I just finished watching part I (”From Pole to Pole”) of the BBC’s new series called Planet Earth (co-produced by BBC/Discovery Channel/NHK), and so far, it has been the most awe-inspiring wildlife documentary I have ever seen. Luckily, I have a 150″ screen and projector here at home, which turned out to be the perfect way to experience the scenes presented in the show. It was beautiful, incredible, and inspiring. I’m nearly beyond words…

As a marine wildlife photographer, the 1/40th-speed, slow-motion footage of the breaching great white shark predation in South Africa was simply jaw-dropping. Most of the scenes were incredibly effective in the use of slow motion, time-lapse and smooth (and slow) panning from the sky. I’m going to stop writing more, because I don’t know what to say. Find this episode and watch it.

While I was in Papua New Guinea last August, I met and befriended a BBC producer and cameraman named Paul Stewart, who shot the Bird of Paradise footage in Part I of the series. What an incredible opportunity it must be to participate in the making of the best wildlife documentary series on the planet!

I’m not sure what the best way is for Americans to see the series. Five of the ten total episodes have already aired in the UK. Has it been broadcast here in the States yet?

There is some good info about Planet Earth on wikipedia.

*UPDATE* I just watched the rest of the first five episodes. Awesome.