TheLittleSongbird
As said many times, David Attenborough is a national treasure. He may apparently dislike the term, but it is hard to not say that about such a great presenter who has contributed significantly to some of the best documentaries there's ever been.It is really hard picking favourites, let alone a definite favourite, among what Attenborough has done because he has done so many gems, it is the equivalent of trying to choose your favourite ice cream flavour or your favourite operatic role (for examples) and finding you can't pick. 'David Attenborough's Natural History Museum Alive' is yet another wonderful effort from him, can the man do any wrong? My one minor complaint is that there could have been a little more of the scenes in the museum and the skeletons of the extinct creatures in action and a little less of the making of series (still very interesting if not as illuminating). 'David Attenborough's Natural History Museum Alive' may not be one of the best or most ground-breaking of his work, but when it comes to entertainment value and accessibility for all ages it is right up there and the concept for Attenborough is a unique one.As always with Attenborough's work, it looks wonderful visually. is gorgeously filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate way and some of it has a cinematic quality. The editing is always succinct and smooth and the Museum setting leaves one in wonder and is just as fascinating as the information given.CGI is excellent, adding to the experience instead of distracting. Special effects for skeletons have rarely been more vivid. A perfect example of how CGI has advanced significantly over-time when done and used well like here. Only, as mentioned in the goofs section, the incorrect modelling of the diplodocus' feet disappoints a little but this is a nit-pick. The shorter 3D version is also well worth checking out, the 3D also is done to a very impressive standard and doesn't feel pointless. It's not just how the effects look, they also have personality that allows one to care for them in the same way as one would for a human.Music fits very well, never overly grandiose while never being inappropriate while also being a beautiful score in its own right.Even if not ground-breaking in terms of information and subject, what we are told is incredibly informative and really entertains. The science is not dumbed down, a potential danger when trying to appeal to a younger audience. In terms of the facts there was a very good mix of the known ones and the unknown.Attenborough's contribution as always helps quite a bit. He clearly knows his stuff and knows what to say and how to say it. He delivers it with his usual richness, soft-spoken enthusiasm and sincerity, never talking down to the viewer and keeping them riveted and wanting to know more.In conclusion, not one of Attenborough's best but still delivers, which says a lot about how good his work is and how good a presenter/narrator he is. 9/10 Bethany Cox
