
The behind the scenes part was fascinating and inspiring, really making one appreciate the crew's efforts. What is said about the climate is important, very topical and at a time like this needs to be addressed, regardless of whether people like it or not.
Overall, brilliant. 10/10.
