Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animal-encounter tales may scare the very young.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
UP CLOSE AND DANGEROUS compiles the survival stories of wildlife filmmakers whose work has brought them face-to-face with some of the world's fiercest animals. Acclaimed camera wielders like Alex Willis (pictured), Gordon Buchanan, and Scott Cassell tell amazing tales of narrow escapes from wildlife attacks by predators on land and under water, with accompanying film footage adding to their stories' drama. Episodes have featured encounters with hippos, sharks, sperm whales, and sloth bears, but despite the harrowing encounters they describe, the filmmakers are quick to remind viewers that the animals are never to blame for defending their homes and families. Up Close and Dangerous also shares the filmmakers' tricks of the trade in getting close to dangerous animals, including cameras encased in remote-controlled cars, or how one videopgrapher hid himself inside a steel drum disguised as a log.
Is It Any Good?
Frightening tales and sometimes-aggressive wildlife scenes rule out this show for viewers too little to understand basic animal behavior, but its educational value makes it a good family viewing choice for young tweens and up. Parents will want to reiterate the show's overriding message of respect for wildlife and remind their kids of the danger of approaching any strange animal.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about wildlife behavior. How do animals defend themselves? How do they defend their families and territories? How do filmmakers safely enter the animals' habitats to observe them? What can you learn from their stories? Why is it important to understand animal behavior? Why shouldn't you approach wild animals?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 7, 2006
- Network : Animal Planet
- Genre : Educational
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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