Life in the Undergrowth

Getting up close and personal, the extraordinary BBC series Life in the Undergrowth sets a new standard for excellence in wildlife cinematography. Hosted by veteran nature specialist David Attenborough (The Life of Birds [VL-7/99], The Life of Mammals [VL-11/03]), and utilizing the latest advances in macro-photography, this five-part series is dedicated to bugs of all shapes and sizes, from microscopic gnats to cave-dwelling millipedes so large they can capture bats in mid-flight and feast for hours thereafter. The patience involved in filming such marvels may have been grueling (as confirmed by producer Mike Salisbury in a bonus interview included on this double-disc set), but the results are nothing less than astonishing, with a parade of sequences so impressive that even entomophobic viewers will be amazed. With an emphasis on mating behaviors and reproduction, each program focuses on a different, generalized group of creatures—worms, flies, spiders (“she spreads her eight legs”), ants, etc.—many never before filmed. As always, Attenborough serves as an expert witness—cordial, fearless, and quintessentially British as he explains what we're seeing, from scorpions (glowing at night in ultraviolet light, they perform a mating dance playfully described as "a nuptial pas de deux") to the mysterious, 17-year life cycle of the cicada. Throughout, we see everything, both frightening and beautiful, from an intimate, bug's-eye view, in vividly colorful detail. Creepy, you say? After seeing Life in the Undergrowth, you may find yourself crawling around your backyard, eager for a better look at the tiny creatures surrounding us. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Shannon)