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Galapagos [Blu-ray]x$19.21
 (36 reviews)
Best Price: $28.99 $19.21
The inspiration for Darwin's theory of evolution, the Galapagos Islands are a living laboratory, a geological conveyor belt that has given birth to and seen the death of many species of plants and animals. As the western islands rise up from the sea offering a chance of life, the eastern islands sink back beneath the waves guaranteeing only death. Between the two are the middle islands; fertile, lush land in its prime that contains an incredible diversity of life. Nowhere else on the Earth are the twin processes of creation and extinction of species so starkly apparent... see it all unfold before your eyes in this stunning series filmed entirely in high definition from the BBC and the National Geographic Channel.
While its title may be superfluous, Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World is a beautifully filmed journey into "the islands of the tortoise." Located due west of Ecuador, the Galapagos islands are full of gorgeous scenery and exotic wildlife. And this 150-minute documentary shows it all, thanks to stunning cinematography shot from all viewpoints--the air, sea and, of course, land. The collection is both soothing and exhilarating as it allows viewers to peek in on mating albatrosses (which are monogamous), penguins fishing, and surprisingly graceful giant tortoises swimming in the ocean. The filmmakers also manage to capture a ferocious volcanic eruption that is amazing in its clarity. The problem with many documentaries lies in the narration. A documentary filmmaker hits the jackpot when he is able to get someone like Sigourney Weaver, whose crisp narration fits in beautifully with the sweeping footage in Planet Earth. While Tilda Swanton lends a relaxing quality to Galapagos, her voice at times is a bit too lulling to hold the viewer's interest. The writing also borders on melodramatic, with talk of the simmering sea and such. With visuals as stunning as this, hyperbole is unnecessary. Charles Darwin has described the Galapagos as a world within itself, and it is said that the islands were one of his inspirations for his book The Origin of Species. While the film doesn't clearly explain why the Galapagos are unlike any other place on earth, it does showcase a destination that is unlike what most of us know. --Jae-Ha Kim
MPN: WARBRE4137 - UPC: 794051413727
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Customer Reviews
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Polished Documentary
By A2UQTOPG7FU80M on 2007-10-26
This Blu-ray DVD has not had the hype that the Planet Earth series has had, but it rivals the series even within its limited content and definitely surpasses it in sound/editing.
This BBC series is broken into several episodes, all of which are well balanced with scientific information and amazing visuals of the Galapagos. Some episodes focus more above sea, others below, and yet others on the human interface with the islands.
The narration is top notch and the sound effects and music are beautiful - combined they really make this DVD shine. You definitely get a lot of bang for the buck on this DVD because it is a highly polished production.
If you like Planet Earth, you wll love this one!
By A31Q7NE0NP3IH4 on 2007-10-14
Eventhoguht is only 1 disk compare to 4 in planet earth. The disk is pack with nearl 2 and half hour of excellent Documentary about famouse island from Ecuador. I not gonna to reveal too much about the Documentary. Is really show why this island is so important to the species. It show them every aspect of life in all season of the years. You will love it. Just for inform is stereo sound not 5.1. No extras just like planet earth. But the video quality and the Documentary is really really all bout. price is a steal for under 20 dollars. If you can't afford planet earth and wanted to see outstanding HD quality for you tv. This is must !
Visit Galapagos
By A1TDGGNU8V4ENB on 2008-01-12
Three part documentary series. National Geographic and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)commission.
Visually stunning. You will be easily immersed into Galapagos.
The audio mix on Galapagos is a Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo track (448 kbps)
Building a documentary collection? Don't miss this!
Nice Blu-Ray transfer.
Narrated by actress Tilda Swinton.
God's creation, not Darwin's evolution. 
By ABQ4XGD2RBCM0 on 2008-07-14
This is a very beautiful visual of God's creation and how He has made all life in such precise detail to the environment in which they live. Nobody in their right mind can watch this presentation of God's creation and believe that evolution had anything to do with it. God has made every living creature so perfectly for its environment. Darwin shouldn't have even been mentioned in this documentary. It only cheapen it. It should give credit where credit is due.
Another great movie from the BBC
By A1KRZTABS7DMVP on 2007-11-25
Fantastic footage from the galapagos islands and a fine job of narration. But I do have a small complaint, thus the 4 stars. The package says 1080p, but my player states 1080/60i quite a difference in resolution with my television and seating distance from it.
