The Blue Planet Review: The Ocean Series That Set the Bar
9.5/10 — The Blue Planet (2001)
Pros
- Awe-inspiring footage
- Fenton's score
- Attenborough's narration
Cons
- Softer image quality
David Attenborough narrates eight episodes exploring the world’s oceans, from the shore to the deep. It was the first major series to dive into the deep sea with new technologies.
What works
The footage of the open ocean, such as whale hunts and deep-sea creatures, is awe-inspiring, and George Fenton’s score is lovely. The series gave audiences a glimpse of previously unseen worlds.
Where it falters
Some of the footage looks soft by modern standards, and the pacing is gentler than newer series.
Verdict
A timeless classic of natural history.
