Amazing Places: Africa

Two documentaries from the 2008–09 season of the long-running PBS series NATURE are included in this DVD/Blu-ray combo set. Drakensberg: Barrier of Spears focuses on the wildlife inhabiting what the Afrikaners called the “Dragon's Mountain” (“Barrier of Spears” is the Zulu name), the highest range in southern Africa, capped by craggy rock spires that rise to over 11,000 feet. Photographed over the course of a year to capture seasonal migration, the narrative concentrates on the lifecycle of a herd of eland (large antelope) as they undertake their annual journey to reach the mountains' high meadows, while warding off predators such as jackals that may attack their young. Baboons also play a major role, with one sequence recording the harrowing death of a young animal. Primates are also prominent in the second film, Victoria Falls, which includes a human character—a fisherman whose livelihood depends on the annual rise and fall of the water level of the Zambezi River, on which the spectacular titular waterfall is located. But fauna are still the primary focus, with elephants and birds, as well as simians, taking pride of place. Both of these beautifully shot documentaries are narrated by F. Murray Abraham, with the images on Blu-ray naturally crisper and richer (extras include a bonus digital copy). Certain to appeal to armchair travelers and wildlife enthusiasts, this is recommended. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)