The inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Galapagos Islands are a living laboratory, a geological conveyor belt that has given birth to and seen the death of many species of plants and animals. As the western islands rise up from the sea offering a chance of life, the eastern islands sink back beneath the waves guaranteeing only death. Between the two are the middle islands; fertile, lush land in its prime that contains an incredible diversity of life. Nowhere else on the Earth are the twin processes of creation and extinction of species so starkly apparent… see it all unfold before your eyes in this stunning series filmed entirely in high definition from the BBC and the National Geographic Channel.While its title may be superfluous, Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World is a beautifully filmed journey into “the islands of the tortoise.” Located due west of Ecuador, the Galapagos islands are full of gorgeous scenery and exotic wildlife. And this 150-minute documentary shows it all, thanks to stunning cinematography shot from all viewpoints–the air, sea and, of course, land. The collection is both soothing and exhilarating as it allows viewers to peek in on mating albatrosses (which are monogamous), penguins fishing, and surprisingly graceful giant tortoises swimming in the ocean. The filmmakers also manage to capture a ferocious volcanic eruption that is amazing in its clarity. The problem with many documentaries lies in the narration. A documentary filmmaker hits the jackpot when he is able to get someone like Sigourney Weaver, whose crisp narration fits in beautifully with the sweeping footage in Planet Earth. While Tilda Swanton lends a relaxing quality to Galapagos, her voice at times is a bit too lulling to hold the viewer’s interest. The writing also borders on melodramatic, with talk of the simmering sea and such. With visuals as stunning as this, hyperbole is unnecessary. Charles Darwin has described the Galapagos as a world within itself, and it is said that the islands were one of his inspirations for his book The Origin of Species. While the film doesn’t clearly explain why the Galapagos are unlike any other place on earth, it does showcase a destination that is unlike what most of us know. –Jae-Ha Kim
Rating: 
(out of 109 reviews)
List Price: $ 28.99
Price: $ 15.49
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Bluray
June 18, 2010
#1
Review by Neil Dewitte
Rating:
This Blu-ray DVD has not had the hype that the Planet Earth series has had, but it rivals the series even within its limited content and definitely surpasses it in sound/editing.
This BBC series is broken into several episodes, all of which are well balanced with scientific information and amazing visuals of the Galapagos. Some episodes focus more above sea, others below, and yet others on the human interface with the islands.
The narration is top notch and the sound effects and music are beautiful – combined they really make this DVD shine. You definitely get a lot of bang for the buck on this DVD because it is a highly polished production.
June 18, 2010
#2
Review by Albatross
Rating:
Three part documentary series. National Geographic and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)commission.
Visually stunning. You will be easily immersed into Galapagos.
The audio mix on Galapagos is a Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo track (448 kbps)
Building a documentary collection? Don’t miss this!
Nice Blu-Ray transfer.
Narrated by actress Tilda Swinton.
June 18, 2010
#3
Review by Khanh C. Nguyen
Rating:
Hmmmm….what can I say?…I think Planet Earth is over-rated. I like Galapagos more than Planet Earth. It is shorter (one disc), but the contents are just stunning. The HD quality of this disc is of a higher level than Planet Earth-it is simply marvelous and breathtaking. In terms of video quality, Planet Earth gets an 8, but Galapagos deserves a 10. The sound quality is awesome; the narration is perfect; the contents are mind-blowing. I don’t care about the theory of evolution, creationism, or anything else. This disc tells the story as is: the beautiful islands, the wonderful life forms, and all the stunning display of mother-nature. I love this documentary.
June 18, 2010
#4
Review by AZ Mutley
Rating:
Having bought, and viewed planet earth 3 times, I found this HD DVD to be of equal, excellent, quality. The BBC represent the pinnacle of educational viewing on the planet in terms of content and execution; usually. This one is a 4 star and here’s why:
I felt that the Galapagos series was 2 episodes stretched into 3, spoiled I feel, by some of this content having been very similar to footage found on planet earth.
My advice would be watch this one first, then planet earth. This is why I only give it 4 stars.
If you can buy it on HD DVD. I own both players and my 3rd gen Blu Ray exhibits all manner of artifacts when there is action/motion that the HD A20 does not. It’s a shame sony seem to be winning the hi def war, their product is not mature, even now..
June 18, 2010
#5
Review by Vegas Ray
Rating:
Transformers might be a flashier title to show off your Hi Def setup to your drooling neighbors, but Galapagos will blow them away. Short of buying the “Planet Earth” box set, I have yet to see images on any other HD disc that are as pristine as these. The “Beeb” knows how to do it right. Of course, your taste will dictate as to how much you enjoy documentaries such as these, but you couldn’t get a better look at nature without being there live.