Absolutely adored the first 'Dynasties' series in every way. It was one of the clear television highlights of 2018 for me and a more than worthy example of why David Attenborough is incomparable when it comes to nature documentaries and documentaries in general. When hearing that there was a second series, this reviewer was absolutely over the moon and there was no way it was going to be missed. Had no doubt it would be as great and hopefully even on the same level as the first series.
Elephants are my favourite animals of the species 'Dynasties II' covered, ever seeing Disney's 'Dumbo' for the first time, relating immediately to Dumbo and considering him a lifelong role model. They are also my favourite animals ever, along with seals and penguins (also partly for nostalgia reasons). After a brilliant start with "Puma", "Elephant" is every bit as brilliant and a perfect representations of why they are such amazing and identifiable animals, whether in cute or adorable situations.
First and foremost, "Elephant" looks amazing. Not as much as "Puma", but still amazing. The scenery is jaw dropping in its beauty, but it is more than just beautiful scenery though, a lot of it is quite unforgiving too. The scenery is complemented by photography of quite cinematic quality, not just a feast for the eyes but it is also expansive and intimate in equal measure.
Expectedly, the narration is very thought-provoking and never rambling, cutesy or speculative. The elephants are absolutely adorable and very easy to engage with and identify with. Despite being very familiar animals, what "Elephant" covers feels fresh and educational still. There are memorable moments here, the baby elephants are so cute and the mother and baby scenes are beautifully tender. Some of it is not an easy watch, with seeing the elephants flailing in mud and collapsing in starvations being upsetting to watch and reminding me of what happens to the dinosaurs towards the end of the "Rite of Spring" sequence in 'Fantasia'.
It didn't feel like one episode, it felt like an individual story with the elephants being very diverse and relatable in their ways of living and adversity. No problem whatsoever with their portrayal, certainly never one-sided but instead complex and uncompromising, while the landscapes have more than them than looking glorious and nothing feels sugar-coated or over-humanised.
Much information is covered but felt properly explored and not rushed or disjointed, and the facts educate and illuminate while not being compromised for the emotionally complex storytelling. Attenborough's distinctive and unequalled narrative delivery is sincere, enthusiastic as well as understated. One can listen to him for a long time and not tire of him, no other nature/wildlife documentary narrator/presenter has made me feel this way. The behind the scenes footage fascinates and also leaves emotional impact at how inspirational the crew are.
Overall, another wonderful instalment. 10/10.
Elephants are my favourite animals of the species 'Dynasties II' covered, ever seeing Disney's 'Dumbo' for the first time, relating immediately to Dumbo and considering him a lifelong role model. They are also my favourite animals ever, along with seals and penguins (also partly for nostalgia reasons). After a brilliant start with "Puma", "Elephant" is every bit as brilliant and a perfect representations of why they are such amazing and identifiable animals, whether in cute or adorable situations.
First and foremost, "Elephant" looks amazing. Not as much as "Puma", but still amazing. The scenery is jaw dropping in its beauty, but it is more than just beautiful scenery though, a lot of it is quite unforgiving too. The scenery is complemented by photography of quite cinematic quality, not just a feast for the eyes but it is also expansive and intimate in equal measure.
Expectedly, the narration is very thought-provoking and never rambling, cutesy or speculative. The elephants are absolutely adorable and very easy to engage with and identify with. Despite being very familiar animals, what "Elephant" covers feels fresh and educational still. There are memorable moments here, the baby elephants are so cute and the mother and baby scenes are beautifully tender. Some of it is not an easy watch, with seeing the elephants flailing in mud and collapsing in starvations being upsetting to watch and reminding me of what happens to the dinosaurs towards the end of the "Rite of Spring" sequence in 'Fantasia'.
It didn't feel like one episode, it felt like an individual story with the elephants being very diverse and relatable in their ways of living and adversity. No problem whatsoever with their portrayal, certainly never one-sided but instead complex and uncompromising, while the landscapes have more than them than looking glorious and nothing feels sugar-coated or over-humanised.
Much information is covered but felt properly explored and not rushed or disjointed, and the facts educate and illuminate while not being compromised for the emotionally complex storytelling. Attenborough's distinctive and unequalled narrative delivery is sincere, enthusiastic as well as understated. One can listen to him for a long time and not tire of him, no other nature/wildlife documentary narrator/presenter has made me feel this way. The behind the scenes footage fascinates and also leaves emotional impact at how inspirational the crew are.
Overall, another wonderful instalment. 10/10.
