Loved all of the previous episodes of 'Wildest Africa'. Was past caring really as to whether the series was ground-breaking, what was much more important was something that was well made, informative, charming, entertaining, worth investing in emotionally, well written and well presented. Found 'Wildest Africa' to be all of those, while it is not one of my favourite nature documentaries it is really very much a must.
"Madagascar: Island of the Monsters" may not be unfamiliar territory, being set in one of the most famous African environments and having been covered a lot in other documentaries that broke new ground more, like with David Attenborough. It may not be as illuminating as the first two episodes and "The Virungas: Land of Ice and Fire", which had a lot of content not known to me before, but that doesn't stop the episode's quality from being excellent with many fantastic things.
The episode does a great job bringing out the weirdness and wonder of Madagascar and its locations. Likewise with how everything regarding the life there evolves, which did educate me, and the animals and plants also have that strangeness and wonder, with how they adapt and became more diverse focused on a lot and never less than intriguing.
Writing and delivery is entertaining as well as informative, even though there is familiar territory that didn't stop me from still learning a lot. Colin Salmon narrates with enthusiasm and sensitivity, his narration adding to any tension and emotion.
Visually, "Madagascar: Island of the Monsters" is nothing short of remarkable. The scenery and habitats are beautiful yet also cruel (much more than gorgeous imagery with cutesy animals, and a long way from either and the same goes for the whole of 'Wildest Africa'). The photography is vivid and it was amazing to see so much of such impact so close. The music is dynamic but never intrusive.
Summing up, another fine episode of a series deserving of more attention. 9/10
"Madagascar: Island of the Monsters" may not be unfamiliar territory, being set in one of the most famous African environments and having been covered a lot in other documentaries that broke new ground more, like with David Attenborough. It may not be as illuminating as the first two episodes and "The Virungas: Land of Ice and Fire", which had a lot of content not known to me before, but that doesn't stop the episode's quality from being excellent with many fantastic things.
The episode does a great job bringing out the weirdness and wonder of Madagascar and its locations. Likewise with how everything regarding the life there evolves, which did educate me, and the animals and plants also have that strangeness and wonder, with how they adapt and became more diverse focused on a lot and never less than intriguing.
Writing and delivery is entertaining as well as informative, even though there is familiar territory that didn't stop me from still learning a lot. Colin Salmon narrates with enthusiasm and sensitivity, his narration adding to any tension and emotion.
Visually, "Madagascar: Island of the Monsters" is nothing short of remarkable. The scenery and habitats are beautiful yet also cruel (much more than gorgeous imagery with cutesy animals, and a long way from either and the same goes for the whole of 'Wildest Africa'). The photography is vivid and it was amazing to see so much of such impact so close. The music is dynamic but never intrusive.
Summing up, another fine episode of a series deserving of more attention. 9/10