2014's 'Enchanted Kingdom 3D' appealed to me straightaway. Am a great fan of nature documentaries, especially the work of David Attenborough. 3D can be very interesting and impressive when done well, though to me it has always varied in documentaries. Africa is such a beautiful and diverse continent when it comes to habitats and wildlife. Idris Elba has always impressed me a lot as an actor since 'Luther', so had no doubt that this would be at least good.
At least good 'Enchanted Kingdom 3D' certainly was. It was more than that, would go as far to call it brilliant and definitely lives up to its enchanted name. It's extremely well made, educational, emotionally investable, very human without being overly so and any worries about how the 3D and narration would fare (and there were admittedly, seeing how much they have varied in recently seen documentaries) quickly evaporated. 'Enchanted Kingdom 3D' is one of the best documentaries seen recently.
'Enchanted Kingdom 3D' looks astounding. The scenery is so imposingly beautiful yet uncompromisingly unyielding, all shot spectacularly. The wildlife, animals and plants, are intimately captured in a way that really enchants visually. As for the 3D, that fares very well too, one might argue that it was not needed but it is not distracting, overused or gimmicky and it never looks cheap either. The music is an expert balance of the grand and the subtle, without sounding over-scored or lacking in presence.
Can find absolutely no fault with the animals, they are amazing (whether prey or predator and big or small) and it was very easy to root for them, their triumphs and struggles every step of the way. The narration has no clumsy or childish attempts at humour and is not too serious, it also doesn't spell things out too much and doesn't over-explain. Instead it entertains, it teaches (with a good mix of the familiar and the not so familiar) and moves, did find myself learning a lot and this is an oft delivered continent with familiar wildlife. Elba's delivery is enthusiastic while also dignified and easy to be charmed by.
Did love how easy it was to be invested in the storytelling. It amuses and charms at parts but is also emotional and doesn't shy away from showing the adversity, all without being too dark. 'Enchanted Kingdom 3D' can be very simple and understated, but is very elegant and magical in its simplicity and understatement. Actually appreciated that nothing was over the top.
In summary, wonderful and enchanting. 10/10.
