Ten years down the line and with the number of episodes halved from the previous Season, Planet Earth 2 embarked on a grand mission to showcase the awe-inspiring and real wonders that are happening in the different, remote, isolated and inaccessible parts of our world just like its predecessor. However, there was to be a monumental change in the way the pristine and natural events were played out in the current season. And the change was for the better. In fact, best. So, how did the producers differentiate themselves in PE 2?
PE 1 was high on facts and information but less on raw muscly action. The reverse was to happen in PE 2. It was not that PE 2 was starved off or dieting on facts but the level to which the attention was focussed and concentrated on the jaw-dropping ventures of the sturdy and extremely powerful animals, birds, reptiles etc. in their feral setting was truly breath-taking to say the least. I will elaborate on this later. But, first things first.
From Islands to Mountains to Cities, the entire crew along with the ever magical and appropriate rhythmic tones of Sir David Attenborough definitely ensured that the viewers were swept off their feet completely. By a Huge margin as well. The 4K catapulted the visual experience especially the close-up shots of the untamed and unbridled domicilians to mind-boggling richness that it surely left the audiences craving for more like a big, creamy Black Forest!
It would be highly impudent and imprudent if I were to leave out the stellar background score by Oscar Award winner Hans Zimmer (Remember Lion King, Pirates of Carribean, The Dark Knight, Inception??) who has literally stringed up with his mesmerizing beats which elevated the entire mood of the scenes to another dimension just like the intensely tense, incredibly exciting and big time tautly nervy music when the Iguana escaped from the clutches of the snakes. Likewise, the complete team of PE 2 have gone the extra mile, pun intended, and above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to patiently waiting and capturing the wildness in their wilderness when the redoubtable animals were engaged in fascinating brutal action that I am positively sure those individuals would have felt they were privileged to witness such a wondrous spectacle in their lives at that moment of reality.
Speaking of spectacles, it would be extremely presumptuous on my part if due credits were not given to the way the camera men had tremendously risked their lives to shoot the spine-chilling and absorbing footages when the majestic beasts were in full throttle for survival. Take for example. We have heard and used the term "Hawk's eye view". But, these guys have literally made it possible when they closely glided behind a swiftly swooping magnificent eagle in the harsh, snow-filled and cold terrains of the mountains when it was in search of its prey. It was simply sublime to see how an eagle sees from such a high ground! Of course, the men would have been obesely paid for their audacious clicks. Still, it takes immense guts to be face to face with a glowering leopard or be frozen to death awaiting in a tent for the arrival of the eagles by enticing and attracting them with a carcass.
There have been lots of hilarious moments, adrenaline rushing epic scenes, stunning chases, sensational escapes and formidable fights during the course of all the episodes. The standout, according to me, are as follows:
1) The top honors has got to go to the baby Iguana who is naturally put under a life and death situation, literally, as soon as he opens up his eyes but desperately fights his way out to live another day amidst the multitudes of crawling of the merciless and ruthless snakes waiting in ambush for their prey. I still have no idea how the troop managed to be at the right place at the right time to get such an incredible shot. Maybe a divine prophecy?
2) The battle of supremacy for the ladies and the waterhole between the beautiful stallions was a treat to watch in slo-mo. It had grace, elegance, fierceness and an unadulterated horse power, pun definitely intended, that was like divine music. Though it lasted briefly, the impact was lasting enough.
3) The transparent frog protecting and shielding its offsprings from the onslaught of the deadly wasps was nature in full ballet mode.
4) The flamingo parade was as rib-tickling as the British wry humor. No more to say more than that.
5) The Starlings brilliant murmurations over the architecture marvels of Italy was like Picasso playing with his colours on the drawing board. Exquisite. Period.
6) Dad penguin's noble, selfless, caring and brave act to battle the tempestuous waves to feed his family was something truly remarkable when we learn from the Sir that those penguins has to defy death every time they venture out into those rampaging waters for food.
PE 2 has transcended its own benchmark by quite a distance and it is safe to assume that it could be eclipsed and surpassed only by PE 3.
Although, any words of pledge or commitment to safeguard the environment and the planet would be forgotten in a day like how most of us renege on our New Year resolutions, we could at least try to mitigate and minimise the damages that we are causing to the ecosystem so that PE 3 can make a return in their next outing.
X---Concluded---X
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