Available today on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD is the latest installment to the DisneyNature film series, Born in China.
Born in China follows other popular DisneyNature Films – Monkey Kingdom, African Cats, Bears, Chimpanzee, Earth, Crimson Wing, Wings of Life, and Oceans.
I have seen all of these films (and I own most of them). They are amazing documentaries that are meant to educate, as well as entertain.
For the past several years a new DisneyNature film has been released around Earth Day. Each film is associated with a specific charity, and a portion of the ticket sales during Earthy Day week goes towards that charity.
If you have the opportunity I highly recommend seeing DisneyNature films on the big screen (in theaters). They will take your breath away!
Today the latest film, Born in China, is available for home viewing.
Born in China is the story, or should I say stories, of animal families that live in some of the most remote locations in China. These are places that most people will never get to experience in their life time. Some animals, like the Snow Leopard, are extremely difficult to film because they are elusive and live up high in the steep mountains.
In this film viewers are introduced to Dawa, a beautiful Snow Leopard who cares for her two adorable cubs. We also meet a Giant Panda, YaYa and her curious, cuddly baby Mei Mei. Lastly, we meet Tao Tao, a Golden Snubbed Nose Monkey.
Their stories are intertwined with the most breathtaking cinematography you have ever seen. I don’t know what I like more about DisneyNature film – the beautiful animals or the scenery that takes my breath away.
Each creature in this film has it’s own unique story which is narrated by actor John Krasinski. YaYa is an overprotective mother of Mei Mei who just wants to explore her surrounding. Dawa struggles to feed her babies who are not able to care for themselves yet and Tao Tao thinks he can do things on his own and breaks away from his family, only to realize he made a big mistake.
This film is a mixture of entertainment, part educational. Viewers learn more about these amazing creatures, as well as other animals that reside in the wilderness of China. The film is also about the bonds of family and how these animals have a parenting style not much different than humans. We also witness the hardship and joys these animals face on a daily basis.
Speaking of hardship, this film does feature death and animals being attacked by predators. Some of it might be too scary over overwhelming for very young children. You know your child best so it’s up to you whether or not you feel your child is mature enough to handle it. I am an adult (sometimes… ha ha) and I have a hard time watching things like that. At the same time I’m a big time animal lover who goes out of her way to rescue lost or injured animals. So I’ll just throw it out there that there is death and hunting (creatures hunting other creatures) in this film.
As I mentioned earlier in this post I have seen every DisneyNature film. Born in China does not disappoint. It’s equally as amazing and awe-inspiring as it’s predecessors. It makes me want to hop on a plane and fly to China. FYI… my mom did that when I was a young girl. One day she decided she wanted to go to China and took off for two weeks by herself to China. WOW! I hope to one day visit China myself. It’s on my “Bucket List.”
There are plenty of bonus features available with this film. I would recommend you taking the time to watch them. You’ll not only get a better understanding of who difficult it is to capture all of this on film, but you’ll also more about the incredible creatures featured in this film.
BONUS FEATURES (Blu-ray & Digital)*:
Panda Suits & Bamboo Shoots – Join the team as they struggle through an almost impenetrable bamboo forest in an effort to capture footage of pandas in the wild.
Walking with Monkeys – The shivering crew bundles up to film the adorable golden snub-nosed monkeys engaged in a surprisingly human activity.
Masters of Camouflage – Go behind the scenes as the filmmakers set out on a quest never before achieved: to find and film a snow leopard family in the wild.
Wading Through Wetlands – A crew travels to far northeast China to catch the first moments of a red-crowned crane chick’s life.
“Everything Everything” Music Video Performed by American Authors – check out the full music video of American Authors end-credit song “Everything Everything.”
Disneynature: Get Inspired, Get Involved –Join Disneynature and the Disney Conservation as they thank our audiences and the animals who star in the films for helping to make Disneynature and its conservation efforts a success.
*Bonus features may vary by retailer
Have you seen Born in China?
What is your favorite DisneyNature film thus far?
What is your favorite animal?
Feel free to share your thoughts. I always love to hear from readers.
Below is the theatrical trailer for the film. It’s no longer in theaters – it’s available from home viewing.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.