Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8271 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-11-29
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 3
• Running time: 389 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
The BBC's latest lavish natural history series, The British Isles: A Natural History stirred a minor controversy when first aired because its presenter, the ever-affable Alan Titchmarsh, is better known as a gardener (and writer of saucy novels), not an expert on mineralogy, plate tectonics, or prehistoric flora and fauna. Until this programme the presumption had been that a multi-part flagship BBC documentary would be written and presented by an authoritative figure, David Attenborough or Simon Schama for example. For better or worse Titchmarsh has broken the mould.

In fact, once past the glossily superficial opening chapter "3 Billion Years in the Making" (essentially a highlights programme of what is to come), Titchmarsh turns out to be an excellent host, addressing the audience in his familiar chatty way and cleverly exploiting his horticultural roots, noting for example how evidence of major geological changes can be found in the most humble plant, wildflower or weed. And unlike his more academic predecessors, he also uses his TV charisma to the full, finding lighthearted ways of imparting otherwise dry information: sampling malt whiskies to explain how water permeates through different types of rock; scoffing platefuls of clotted cream with jam and scones to show how desert conditions millions of years ago gave Devon its fertile soil; or even getting made up as a Neanderthal and strolling down Oxford Street. It's all far more cosy than Attenborough.

The director of this eight-part series has clearly been watching Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings, as he never misses an opportunity for sweeping helicopter shots of snowy mountain peaks, rugged coastlines or glacial valleys. Combined with some neat computer graphics, the result makes ideal consumption for Sunday evening TV: easy on the eye and none too taxing on the brain, but informative enough to banish any fears of dumbing-down. --Mark Walker

Synopsis
Exploring the natural history of the United Kingdom.

Customer Reviews

Fantastic and informative
I happen to study history in university, and have touched upon some of the subjects that are disscussed in the book and TV series, and I have to say that I thought both the book and series were fantastic. And to all those complaining about Titchmarch, whats the problem? He obviously is going to know his stuff about Horticulture, being a gardener, and yes its obvious that anyone presenting this TV show is going to need lots of expert help, who wouldnt! You dont get just one expert who is going to know about eveything from volcanos to ice-cores thats ridicilous! I thought he happened to be the perfect choice to be the presenter, as his voice is pleasent to listen to, and his enthusiasm is very watchable, and in turn makes the audience want to know more, I certainly did! From me, I believe it does deserve five stars.

GREAT
This dvd psckage is well worth the cost to purchase it. Alan Titchmarsh is the perfect presenter. The core subjects investigated and the camera shots are interesting and gripping. A really good series.

Waaaaaaay too OTT
I tend to agree with those who didn't like it. It used a lot of special effects but lacked content. It was all too sickly sweet for me, special effects, cinematic music, special effects and a gardener in a helicopter who constantly tells us how amazing Britain used to be thousands of years ago with special effects (tv standard effects btw).
Only for those who are lost in some bubble who think Britain is 'Great' or is still proud to be British. This dvd set offers nothing to be proud of, it's just nature doing it's thing way before Britons ploughed it all up.