Anyone who has lived in Australia for any length of time and travelled within this wide brown land will know what a diverse and interesting range of environments, ecosystems, climates, flora and fauna there is to see. From the rainforests in northern Queensland to the seas teaming with wildlife, to the dry harsh dry interior and all the way to the lofty mountain ranges covered in snow during the snow season, Australia has enough variety to ensure that there is something new to see, do, or discover every time you travel.
This five part documentary series will show you a great deal of Australia and its history and inhabitants. It is an acclaimed series from 1991, but don't be put off thinking it is probably all a bit outdated, for all of the material contained is relevant. The 55-minute, self-contained episodes are well narrated, contain some excellent examples of documentary filmmaking, good camerawork, and don't shirk showing how tough life can be for many critters in the harshest environments. So what's in it? So glad you asked!
A Separate Creation: When the first white explorers arrived they could not have imagined a stranger place than the Great South Land. The animals looked like nothing ever encountered. There was endless wonderment at the platypus, echidna and even the now famous kangaroo. Of course we know a great deal about these mammalian survivors now, and the rise of the marsupial is the crux of this episode.
Seas Under Capricorn: It's not just the land that offers up the weird and the wonderful, for the seas too are home to an amazing array of marine life from the largest whales to the tiniest plankton. This episode explores the Southern Ocean, and journeys to the Great Barrier Reef showing the sea life in all its colourful glory.
The Making of the Bush: Australia was once a great forest, and home to an incredible range of birds, marsupials and other assorted animals. As times evolved, so did the landscape, and Australia's interior may now be arid and mostly dry, but the animals either adapted or moved to friendlier environments. This episode looks at the diverse range of animals that still call the forest home.
The Sunburnt Country: The harsh interior. The Dead Heart, even. Dead? Not exactly. In fact, this episode highlights just how much life there is to be found in even the most inhospitable environments. Think you're tough? Check out the little critters that live in our deserts and then rate your chances.
Land of Flood and Fire: The two elements may be extremes, but without either, life in Australia would struggle. This episode examines the role of Australia's original inhabitants in the spread of flora and fauna. It also looks at how the wet season is vital to so much of the north, and is so relied upon by all who live there.
Each is self-contained, has been digitally remastered and is a visual treat. If you have rellies or friends overseas who may not get the chance to visit, then this is an excellent way to show them what there is to see in Australia. We have some of the world's most unique and unusual creatures and environments. What better way to enjoy them other than getting out there and discovering them for yourself?
The video content of this series has been remastered for DVD release, and while still lacking the goods to earn itself a 10, it is nonetheless generally pretty good. The aspect ratio is a 16:9 enhanced 1.85:1 and is generally of a good quality with some good definition and clarity, only dropping briefly in some shots. Grain is present much of the time, but is mild at worst and almost non-existent at best. Colours are mostly good and really scrub up well in some of the landscape scenes, as well as the close-ups of some of the cuddly little animals and bright parrots.
Spread over two discs, there is little to no aliasing and shimmer, black levels are mostly good and shadow detail varies from good to a bit on the dark side. There is some nocturnal footage used, but this is also generally quite good. There is a pan and scan option included, but really, why would you want to watch that?
There is no detectable layer change on either disc.
The audio for this release has all the essentials in order and there is nothing of note to report in either the good or bad ledger. The Dolby Digital stereo at times offers some separation of sound, and the various insect and bird noises all sound wonderfully loud and very Australian. The narration from Robin Williams (no, not that one) is loud and clear, however he doesn't appear on screen and as parrots don't have lips, it's a bit hard to rate audio-synch other than to say that it doesn't appear to be an issue.
The only aural action is from the front left and right speakers, but it all sounds well balanced with a natural fidelity. There is some intermittent use of background music that's generally subtle and appropriate.
