Posted Wed Nov 17, 2010 at 06:00 AM PST by Tom Landy
Two aquatic-themed nature documentary series will be getting the high-definition treatment this February.
In an early announcement to retailers, Image Entertainment is bringing 'Discover Planet Ocean' and 'Ocean Odyssey: The Blue Realm' to Blu-ray on February 8.
Shot in glorious High Definition, 'Discover Planet Ocean' explores the Pacific coast of Baja California, one of the most beautiful regions of Mexico—and one of the most extraordinary diverse marine ecosystems on the planet. The series covers a lot of ground (and cubic feet of water), ranging across the entire 1,000-mile peninsula. Your guide on this extraordinary voyage of discovery—marine journalist Masakazu Nagata—hits all the area's high spots, including coral reefs and its twin UNESCO World Heritage sites (the rock paintings at Pintada and the Vizaino Whale Sanctuary). However, the 13-episode series provides more than enough scope for a sustained investigation of the region's less publicized aspects–including the daily workings of a typical fishing village. For the people in Baja California, the Ocean is more than just a source of wonder and fear (the Great White Shark is a frequent visitor) — it is the key to economic survival. 'Discover Planet Ocean' brings you all of these elements together in order to provide you with a rich protrait of life above and beneath the waves.
'Ocean Odyssey: The Blue Realm' is a natural history series about amazing creatures of the sea. Utilizing superb High-Definition imagery, engaging stories and leading marine scientists, the series takes viewers on extraordinary journeys of discovery. Shark Business: Beyond the security of a protective cage, camera teams test the limits of shark behavior, including a face-to-face encounter with a 15 foot great white! Miracle Venom: The oceans harbor an exceptional variety of venomous fish, reptiles and invertebrates. The poisons of these animals are some of the most lethal known to man, but they also hold enormous potential in the development of new medicines. Tentacles: This program joins scientists in a remarkable quest to unravel the secrets of one of the sea’s most enigmatic creatures, cephalopods. The episode features the bizarre behavior and sexual rituals of reef squid, giant octopus and cuttlefish. Giant Manta Rays: This program focuses on giant manta rays, their unusual behavior and surprising intelligence. The episode also features the successful release of a of a captive manta ray back into the wild. Whale Sharks— Gentle Giants: Whale sharks can reach nearly 50 feet in length and weigh 30 tons or more! The program also features the remarkable story of the capture and transport of whale sharks to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Shark Divers: Some thrill seekers deliberately pursue close encounters with deadly sharks – without the protection of a cage. The bigger and more dangerous the shark, the better. But have we taken this risky sport too far? In 2008 the first tourist on a shark expedition was killed by one of the animals. Manatees and Dugongs: Each year, hundreds of critically endangered manatees are killed in U.S. waters by boats, disease and cold weather. With only a few thousand remaining in the wild, the clock is ticking in efforts to save the amazing manatees and its close relative, the dugong from extinction. Humpbacks— From Tonga to Antarctica: Humpback whales were hunted to the brink of extinction until a moratorium was implemented in the 1980s. After finally rebounding in numbers, whaling nations are exploring ways to re-open the hunt. In Antarctica, Japan is targeting minke, fin and now...humpbacks.
Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $17.97.
You can find the latest specs for 'Discover Planet Ocean' & 'Ocean Odyssey: The Blue Realm' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under February 8.
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