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Timed perfectly for Earth Day, the Disney Studios on Wednesday released "Earth."
Drawing from the documentary TV series "Planet Earth," we are first introduced to our amazing world's uniqueness in the known universe. The incredible voice of James Earl Jones explains that our distance from the sun, the Earth's axis tilt and more all combine to sustain an incredible array of life.
Then, with spectacular cinematography, we follow various animal families in their very different life odysseys. From polar bears and a mother elephant with her calf, to the almost unimaginable migration of a whale and her calf navigating from one end of the globe to the other, "Earth" is replete with the beauties, diversity, complexity and the struggles of nature.
It's hard to watch this film without wondering, "How in the world did they get that shot?" Well, if you stay through the credits some of the secrets and behind-the-scenes activities are revealed. By the way, this is the first time we see humans.
One warning here: Even though this is only rated G, there are some moments of peril. While graphic images are avoided, the food chain and the circle of life have to be portrayed.
For those of us who grew up with the great Disney Nature Films, this is a welcome addition to the playbill at the local cineplex. "Earth" gets 3 1/2 stars and it's only rated G, but in the screening I attended a few of the younger fans got upset in the perilous moments.
