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 documentaries there's ever been. Even lesser work, such as 'The Penguin King', is still more than worthwhile.
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. While not quite among Attenborough's best work or crowning achievements, being not quite as visually stunning as other work of his and lacking a little at times the emotional impact as his work covering various animals and habitats, 'Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur' regardless is demonstrative of what makes his work so great and why he is so highly regarded.
For me it is very hard not reiterating what was said in reviews of Attenborough's previous work because consistently they have exactly the same strengths in quality. 'Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur' as always with Attenborough is a beautiful-looking series. It is beautifully filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate way and there is nothing static about it at all. The editing is smooth and succinct. The music is fitting and memorable.
Everything with the fossils and the giant dinosaur is very well-researched and done in a way that brings the viewer right in from the start and keeps them gripped to the last second. It's all completely fascinating, nothing is trivialised and nothing patronises. Found myself learning a lot and found that even familiar knowledge was expanded upon.
Attenborough is a huge part of the appeal, of course, and his contribution helps significantly. He is very candid, clearly knowing his stuff and knowing 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.
In summary, excellent as one can expect. 9/10 Bethany Cox
