When I was growing up, save for the occasional Disney release, nature documentaries were relegated to PBS. In the last several years, with the arrival of IMAX, seeing a nature documentary on the big screen has become an immersive and thrilling experience. Given the proliferation of high-definition big screen televisions that excitement has carried over into the home entertainment market.

The first theatrical release for BBC Earth Films, One Life was compiled from over 100,000 hours of wildlife footage and features an assortment of different creatures around the world. Directed by Michael Gunton and Martha Holmes (from the BBC Natural History Unit), One Life aims to show that all species are connected by the need to eat and procreate. Narrated by James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, the film starts by comparing how seals, primates, and frogs raise their young. The footage throughout is truly astonishing, as we watch various tactics: dolphins kick up undersea mud to flush fish out of the water and into the air, and monkeys crack open palm nuts with rocks; interesting stuff.

One LifeAs with previous BBC Earth productions, it’s impossible not to wonder just how the cameramen—they are obviously some of the most highly skilled individuals in their profession—were able to capture such astonishing footage. There’s a scene with a fox chasing an ibex through a mountainous region that’s downright thrilling. In contrast, a sequence featuring Kimono Dragons killing and eating a buffalo is downright horrifying. Directors Michael Gunton and Martha Holmes don’t let viewers dwell on any one scene by editing the film into small segments, and keeping things moving. The filmmaking is skillful, but never overly showy.

While Daniel Craig is no David Attenborough, he does a fine job showing appropriate emotion. The problem comes in the wording. Everything is distractingly sappy. The animals don’t mate and raise their young; instead, we witness a “dedicated single mother,” and an ape who after a few reaction shots is considered “actually a pretty good dad.” Given the professionalism of the photography, this decidedly childish narrative is unfortunate.

Past high definition BBC Earth releases have set a pretty high bar. Framed at 1.78:1, this 1080p transfer doesn’t disappoint. Colors are impressive and eye popping. Contrast and black levels are top notch. Sharpness and detail are Impressive, showing no blur or shadow. Whether it’s close ups or wide panoramas, each shot is amazing. I didn’t notice any DNR or other digital anomalies.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track allows for a crisp intelligible narration from Daniel Craig. Aside from that, while the mix uses the surrounds for the orchestral mix, and environmental effects the mix isn’t particularly aggressive. The fronts tend to dominate the proceedings, and there’s very little LFE. Nonetheless, the track still has a pretty nice level of depth and range.

No subtitles are available.

The following special features are included:

  • Audio Commentary with Michael Gunton and Martha Holmes: The directors give a fairly straight forward, occasionally interesting commentary, providing their thoughts on the shoot and the production. Perhaps most interestingly, they share some of how the footage was chosen.
  • At the Music Recording (HD, 3:29) Video from the recording of the orchestral scores recording session. Features interviews with Conductor Geoffrey Alexander and Composer George Fenton.
  • Michael Gunton on One Life (HD, 10:04) The director discusses the basis of the film, and describes the process of capturing the scenes captured on the film.
  • Behind the Scenes (HD, 32:40) A look at the filming of some of the movies most exciting scenes. Specifically, the recording of the strawberry poison arrow frog (8:31), ibex (6:41), gorilla (9:56), and Komodo dragon (7:31) sequences.
  • Bonus Shots (HD, 2:48) Unused footage of the tropic birds (:27), capuchins (:56), snow monkeys (:49) and lammergeirs (:36).
  • The Making of One Life (HD, 19:10) Interviews with directors Michael Gunton and Martha Holmes, and Composer George Fenton.
  • Interviews with the Cameramen (22:50, HD): A handful of the videographers talk about their experiences working in the field.
    • Martyn Colbeck, elephants (6:21)
    • Kevin Flay, grass cutter ants (5:06)
    • Simon King, cheetahs (6:00)
    • Gavin Thornton, capuchins (5:23)
    • Interviews with the Filmmakers (HD, 36:10) Producers, directors, editor, and composer share their thoughts on various aspects of making the film.
      • Neil Nightingale, executive producer (3:05)
      • Martin Pope, producer (6:03)
      • Martha Holmes, co-director (7:26)
      • Michael Gunton, co-director (9:21)
      • George Fenton, composer (7:00)
      • David Freeman, editor (3:14)
      • DVD Copy
      • Digital Copy: offer to redeem the UltraViolet digital copy expires on April 9, 2015.