- excellence in documentary
By A1VE4FK9AA5CA7 on 2007-12-07
This is an in-depth scrutiny of Galapagos mostly about the amazing animal species which inspired Charles Darwin. It also covers the geography and today's challenges all in beautiful 1080p resolution. This one blu-ray disk has 3 parts x 50 minutes, which is handy to view the whole series over some period of time. I have a photographer friend who has burnt a CD for me with lots of digital photos of Galapagos from his recent trip. I noticed that lots of still photos can be produced by pressing pause button while playing this documentary; all images are superb. Excellent value for money, particularly for those who love the great nature, photography and national geographic subscribers with keen interest in evolution. I'm glad that there was no region code lock, as I wasn't 100% sure whether I could watch it in Australia.
- Images are stunning!
By A1VTE3SLP0TKVP on 2008-01-04
We also have the blue ray series, "Planet Earth," and I have to say, I think this looks even better. The images are absolutely beautiful. Sometimes we play it with the volume off when people are over, as it provides stunning, beautifully framed, moving images (we have the Sony KDL46XBR). If you have purchased Planet Earth, and have enjoyed it, do yourself a favor and purchase this as well.
- Love It or Hate It
By A2KRUDP2FEW3UT on 2008-02-13
Love it or Hate it
My comment:
This is not a movie, it is a documentary.. so it don't matter if it is 1080i or 1080p because it is not a movie period. Those people been using a better quality camcorders.
The video is stunning as I speak.. Some of yall only complain over some numbers like 1080i and it is so childish, listen this is not a movie.
The audio is only Dolby Digital 2.0 because the movie itself about 150 mins cause it was split in three chapters with HD Picture Quality. So it much been that it wasnt enough room for 5.1 but lucky me that I owned an THX Certified Onkyo TX-705 that convert Dolby 2.0 into THX Natural 7.1!!! So don't matter to me cause i can hear 7.1 with the help of THX.
No Extras? I really dont care how they film it but I know they done a great job.
Overall its a 5 out of 5 for me and I recommend any blu-ray owner for this and thanks for reading...
- Outstanding Nature Documentary on the Galapagos Islands...Rivals Planet Earth!
By A2X60LK7JHWSDQ on 2008-03-25
This Documentary is absolutely amazing, especially on the eyes! This has got to be one the finest looking Blu Ray title out there...Vivid colors, and lifelike. You can even say this look just as incredible as Planet Earth, which is produced by the same company (BBC). The movie itself is very entertaining and informative. The sound is great too, however, it's not outstanding, as it is just 2.0 stereo, but with most home theater systems, it sounds pretty darn good. I can honestly say this is one of the top Blu Ray purchases I have made, and I own over 40 blu ray titles. At one time during the movie, I seriously forgot I was watching the TV, as it really seems as if you are there. Give this a buy...you will not be disapointed!
- Amazing
By AW0385FYU2Q0T on 2008-04-10
"Galapagos", is every good as "Planet Earth", at times some of the visuals are even better. If you don't have a good 1080p TV Galapagos and Planet Earth are the reason to get one. Best video I have viewed in HI DEF. One word" AMAZING".
- I love this nature documentary
By AE0MOHBUJTI04 on 2008-08-03
Hmmmm....what can I say?...I think Planet Earth is over-rated. I like Galapagos more than Planet Earth. It is shorter (one disc), but the contents are just stunning. The HD quality of this disc is of a higher level than Planet Earth-it is simply marvelous and breathtaking. In terms of video quality, Planet Earth gets an 8, but Galapagos deserves a 10. The sound quality is awesome; the narration is perfect; the contents are mind-blowing. I don't care about the theory of evolution, creationism, or anything else. This disc tells the story as is: the beautiful islands, the wonderful life forms, and all the stunning display of mother-nature. I love this documentary.
- Great family entertainment your kids will WANT to watch!!!
By A3RXG20IE7WDO0 on 2008-01-01
This is a great program. Not only might it spur your child's interest in science and the oceans and the wonderful life that lives in it, but it can also give great "educational" (but don't tell your kids that) entertainment for them time after time. Pop it in the PS3 and let them enjoy this instead of some game!
This is fun for the entire family, from 4-5 up to the teens and parents as well. Something for everyone, and that is what we need nowadays to keep families closer and more well rounded. Everyone will enjoy this!
- Very Good BluRay
By AQ55ZGVGQ85UF on 2008-04-01
I like very mutch off this Blu Ray, good quality off image.
Sorry mi inglish but i'm portuguese
- great bluray documentary
By A1WQ5EFK2N5TGL on 2008-04-14
this bluray was breath taking, clear and so real to the touch, the story was great and so was the narration.
- Not full HD
By A3UXQAIJYN8Q4 on 2008-06-27
Not full HD only 1080i - but looks great nevertheless. In fact I'd say it looks crisper than some of my full HD titles. I don't think Tilda Swinton has the right sort of voice for it, but it's only a minor gripe. Where was David Attenborough that day?
