Nature lovers gather round! Sir David Attenborough that absolute legend of wildlife documentaries is back with something totally unique. Forget just watching animals in the wild this time he is bringing them back from extinction well sort of. Plus we will chat about Tom Hanks' new nature series and why some folks are missing that classic Attenborough touch.
Museum Magic: David Attenborough's New Doc Turns London's Natural History Museum into a Living World After Dark
Ever wondered what happens in a museum after everyone leaves and the lights go down? David Attenborough’s latest documentary " Museum Alive with David Attenborough " answers that question in the most amazing way possible. He literally sneaks into London’s Natural History Museum after hours and BAM the fossils come to life!
Using seriously cool CGI and science this documentary shows extinct creatures roaming around the museum halls. Imagine a sabre-toothed tiger strolling past the exhibits or a giant dinosaur like Diplodocus hanging out in the main hall. It is like a dream come true for anyone who has ever been fascinated by dinosaurs and extinct animals.
Attenborough guides us on this after-dark adventure. He comes face-to-face with all sorts of incredible beasts from giant predatory birds swooping down to colossal snakes slithering through the museum. It is not just about cool visuals though. He also shares the latest scientific discoveries about these creatures and how our understanding of them has changed over time. If you want to experience some museum magic from your couch you can stream "Museum Alive with David Attenborough" right now on pbs.org/nature YouTube and the PBS app.
Tom Hanks Takes on North America's Wildlife in "The Americas" But Is It Missing Something?
Now let's switch gears and talk about another big nature series "The Americas" narrated by none other than Tom Hanks. This one is huge ten episodes exploring wildlife all across North and South America. Executive producer Mike Gunton even called it a "once-in-a-generation thing" because of its massive scale.
"The Americas" promises to take you on a super safari showing you places you might never get to see in real life and revealing animal behaviors you could never spot with your own eyes. They even discovered new species while filming which is pretty amazing! One standout moment is a blue whale sequence where they filmed multiple whales doing crazy acrobatic moves in the water something scientists are still trying to figure out. Technology like mini drones and super high-speed cameras helped them capture incredible footage.
Viewer Verdict: Tom Hanks vs. David Attenborough in the Narration Game - Who Wins?
While "The Americas" has stunning visuals some viewers are pointing out something is missing and that something might be David Attenborough's voice. When the series aired on BBC in the UK some fans took to social media to say Tom Hanks just isn't the right fit for nature documentary narration.
Some viewers felt Hanks' narration was just okay saying he sounded like he was "phoning it in" and simply "reading it from a script". Ouch! Many people online openly wished David Attenborough was narrating instead saying Hanks should "stick to acting and leave narration of nature programs to professionals like David Attenborough." That's some pretty direct feedback!
One review in The Guardian while praising the visuals of "The Americas" also felt it was "shallow" and missed the mark by ignoring the climate crisis and using too much "cutesy anthropomorphism". They said it's "nature television that is best enjoyed with your brain closed off" and even called it the "eco equivalent of wearing blinkers." Strong words indeed.
Attenborough vs. Hanks: A Quick Guide to Narration Styles
So what is it about David Attenborough's voice that makes him the king of nature docs and why are some viewers not feeling Tom Hanks in "The Americas"? Here's a quick breakdown:
- David Attenborough:
- Iconic Voice: Instantly recognizable warm and authoritative.
- Passion and Wonder: Conveys genuine enthusiasm and awe for the natural world.
- Expert Knowledge: Draws on decades of experience and scientific understanding.
- British Charm: Classic BBC nature documentary style.
- Tom Hanks:
- Familiar and Friendly: Known for his approachable and comforting voice.
- Storytelling Prowess: Excellent at narrative delivery but more associated with fiction.
- American Vibe: Brings an American storytelling style to nature docs.
- Potentially Less "Expert" Feel: Viewers might perceive him more as a narrator than a nature expert.
Ultimately it seems like for many nature documentary fans David Attenborough's voice is just part of the whole experience. It is what they expect and what they find most engaging and trustworthy when learning about the natural world.
Enjoy the View But Maybe Stick with Sir David for Nature Doc Narration?
Both "Museum Alive with David Attenborough" and "The Americas" offer incredible visuals of the natural world and showcase amazing filmmaking technology. "The Americas" certainly has scale and impressive moments like the blue whale sequence. And "Museum Alive" has a truly unique and magical premise bringing extinct creatures to life in a museum.
However when it comes to narration it seems like for many viewers David Attenborough still reigns supreme. His voice his passion and his expertise are just irreplaceable in the world of nature documentaries . So while Tom Hanks is beloved for many things narrating nature docs might just not be his strongest suit at least according to some fans. If you are looking for that classic nature doc experience maybe stick with Sir David and check out "Museum Alive" for a truly enchanting watch!