Planet Earth II

BBC One's Planet Earth II, which aired in 2016, is a stunning follow-up to the original Planet Earth series. It's a captivating nature documentary with a scope is as grand as its name suggests, covering numerous facets of our vast and beautiful world.

Each of Planet Earth II's six episodes are meticulously crafted and dedicated to a particular biome or habitat on Earth, namely "Islands", "Mountains", "Jungles", "Grasslands", "Deserts", and "Cities". Through breathtaking cinematic footage, the series reveals the stunning diversity of life and landscapes around the globe, capturing the astounding resilience and ingenuity of the creatures that inhabit these diverse terrains, including areas which are seemingly devoid of life.

The entire series is engagingly narrated by British national treasure Sir David Attenborough, whom many consider as synonymous with nature documentaries. His soothing voice and tight, detailed script add a sense of majestic drama to the documentary, making it a compelling watch. Alongside Attenborough, the real stars of the show are the creatures and landscapes it captures. Tiny pygmy three-toed sloths, metropolitan peregrine falcons, agile Arabian sand gazelles – each has a tale, a struggle, a will to survive that resonates deeply with viewers.

One of the big draws of Planet Earth II is its incredible cinematography. Using cutting-edge technology which was not available during the making of its predecessor, the team could capture natural phenomena with unprecedented detail and clarity. Ultra-high-definition 4K filming, drone technology, and remote recording have all been used to get up close and personal with nature. The series is arguably one of the most visually arresting documentaries ever made, with each frame capable of being a standalone testament to the beauty of the Earth.

In addition to capturing nature's beauty, the series doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life in the wild. It showcases the raw struggle for survival in diverse environments, from snow leopards braving harsh Himalayan winters, to marine iguanas dodging predatory racer snakes on the Galapagos Islands. The series gracefully walks the line between awe-inspiring beauty and brutal honesty, making it all the more impactful.

One of the most innovative aspects of Planet Earth II is the episode dedicated to urban wildlife. It explores how various species have adapted to human-dominated landscapes, such as leopards prowling the streets of Mumbai, or starlings roosting in Rome. This episode serves as a poignant reflection of human-wildlife conflict and co-existence, further reminding the viewers of the urgent need to protect our planet.

Another aspect where this series excels is the soundtrack. Composed by Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and Jasha Klebe, the soundtrack perfectly complements the visuals and Attenborough's narration, working in harmony to deliver a rousing, moving and at times unsettling experience that enhances the emotional resonance of the series.

What sets Planet Earth II apart from other nature documentaries is its commitment to crafting a compelling narrative within each episode. Every animal part of the series is given an arc somehow mirroring drama seen in scripted television, which not only roots the audience in their plight, but also fosters a genuine care towards them.

To cap it all off, each episode is followed by a 'making-of' segment, 'Planet Earth II Diaries'. These 10-minute featurettes give a glimpse behind the scenes, showcasing the lengths to which the team went to capture the stunning footage. From countless hours spent waiting for the perfect shot to braving extreme weather conditions, these segments capture the sheer dedication and passion of the crew behind the scenes.

In conclusion, Planet Earth II is more than just a documentary; it's an immersive, intimate exploration of our beautiful home, told in a way that elicits wonder, awe, and empathy in equal measure. Despite its grandeur, it conveys a simple, powerful message: our planet is a haven of life, diversity, and beauty which needs to be seen, cherished and, above all, protected.