Secrets of the Ocean Realm: The Great Whales/Sharks

Quality is expected from science and nature videos bearing the PBS brand and this aquatic double feature delivers. Comprised of two segments--one on great whales and one on sharks--this video is the latest offering from award-winning (seven Emmys and counting) underwater filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall. Spectacular camerawork, a lush, yet unobtrusive musical score, and apt narration by--I was stumped until the closing credits--Linda Hunt, highlight this homage to two of nature's most impressive sea creatures. Some notable cinematic "firsts" are presented in the video, including a never-before-seen hammerhead mating sequence in which the sharks, having stopped swimming to couple, sink slowly in flagrante delicto until they plop on the coral reef below. The whale segment offers unique footage of its pelagic subjects as well, including migrating endangered blues and near-extinct right whales (named for being the "right" whale to hunt in 1725; now the family most likely to disappear in our lifetime). Although crafted for younger viewers, as evidenced by a degree of hyperbole in the narration and a taint of anthropomorphism ("whales spend time enjoying the companionship of others") in the script, this video will nevertheless appeal to all age groups. Highly recommended. Other titles in the series include: Cathedral in the Sea/Survival in the Sea, Venom/Creatures of Darkness, City in the Sea/Star Gardens and Mountains in the Sea/Filming Secrets (the 5-part series is available for $69.98 or $150 w/PPR). Aud: I, J, H, P (W. Pierce)