Walking with Dinosaurs

Walking with Dinosaurs premiered on BBC One in 1999, triggering a revolution in TV documentaries which would transform viewers' perceptions about dinosaurs and prehistoric life in general. This groundbreaking six-part mini-series blurred the line between reality and fiction by bringing these prehistoric creatures to life using state-of-the-art computer-generated imaging and cutting-edge animatronics. The show revitalized a sense of wonder as viewers were transported back in time to witness the majesty of these extinct animals dwelling in their natural habitats.

The series, broadcasting one episode per week, aimed to simulate the experience of a nature documentary by portraying the dinosaurs as if they were still alive today. The prehistoric creatures were not merely shown as lumbering, monstrous beasts, rather the series depicted them as intelligent, socially interactive animals, demonstrating behaviours not dissimilar to those exhibited by current species.

The narrative arc of Walking with Dinosaurs articulated over 155 million years of history, from the late Mesozoic era to the end of the Cretaceous period, and painting a well-rounded picture of prehistoric life. The series stretches across the globe with each episode visiting a different continent and replicating its unique ecosystem during a specific era. From New Caledonia to the Shores of ancient Europe, this was an incredible voyage through ancient worlds that no longer exist.

Each episode is a standalone story, depicting a year in the life of a specific type of dinosaur or group of dinosaurs. The first pairs a Postosuchus and Placerias, two creatures caught in a struggle for survival, while the second focuses on the daily life of a herd of Diplodocus, and the third follows a female Ornithocheirus, a giant pterosaur. Other episodes touch upon the life of a Tyrannosaurus rex and her offspring or a herd of Anatotitan coping with an annually recurring drought. Each story is as engaging and dramatic as the last, establishing emotional connections between the audience and these primeval beasts.

Walking with Dinosaurs did not shy away from addressing important scientific theories and hypotheses about these tremendous creatures. The series skilfully educates the viewers about the process of evolution, the shifting of the continents, the change in climate, the development of new species, and even the factors that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Produced by the BBC in collaboration with various international partners, Walking with Dinosaurs used the cutting-edge technology of its time, bringing a level of realism and spectacular scale that had never before been seen on television. The animatronics and CGI used were the fruits of a total of six years of research and development prior to the series' premiere, likening the visual effects to those utilized in major Hollywood productions.

The expert scientific advisory team, including paleontologists and biologists, was on hand throughout the production to ensure that every last detail was as accurate as possible. From the colour and texture of a dinosaur's skin to the way it moved and behaved — everything was based on the most rigorous and updated scientific research available at the time.

Narrated by British actor Kenneth Branagh, the drama, spectacle, and beautifully scripted narrative effectively crafted a viewer experience that curved toward edutainment — a combination of education and entertainment.

Walking with Dinosaurs stands testament to how education can be made highly entertaining and how the past can be brought to life. This series proved to be a milestone, setting a new standard for how television could depict natural history, a legacy that continues to inspire modern-day science shows. The marriage of educational content, impactful storytelling, and advanced special effects gave a fresh insight into the lives of dinosaurs, changing the discourse about this mesmerizing part of our planet's history.

Through six episodes of immersive storytelling, viewers were able to walk with dinosaurs, sharing their trials and triumphs, understanding the struggle for survival, and witnessing a vivid re-enactment of history. It refreshed our understanding of these incredible creatures, giving us a more dynamic, complex, and intimate picture of the ancient world, providing a thrilling journey into the fascinating world of prehistoric life.