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DVD Description
“Nothing in the natural world makes sense – except when seen in the light of evolution.” --David Attenborough A personal insight from the world's favourite naturalist into Darwin's theory of evolution. This special documentary was made to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of ‘On The Origin Of Species’. Darwin's great insight – that life has evolved over millions of years by natural selection – has been the cornerstone of all David Attenborough’s natural history series. In this documentary, he takes us on a deeply personal journey which reflects his own life and the way he came to understand Darwin’s theory. By visiting Darwin’s home and tracing the voyage of the Beagle across the world, David Attenborough explains how the great naturalist revolutionised our understanding of the natural world. New and spectacular wildlife footage of fascinating animal behaviour brings the theory to life and fresh evidence and new discoveries reveal how Darwin’s work is endorsed and expounded by today’s cutting–edge science. A labour of love for a man who has been at the forefront of natural history programming for decades, this fascinating programme explores why Darwin’s theory is more important now than ever before.
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2.4 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), English ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Box Set, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: A dramatised documentary in seven parts about the life of Darwin and the voyage of the 'Beagle'. First transmitted in 1978. Individual part titles are as follow s: ...Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life - Box Set
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
59 of 60 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Charles Darwin And The Tree of Life [DVD] This 59min DVD is David Attenborough's tribute to the 200'th anniversary of Darwins birth. As one would expect from the premier natural history programme maker of our time, it's a classic; with absolutely magnificent film work being used to illustrate how, where and why Darwin developed his ideas published in The Origin of Species, and also how that idea of natural selection actually works. Beginning with an explanation of the religious situation at that time, the programme moves through Darwins voyage on the Beagle to the Galapagus Islands, his work at Down House, the controversy his theory of evolution caused, the fossil record, the DNA/genetic evidence and much more; all clearly illustrated by a combination of beautiful filming and gentle commentary delivered as only David Attenborough can. I was particularly impressed with his explanation of how the eye evolved; something many still consider an impossibility. To conclude, I recommend this DVD wholeheartedly, as a work of both beauty and learning which is highly entertaining to watch.
60 of 62 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
There have been many series produced recently about Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. This single programme offers the most succinct and convincing argument in favour of that theory. The fact that it is a personal view from Britain's most respected natural historian brings only more credibility to the arguments. David Attenborough calmly and authoritatively talks us through the basics of Darwinian theory, the history of how that theory was developed, and explains why he, Attenborough, accepts it as the true explanation for life on earth.
Several other series also produced by the BBC have tried to do the same, as has Richard Dawkins, but none come close to matching the comfotable ease with which Attenborough examines the informations and draws the viewer towards his own conclusion. Attenborough also does this without insulting the intelligence of anyone with a different view; without being hostile or confrontational. He follows the science and lets the science provide the weight of his argument.
The film uses archive footage from Attenborough's career to illustrate Darwin's observations of animals and plants, both in nature and domesticated. It features the important places fro mDarwin's life including his home in Kent, Down House, the Natural History Museum and Cambridge University. But this isn't just a review of Darwin's life; it comes up to date with what the study of DNA has revealed about evolution in the years since Darwin died, and how modern technicques have demonstrated without doubt, for Attenborough, that humans and animals have evolved along different branches of the same tree of life.
It's a brilliant piece of work, perhaps the most lucid and compelling argument for evolution I have encountered, and possibly one of Attenborough's greatest lifetime achievements.
Thoroughly recommended.
10/10
Several other series also produced by the BBC have tried to do the same, as has Richard Dawkins, but none come close to matching the comfotable ease with which Attenborough examines the informations and draws the viewer towards his own conclusion. Attenborough also does this without insulting the intelligence of anyone with a different view; without being hostile or confrontational. He follows the science and lets the science provide the weight of his argument.
The film uses archive footage from Attenborough's career to illustrate Darwin's observations of animals and plants, both in nature and domesticated. It features the important places fro mDarwin's life including his home in Kent, Down House, the Natural History Museum and Cambridge University. But this isn't just a review of Darwin's life; it comes up to date with what the study of DNA has revealed about evolution in the years since Darwin died, and how modern technicques have demonstrated without doubt, for Attenborough, that humans and animals have evolved along different branches of the same tree of life.
It's a brilliant piece of work, perhaps the most lucid and compelling argument for evolution I have encountered, and possibly one of Attenborough's greatest lifetime achievements.
Thoroughly recommended.
10/10
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
It was great to see his actual house. They did a great job explaining how modern findings on DNA relate to Darwin's theories, when DNA was unknown. Also a wonderful simplification of the beginning of life. If you have read The Origin of the Species, this helps to really grasp what was going on politically when it was published. All of the fossils that he discovered and worked on are shown, which is fascinating. If you love this, you should definitely see Creation.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Terrific Documentary
I've seen this on television several times and just had to have a copy for my grandchildren. It's easily the clearest explanation of how life on earth evolved. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Janet
Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life
This film is five star. I have seen it many times now,but each time feels like the first.A must see film! A long with all of Michael Moore films.Regards Mark
Published 4 months ago by Mark Harley
Attenborough and the BBC - guarantee of quality
Since reading David Attenborough's "Zoo Quest for a Dragon" as a teenager, I have enjoyed everything he has done; he writes with great clarity and assurance and his presentation... Read more
Published 5 months ago by RR Waller
Mesmeric
David Attenborough's enthusiasm is mesmeric. His examination of Darwin's journey toward's the publication of his ideas and how he was received is wonderfully informative and... Read more
Published 8 months ago by RogertheGoodwin
A must see for many reasons
One of the best if not the best documentary ever produced by the BBC and Attenborough. It takes you on a journey of the evolution of the theory and the man, how it was received by... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Anthony
Chuck D: a celebration... essential viewing!
Two inspired and inspiring kindred spirits: Chuck D and David Attenborough. No, not the bad-ass rapper, naturally, but Charles 'Chucky D' Darwin, of course! Read more
Published 18 months ago by Sebastian Palmer
darwin
An excellent DVD which was good preparation for a holiday on the Islands. Informative, well presented. David Attenborough need I say more
Published 21 months ago by albatros
Sir David of Darwin
Great documentary on Darwins science and findings, but you get almost just as much respect for good old David Attenborough who is actually the main character in this DVD
Published on 23 Dec 2009 by Niels Kabel
Excellent explanation and account on evolution
This DVD gives an excellent simplified account of evolution. It sumarises nicely Charles Darwins journey towards his findings. Read more
Published on 17 Nov 2009 by M. Lewis
If you still doubt evolution after watching this, then there's...
David Attenborough have created yet another masterpiece to his collection. In this relatively short documentary, he made a film discussing one of the most compelling, yet... Read more
Published on 1 Nov 2009 by Mr. M. Shammakh
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