Secrets of Nature

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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r

directed by Various
UK

The natural world has always inspired fascination. Secrets of Nature, a pioneering series exploring animal, plant and insect life, made wondrous worlds and natural processes visible for the first time: sweet peas unfurl in the sunlight, white owls swoop in on their prey, sea life lurks on the ocean floor and moths patiently spin their cocoons.

These films, made by enterprising men and women at the forefront of science and nature filmmaking, developed groundbreaking techniques of time-lapse, microscopic and underwater cinematography. Paving the way for the natural history programmes that we know and love today, these Secrets grant us an entertaining, absorbing, and very special glimpse into the mysteries of the natural world.

Excerpt of review from BFI located HERE

Theatrical Release:

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DVD Review: BFI - Region 0 - PAL

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	BFI Region 0 - PAL
Runtime
Video	1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: mb/s PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s
Audio	Silent and English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: BFI Aspect Ratio: Fullscreen - 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Percy Smith with Herons (4:27) • Illustrated Booklet DVD Release Date: July 19th, 2010 Keep Case

Comments

The films included in this set are, as the description says, some of the earliest nature films recorded in the UK. The set itself is divided into four main parts: insects, birds, plants, and the techniques. While I have to say that there is much to be admired about the films in this anthology, I also must admit that it didn't hold my interest as well as some of their other recent releases (i.e. the GPO and COI releases). I suppose that the the set will be primarily of interest to those that enjoy works like "Science is Fiction" or the early days of nature films. If that description fits you, then by all means indulge.

The visual quality varies from film to film, but all have some level of damage despite the new transfers that were created for this release. Of course, the older the films are, the worse shape that they're in, but the more recent the films are, the better the condition is. The audio has some quality issues as well, with cracks, hisses, etc in many of the films.

The first of the two extras found in the release is a short featuring naturalist Percy Smith that feels less like a bonus feature than a mere extension of the films in the set. Second, there's a wonderful illustrated booklet that contains essays on all of the films, the filmmakers, and more.

If this set sounds like your cup of tea, then you won't go wrong purchasing it. Recommended.

- Brian Montgomery

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