Life in Color with David Attenborough
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Life in Color with David Attenborough
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Life in Color with David Attenborough is a wildlife documentary series about how animals use color to survive. The series covers a wide variety of topics, from how seeing in color evolved to why zebras have stripes. New technology was developed in order to film animals and plants under ultraviolet light, allowing viewers to see the unique ways that nature communicates. Focusing on a theme rather than a location allows the series to cover a broad amount of subjects in a short period of time and paint a vivid picture of why colors exist and how they serve a functional purpose in the world.
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What's the Story?
Life in Color with David Attenborough takes a close look at a part of nature that can sometimes be taken for granted: color. Using cutting edge technology, the series examines the unique ways that animals and plants use colors to survive and thrive, from bugs that change colors to blend in with flowers to mandrills that flaunt intricate designs on their faces. By looking at how color evolved in nature, and how even some of the most brilliant colors can serve a practical purpose, Life in Color offers an insightful, and often beautiful, glimpse into everyday life in the wild.
Is It Any Good?
Life in Color is unique in its focus, and the spotlight on color itself means that its subjects are often remarkably beautiful. In a slew of recent wildlife series, new technology has been offering a view to some of the most mysterious events in nature that humans would never otherwise see. But, like the recent Night on Earth and Earth at Night in Color, the series also feels limited by this new technology, capturing the only things it is able to see rather than all the things it wants to see. The result is two or three mind-blowing shots an episode, strung together with a lot of by-the-numbers filler -- Nature doc fans have likely already seen plenty of flocks of flamingos, or big cats hunting zebras. The series does excel at creating a captivating mosaic of how colors are used in nature. But as the technology continues to develop, Life in Color will almost certainly be outdone by another cutting-edge documentary.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about color. How do you use color in your everyday life? When do you notice colors? What are your favorite places to see colors? What are the most unique ways you've seen colors used?
How do the animals and plants featured on Life in Color use colors? What's unique about the ways colors and patterns are used by these creatures? What was most surprising?
Why did the series develop the technology to see hidden colors on animals and plants? What can we learn from these uses of hidden color?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 22, 2021
- Cast: David Attenborough
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Bugs, Ocean Creatures, Science and Nature, Wild Animals
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Planet Earth
Stunning high-def series spotlights world wonders.
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Night on Earth
Revelatory nature docu captures nocturnal animals worldwide.
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A Perfect Planet
Another Attenborough epic on Earth's majesty and fragility.
For kids who love nature
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