Search - Nature: Sharks on DVD

Fascinating Story About Sharks

J. Zabinski | 08/26/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Good documentaries usually do a fine job of dispelling myths, establishing truths and enabling a more sensitive portrayal of their subjects. This documentary does a good job of that, but also, it gets the little things right. You see things like a turtle and a shark fighting, and the turtle winning. Or a shark on the hunt after some prey, only to be eaten itself by a killer whale.

This documentary also has an excellent section about stingrays, which is probably the most artistic part of the program.

It can get a little tedious, which is why it gets four stars instead of five.

Beginning the DVD, you expect the usual spouting of facts, underwater shots and blurbs about ongoing research, but instead, in this DVD, there is always something fresh and unexpected around the corner."

Myths, mysteries, and misconceptions give sharks a bad name

Kyle Tolle | Phoenix, Arizona USA | 09/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Part One: The Secret World of Sharks and Rays



Sharks can trace their genealogy back to dinosaur times so you might say they have a remarkable talent for adaptability and survivability. Although much is known about them and they have earned some of the criticism they get for their frightening and dangerous behaviors, there is also another side that paints an altogether different picture.



This first installment looks at the fact that over 370 different species of sharks with a multitude of characteristics tends to negate the stereotype that they are all `mindless killers' that pose a serious risk to humans. Despite many being formidable hunters equipped with acute senses and instincts, several other types of sharks explored here are mostly docile around humans and their unique qualities and appearances are actually quite fascinating.



Farther along is an engaging look at Manta's and other types of Rays along with a study of their interesting lifestyles. Rarely a threat to humans, they instead are very graceful and majestic creatures that have a special appeal all their own.



Part Two: White Shark / Red Triangle



Between San Francisco and Monterey, California, there is a geographical area nicknamed the Red Triangle. This is due to the unusually large number of attacks on humans, annually, by Great Whites Sharks who feed here sporadically on Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, and California Sea Lions occupying these regions.



This second program focuses much information on the seals themselves to include their history, behaviors, and breeding habits but also devotes a decent amount of time to the Great White influences in this territory. Research indicates that the Red Triangle is expanding outward towards Hawaii due to newly discovered behaviors of Great Whites. Originally thought to be mostly territorial, they have now been tracked moving westward in the Pacific Ocean following routes of seals.



Turnabout is fair play in nature as later footage demonstrates that Great White sharks are not at the top of the marine life food chain (though they rank very highly). Orcas, or `Killer Whales' as they are otherwise known, also hunt for seals as a food source and they are not averse to attacking sharks when the opportunity arises.



`Nature: Sharks' is another fine example of quality programming that I've seen in many of the Nature series documentaries. The underwater camera footage for all segments is beautifully done and competent narration keeps the program interesting and educational all the way through.













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