Life in Color with David Attenborough
By Martin Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Animals use color to thrive in gorgeous nature docu.
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Life in Color with David Attenborough
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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 18, 2023
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