Life in Cold Blood

A David Attenborough film as I have grown accustomed to see them. Short sequences so beautiful that they take my breath away and nearly take my attention away from the subject. Nearly, yet they never do, just as Attenborough himself, appearing as a charming guide, never attracts attention away from but always to the filmed frog or chameleon, filmed not as an object but as an individual with whom Attenborough empathizes.
As usual with Attenborough films, this one abounds in most colorful animals, rarest animals, most fascinating behavior, recent scientific observations... As usual, Attenborough's assistants, scientists and filmmakers of great talent, are never an eye sore but discretely shown in separate parts where they seem appropriate and even necessary.
A masterpiece, comparable only to other films by the same Great Artist.

Life in Cold Blood: Another Triumph for David Attenborough!

Reptiles and Amphibians have been given a bad rap in human esteem. David Attenborough, in his continuing series of natural history documentary programs, brings us a very different view of reptiles and amphibians in this five part documentary series.
I have anticipated "Life in Cold Blood" with eager anticipation.

The five part series begins with "The Cold Blooded Truth". David points out that the idea of "cold bloodedness" (poikilothermy), is a little misleading, in terms of our understanding about reptiles and amphibians and their nature, are concerned. Slow and dimwitted has been the general concept, but the truth is much different. The fact is that reptiles can actively control their metabolism and body temperature, and are capable of very dynamic lives, tender moments, spectacular displays, blinding speed in catching their prey, and touching parental care and affection.

What I Like About This Documentary Film.

1. Wildlife cinematography

The film footage of the variety of reptiles and amphibians in Life in Cold Blood, is extraordinary. Crisp and succinct footage showing the viewer the behavior, colors, and diversity of these animals is breathtaking. This has been true of all of the "Life of" series, especially in recent years. Time lapse photography, thermal imaging, infrared imaging, ultraviolet imaging, night vision and computers are all used in this film. It is a beautiful manifestation of wildlife cinematography.

2. Music.

Yes, music. Music is used very strategically in this documentary. Beautiful classical music emphasize, and highlight, the film footage. The music will enhance your viewing experience, and help you to even change your idea about these creatures.

3. The science.

This is wildlife behavioral science at its best. The science of herpetology is a bit overlooked as a discipline, but it's a cool science nonetheless. Everything in this film is based on good, solid science beginning with observation.

4. David Attenborough.

Let's face it, this is David's film. He hosts, narrates, and he is the star of the film. He goes on site to these many places, holds the lizards and snakes, interacts with them, and is thoroughly charmed by them, and thoroughly charming, in his remarkable person. He's one of my favorite human beings and has been an influence on my life, inspiring me to new interests, fascinations, and is an intellectual role model to me, and for many.

5. The "making of".

At the end of the first one hour documentary in this series, and indeed in all of them, there is a twelve minute segment on the making of the episode. Here we meet some of the scientists without whose help this series wouldn't be possible. We follow David on location, and find out that he has a fascination with reptiles that has endured since he was young. He takes us back to the "Zoo Quest" series from 1960, which was a black and white documentary series that David hosted. He went to Madagascar then, and had a particular interest in chameleons, and since Madagascar has the largest variety of chameleons in the world, he loved it. However, he mentions that he heard about the pygmy leaf chameleon, a one inch long lizard that is among the smallest of all lizards in the world. He never got to see it, until they made this film. We follow David back to Madagascar, and meet the Malagasy naturalist who specializes in chameleons. To find them, they go out at night, and find them! David is just like a little boy, totally and utterly fascinated. It's a treat to see him on location, so astonished to see this tiny chameleon.

All in all, "Life in Cold Blood", "The Cold Blooded Truth", is a wonderful piece of wildlife cinematography, and it is a fantastic documentary in its own right. It's visually a treat to watch, full of variety, succinct explanations and introductions to the world of reptiles and amphibians. It is informative, entertaining, and beautiful to watch and behold. It is a documentary film that will move you, and it is a thoroughly enjoyable film to watch over and over again.

In his latest, and last, installment in the 'Life' series, David Attenborough brings us another masterpiece in nature documentary. If you are a fan of his earlier works, this is just as engaging and well filmed. The series is broken into five parts, each 50 minutes long with a "behind the scenes" segment which lasts 10 minutes. In all you receive 5 hours of film for under 30 dollars...a bargain.
No fan of nature documentary, or David Attenborough, should be without this wonderful work.

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