With a perfect combination of showmanship, adventure, and expertise, the Animal Planet-aired Austin Stevens: Snakemaster is wildlife entertainment of the highest order. Not only is the South African-born Stevens one of the world's most knowledgeable herpetologists and wildlife photographers, but he's also a funny, articulate, and fearless host for this three-episode compilation chronicling Stevens' globe-trekking search for three of the world's most amazing reptiles: the massive reticulated python of Borneo (known to reach lengths up to 30 feet, it's the only snake that can swallow a human being); the seven-foot Perentie lizard of the Australian Outback; and the eight-foot eastern diamondback rattlesnake of the Florida panhandle. To say that these creatures are extremely dangerous is an understatement, but Stevens is anything but a reckless daredevil; with his gripper-tongs at the ready, he knows what he's doing, and explains each encounter in terms of terrain, habitat, diet, weather, and other relevant details. In each of these 40-minute shows, Stevens finds amazing distractions en route (including some of the most unusual critters on Earth) before closing in on his ultimate quarry, with his camera always at the ready. Of course, there's always a bit of hyperbole to ramp up the danger quotient, but Stevens is too smart and respectful of nature to stray too far from his scientific training. DVD extras include bonus interviews with Stevens and "Fun Reptile Facts." Highly recommended. [Note: The Jeff Corwin Experience: Out on a Limb—Monkeys, Orangutans & More! is also newly available.] Aud: P. (J. Shannon)
Austin Stevens: Snakemaster—In Search of the Giant Lizard, Monster Rattler, and More!
(2005) 125 min. DVD: $14.95. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). <span class=GramE>Color cover.</span> <span class=GramE>Closed captioned.</span> ISBN: 1-4049-8753-3. December 12, 2005
Austin Stevens: Snakemaster—In Search of the Giant Lizard, Monster Rattler, and More!
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