This powerful seven part series will provide viewers with an up close and intimate portrait of both polar regions. Viewers will get a rare glimpse into a world that is almost never seen by humans. The series will not only explore sheer beauty of the polar regions (which is breath taking I might add) but also creatures that call the poles their home.
The series starts this Sunday with two episodes shown back to back.
The first episode is called The Ends of the Earth. I was fortunate to view this episode as well as the one that follows called Spring.
The Ends of the Earth gives viewers and in-depth look into the harsh environments found at both poles. The episode helped to put the poles into perspective. The Arctic (North Pole) is really the frozen ocean surrounded by continents. Antarctica (South Pole) is a frozen continent surrounded by ocean. I never looked at it that way before.
People would assume that the poles are similar. Aside from a lot of ice, the poles are vastly different, including the life that inhabits the areas. You won’t find Polar Bears in Antarctica and you won’t see Penguins in the Arctic.
Another absolutely fascinating thing that was highlighted in this episode was how Orcas (aka Killer Whales) actually work together to find food. In this episode you’ll witness how they work together in unison, waving their tales to cause a massive wave to force seals off the ice. You’ll also see some of the Orcas intentionally blowing bubbles to district a seal so another Orca can grab the seal’s tail. These are apparently highly intelligent creatures.
You’ll also witness the mighty power of glaciers and see how icebergs find their way into the sea.
I cannot even begin to describe how beautiful both landscapes are. One day I would love to experience both poles. It’s on my “Bucket List”. 🙂 I know it’s freezing cold but the experience would truly be once in a lifetime.
Premiering immediately after The Ends of the Earth is another episode called Spring. This episode shows viewers the many physical changes that occur at both poles when Spring arrives. The landscape changes rapidly.
In this episode they featured a Wolly Bear (hair caterpillar). I didn’t know that they could survive in the Arctic. The film makers followed one that was 14 years old (WOW! I didn’t know they could live that long) and showed viewers how it eats as much as it can and then it’s entire body shuts down – including it’s heart – so it can hibernate and survive the long, cold, harsh Winter. It was truly an amazing thing to see. Sadly, once it matures into a moth it only has a few days to mate before it dies.
If you love Penguins then you’ll want to see this episode. I was shocked to see MILLIONS of Adelie Penguins. Apparently this species is not on the endangered list (thankfully). There were Penguins for as far as the eye can see.
It’s interesting to see that even Antarctica has a Spring season, even though it’s brief. There is also a desert at the South Pole and 200 MPH winds called Katabalic Winds.
Even though the Antarctica doesn’t turn green in the spring there is plenty of life that can be found during Spring time, most especially under the ice.
March 25th – Summer
April 1st – Winter
April 8th – The Making of Frozen Planet
April 15th – On Thin Ice & Life in a Freezer (both episode will air back to back).
If you love nature, animals, documentaries and/or breath taking images then you won’t want to miss an episode of Frozen Planet. Even the time lapse photography was amazing.
In the next few weeks I hope to share more information with you on this remarkable series. Until then mark your calendars and make sure not to miss the Frozen Planet.
Please check your local TV listings for channel and air time.
To learn more visit http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/frozen-planet. You can also follow on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/FrozenPlanet and on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/FrozenPlanetWW.
Here is a trailer for the series for your enjoyment. If you are reading this post via e-mail you can view the trailer on the website (linked above).
Kimberly
*I was not asked to post this information, nor was I compensated in any way. I posted this for the benefit and enjoyment of my site readers. Images and additional information provided by Discovery.
**Photo Credits: Penguins (top photo) – Chadden Hunter (Discovery Channel/BBC), Polar Bears – Jason Roberts (Discovery Channel/BBC), Orcas/Killer Whales – Chadden Hunter (Discovery Channel/BBC) and Penguins (bottom photo) – Jeff Wilson (Discovery Channel/BBC).
Sharon says
I am So excited about this new series!! Thanks So much for this insightful review!!! The Caterpillar info really blew my mind!!!
Wendy T says
I love the other Discovery series “Planet Earth”. This sounds like that one….and the images look stunning. I am going to set my DVR so I can share it with my son.