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DVD Description
Using state of the art technology, Richard Hammond's Journey to the Centre of the Planet lifts the lid on planet Earth, peeling back its layers to reveal a hugely complex machine unique in our solar system.
At first glance, the surface of our planet appears solid and unchanging – but every day there are at least fifty big earthquakes and twelve powerful volcanic eruptions.
Using the latest scientific information, we see what's happening beneath our feet and beneath the oceans in a way never seen before.
Along his journey, Richard takes the plunge in Iceland, travels into the abyss off the coast of California and sets eyes on bioluminescent deep sea creatures in the depths of Monterey Bay.
Special Features
At first glance, the surface of our planet appears solid and unchanging – but every day there are at least fifty big earthquakes and twelve powerful volcanic eruptions.
Using the latest scientific information, we see what's happening beneath our feet and beneath the oceans in a way never seen before.
Along his journey, Richard takes the plunge in Iceland, travels into the abyss off the coast of California and sets eyes on bioluminescent deep sea creatures in the depths of Monterey Bay.
Special Features
- Favourite Moments
- Creating a CGI world
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
This two-part BBC mini-series is dazzling. It's a perfect example of how you can package factual (dare I say `educational') material in an entirely entertaining and easily accessible wrapper.
The combination of actual footage and gob-smacking CGI works wonderfully to explore aspects of the earth's geology in two hour-long segments. We've all seen earthquakes and volcanoes before, but the animated sequences in Richard Hammond's programmes offer a new perspective. You don't have to `imagine what's going on beneath our feet' because this series actually shows it to you with location footage, satellite images and a `virtual earth' with layers that peel away to reveal the staggering underwater mountain ranges and abyssal trenches that are normally covered by deep blue seas.
Best bits include the weird glowing deep sea creatures off the Californian coast, the underground water systems in Florida, and what would happen if all the oceans went away. There are a couple of extras on the DVD, too, including a behind-the-scenes short about how the CGI world was built. Oh, and the sea turtles turn up (yet) again. I know I watch a lot of documentary TV, but I swear I'm actually starting to recognise individual sea turtles...
However, this is NOT in-depth, super-serious `proper' science. It's infotainment of the first order: fast paced, quick cuts, sparkly effects and so on. It skims the surface of the subject (how ironic...) and Hammond frequently plays the part of a nice-but-dim student. I suspect that many folk will feel the subject matter has been dumbed-down - and not just science-snobs; if you have even a basic knowledge of geophysics then you'll already know about tectonic plates, the rock cycle and the like.
But these shows aren't aimed at that audience: they're intended for folk who wouldn't normally watch any kind of science documentary, to capture the attention and explain the basics - and in that they succeed very well.
7/10
The combination of actual footage and gob-smacking CGI works wonderfully to explore aspects of the earth's geology in two hour-long segments. We've all seen earthquakes and volcanoes before, but the animated sequences in Richard Hammond's programmes offer a new perspective. You don't have to `imagine what's going on beneath our feet' because this series actually shows it to you with location footage, satellite images and a `virtual earth' with layers that peel away to reveal the staggering underwater mountain ranges and abyssal trenches that are normally covered by deep blue seas.
Best bits include the weird glowing deep sea creatures off the Californian coast, the underground water systems in Florida, and what would happen if all the oceans went away. There are a couple of extras on the DVD, too, including a behind-the-scenes short about how the CGI world was built. Oh, and the sea turtles turn up (yet) again. I know I watch a lot of documentary TV, but I swear I'm actually starting to recognise individual sea turtles...
However, this is NOT in-depth, super-serious `proper' science. It's infotainment of the first order: fast paced, quick cuts, sparkly effects and so on. It skims the surface of the subject (how ironic...) and Hammond frequently plays the part of a nice-but-dim student. I suspect that many folk will feel the subject matter has been dumbed-down - and not just science-snobs; if you have even a basic knowledge of geophysics then you'll already know about tectonic plates, the rock cycle and the like.
But these shows aren't aimed at that audience: they're intended for folk who wouldn't normally watch any kind of science documentary, to capture the attention and explain the basics - and in that they succeed very well.
7/10
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Using a vast working 3D virtual earth within an enormous hangar, Richard Hammond's 'Journey to the Centre of the Planet' is a visual feast, superbly illustrating the earth as an extraordinary piece of engineering: the huge fiery power ball at its centre, the source of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes that continue to shape the earth's surface.
'What would happen,' asks Richard Hammond, the personable narrator of events, 'if we lifted up Trafalgar Square?' Through visual imagery, layers of the earth are seemingly peeled back, transporting the viewer stage by stage through its different layers, while Hammond, like a diminutive conjurer, appears to float through space on a hydraulic platform, silhouetted against a giant rotating earth.
As a complete non expert in the areas of geography, science and geophysics, this is the perfect documentary! Sophisticated technology and story tale language are blended with spectacular effects and stunning locations. Take, as one example, the Nyiragongo Volcano of the Rift Valley in the heart of Africa. At the bottom of the volcanic crater is a boiling lake of lava 750 feet across: the temperature on its boiling, turbulent surface a mere breeze at 800 degrees centigrade. Watch one intrepid, many, would say reckless, member of an exploratory team, head for the lake's fiery rim.... All in the interest of research of course.
For the specialist, despite the technical wizardry, the information is fairly basic and nothing new will be revealed. I suspect, however that for many, this will be thoroughly enjoyable viewing.
I, for one, will certainly be watching it again!
'What would happen,' asks Richard Hammond, the personable narrator of events, 'if we lifted up Trafalgar Square?' Through visual imagery, layers of the earth are seemingly peeled back, transporting the viewer stage by stage through its different layers, while Hammond, like a diminutive conjurer, appears to float through space on a hydraulic platform, silhouetted against a giant rotating earth.
As a complete non expert in the areas of geography, science and geophysics, this is the perfect documentary! Sophisticated technology and story tale language are blended with spectacular effects and stunning locations. Take, as one example, the Nyiragongo Volcano of the Rift Valley in the heart of Africa. At the bottom of the volcanic crater is a boiling lake of lava 750 feet across: the temperature on its boiling, turbulent surface a mere breeze at 800 degrees centigrade. Watch one intrepid, many, would say reckless, member of an exploratory team, head for the lake's fiery rim.... All in the interest of research of course.
For the specialist, despite the technical wizardry, the information is fairly basic and nothing new will be revealed. I suspect, however that for many, this will be thoroughly enjoyable viewing.
I, for one, will certainly be watching it again!
Amazon Verified Purchase
This documentary really is fantastic. The subject is difficult but made quite easy to understand. The pictures are sharp and the virtual globe is magnificient. I have longed for such a film for a long time and now it is available.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
curiousmind
I have been so very impressed with the programming Richard Hammond has hosted. This educational endeavor did not disappoint. Very well done.
Published 4 months ago by curious mind
Surprisingly good
I caught a few minutes of this on the TV and was surprised at the quality of it. Having bought the DVD I continue to be impressed. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Londoner 333
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