Even as a showcase for the awesome high-def clarity of the Blu-ray format (this is also available in standard DVD format), Fearless Planet leaves something to be desired. Granted, viewers will see plenty of eye-popping visuals while learning a bit about the geological forces that have shaped our planet, but this schizoid six-part series is conspicuously designed to attract extreme sports fans (i.e., a younger male audience). The result is an unwieldy compromise: the target audience will grow impatient with the science lessons, while more educational-minded viewers will tire of the fast-cutting, frenetic MTV-styled direction, which follows host/adventurer Will Gadd as he travels to some of the most beautiful yet inhospitable regions on the planet. Five of the six episodes are site-specific (Grand Canyon, Hawaii, Alaska, Sahara Desert, and the Great Barrier Reef), while the sixth, “Earth Story,” essentially offers a general geological history of the planet. While all of the episodes contain something of interest—along with spectacular high-def scenery and impressive coverage of Gadd's thrill-seeking exploits—Fearless Planet is pretty much a casebook example of what happens when you try to please two separate audiences with one misguided concept. Not a necessary purchase. Aud: P. (J. Shannon)
Fearless Planet
(2008) 2 discs. 256 min. DVD: $19.98, Blu-ray: $34.98. Image Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Volume 23, Issue 6
Fearless Planet
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