- Galapagos DVD (Blu-Ray)
By A13V4SJFF8Y385 on 2008-08-01
Excellent documentary of the Galapagos Islands. Stunning photography. Very informative. I learned a lot from this documentary. Great educational material for all ages. The evolution of the individual islands is facinating. Highly recommended. BBC has many excellent documentaries available on Blu-ray.
- mesmerizing, amazing, a remarkable example of why to go bluray
By A2BSG6T15WBC6L on 2008-01-18
I did not even mind the narration like some other peeps did, this movie blew my socks right off.
Brilliant
I'm so glad that I bought it I cant even tell you.
top notch
- Blu-ray version is stunning
By A3FY09UZEF56VY on 2008-08-05
Although it's not 1080p but 1080i the picture quality is amazing. There are some shots that literally take your breath away. Galapagos shoreline, the colors of the rocks under the sea. I didn't watch it on DVD, only on Blu-ray so I don't know how this would be without those images.
If you own a blu-ray player and an hd tv then you must buy this disc.
- just as good as Planet Earth
By A1SZQNRHP6QL28 on 2008-10-28
Honestly - I feel angry I didn't know about this before. I have almost worn out my Planet Earth box set in Blu Ray.
Galapagos is just as spectacular visually. It's nice to really get into a wonderful place like these islands. Planet Earth had to just touch on certain areas, but this really gets into it. It's wonderful.
I highly rec it to anyone, young or old. If you liked Planet Earth, you will love this.
- Beautiful Documentary
By A3T1DZ0C9RQWHZ on 2007-10-29
Beautiful documentary. Very educational and picture quality is impressive. Not 5.1 audio. No extras. A must have collection.
- Amazing!!!
By A1BUXU4F5Z0TTN on 2007-12-01
The quality of this Blu-Ray documantary is amazing! Galapagos is beautiful, there is nothing like it! I highly recommend this item. It's just as good as Planet Earth, which I highly recommend as well.
- Beautiful, educational
By A3980H9VD0B4ZO on 2008-02-16
If you are fascinated with nature's beauty and educating yourself on how these islands and the life that occupies them evolved into what it is today, this is for you. Not to mention it's Blu-ray therefore, looks amazing and has phenomenal sound. A+!!!
- Stunning, stunning .... and stunning!
By ATC16BS2EZWZM on 2008-02-22
I don't need to say much here! The picture quality is simply amazing! It's such a shame that many movies never get within a mile of this kind of picture quality. The sound is only stereo, but it doesn't seem to take much away from what is truly a fully immersing experience with plenty of pop!
Brilliant!
- Great Film
By on 2008-02-22
This is one of the Best Blue Ray movies I have seen.
I'm sure nater lovers will enjoy this, especially in High Def.
- Great product!
By A198X4FQOWI0A on 2008-02-29
This Blu-ray disc is great value! The image is crystal clear and the production itself is astonishing, as usual with BBC programmes. I recommend this to all fans of documentaries.
- Not 1080p
By A1G2SA2CCYFT99 on 2008-03-08
Yes, this is not a movie, but who said 1080p is good only for movies? The quality of the images is stunning, but if the box (and Amazon) says 1080p, I expect 1080p. I cannot judge the full content yet, as I have seen only a small part. I really hope that what the other reviewer says is exagerated: if they took this documentary as a pretext for ridiculous, shameful and sterile attacks agains the Church I'll be really pissed off.
- BBC does another amazing job
By A3G1W1AGFXJKD8 on 2008-03-10
I suggest this to all HD nature lovers. Visually remarkable display of the most unique ecosystem on the planet. I bought this after Planet Earth and the Galapogos is equally entertaining.
- Galapagos
By AZMIEE2ZD8CH1 on 2008-04-01
Amazing photography. Spectacular color. Watching it on our new 58" plasma tv, in blu-ray..... Well it just doesn't get any better. Well worth the investment!
- Beautiful documentary on Blu-ray
By A2NY83RZ5NGV0L on 2008-04-02
Like Planet Earth, this is another beautiful documentary from BBC... Very impressive Blu-ray video transfer. The footage is unique and the narration is clear except for the story part about Charles Darwin. I have to agree with a previous reviewer that if they just stick to the nature without introducing any artifical actings, it will be perfect. In any way, it is a good buy.
- Very good HD documentary
By A1YOO2O01YTRIP on 2008-04-14
I showed this documentary to my mom who went to Galapagos before she got married... she really liked the HD images, she was very impressed with the underwater shots of the sea lions while playing below the waves. This BBC documentary is very good, I fully recommend it for any biologist or teacher who wants to share a little piece of the whole picture of nature, even this HD documentary is amazing, living those experiences in real life can not be compared; so this blu-ray title is for the rest of us, this how closer we could get before buying tickets, equipment etc... to visit Galapagos.
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