Search - Africa the Serengeti on DVD

Below National Geographic quality

T. Yurek | Foster City, California USA | 10/18/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"If you have seen any of the many National Geographic titles on African
wildlife, you may find that IMax's Serengeti leaves a lot to be desired in
terms of story telling, focus on wildlife and scientific knowledge. IMax
movies are shot on larger than normal film to achieve very high resolution
and smoother color transitions which will only be noticable when projected
on giant movie screens. When the film is transferred to DVD and viewed
on your much more inferior and small TV (as compared to projected film),
all of the IMax advantage is totally lost. This goes for all IMax titles.
If you only want to see random scenes from animal life in the Serengeti,
you might like it. Otherwise, first consider the many National Geographic
titles about African wildlife (even on VHS) some of which have won awards."

The Serengeti miracle

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 06/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This documentary of the vast Serengeti which spans from Tanzania to Kenya is a visual feast, and follows the incredible migration of the million wildebeest and several thousand zebra that journey from the dust of the southern drought to the vegetation in the northern regions. Along the way they pass by many predators, with some of the herd falling prey to them. We also see many diverse species of the area, among them a baboon community, the majestic beauty of a herd of elephants, and many scenes of maternal love that are endearing, even with the ungainly and massive black rhino.

We see a hungry cheetah dash after a gazelle, the lions at play and as rulers of the plains, visit with the handsome Masai tribe, and view the incredible vistas from a hot air balloon. The most memorable scene in the film is on the wildebeest's return to the south, where they must get across a river flooded by the rain. The crocodiles lie in wait for this event, and many from the herd also perish from exhaustion. The size and scope of this river crossing makes it an image one will never forget. The cinematography by Andrew Kitzanuk is spectacular, and makes this one of the best documentaries I have seen for sheer viewing spectacle on the subject of African wildlife.

Written, directed and produced by George Cassey, the emphasis is on the poetry of the land, rather than a long list of facts and figures. Narrated by James Earl Jones, his sonorous voice is always easy on the ears, as he says things like "Life streams across a land suspended in time." Also nice to listen to is the lovely score by Hans Zimmer and George Cadebe, which includes some haunting vocals.
Recommended viewing for any animal and nature enthusiast, the total running time is 39 minutes.
"

Simply the BEST!

11/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recently travelled to Africa and bought this video prior to leaving. Not only is the video completly accurate in its portrayal of the magical Serengeti, but the cinematography is excellent. In addition, children just LOVE it! My 3 year old neice couldn't stop watching it. Disney is nothing compared to this video! I recommend it highly!!"

A moving look at the "Circle of Life"

Alejandra Vernon | 05/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My 3-year-old enjoys this almost as much as I do. As someone who has always dreamed of going on safari one day, my reverence for the wildlife of Africa has been taken to new heights with this film. Yes, it's only 40 minutes or so but it's a perfect example of Quality over quantity. The film is exquisite from beginning to end and the music, combined with James Earl Jones' perfect voice, makes for a spine-tingling journey. I've owned the film for just under 2 weeks and have watched it at least 5 times. It is stunning! The migration of the animals is an amazing story and I was particularly moved by the final "scene". Again, the music and narration tie the beautiful photography together wonderfully. I am so happy to have found it and am buying several copies for friends and my parents..."