It is a shame that 'Wild Caribbean' doesn't have the amount of credit it's deserving of. Do think certainly that there are much better documentaries out there, but won't name them in order to be fair as comparing it to those that are better known and more ground-breaking is the equivalent of not giving it enough of a proper chance. If wanting to know more about the Caribbean, 'Wild Caribbean' is a more than worthy way of doing so, it's still well made and there is a mix of old and new.
Absolutely loved the first episode "Treasure Islands", a wonderful way to start and certainly did compel me to continue watching the rest of the series. "Reefs and Wrecks" is every bit its equal, not quite as illuminating perhaps, being hardly the first or last documentary to explore reefs or wrecks in any shape or form, or have as many varied habitats as "Treasure Islands". That doesn't matter, whether it's familiar territory or not never aims to be an issue when watching documentaries. It's how it's made, whether it makes me care for what is being shown on screen, whether there's enough that educates and whether it's delivered well. "Reefs and Wrecks" delivers on all.
"Reefs and Wrecks" is beautifully filmed throughout. Coral reefs always look wonderful and it is very hard to make them not be, they don't disappoint and the episode shows them show a purpose (extracting nutrients from algae and allowing whales to pass through) but also shows others with its threat to ships to be equally uncompromising. Have thrown this world around a lot recently, and merely because of trying to make a point that environments and habitats have much more to them than just being pretty scenery which has been a common criticism with recent documentaries (a prime example being with David Attenborough's brilliant 'Dynasties', and that was before the series was even aired).
Enough of that, the filming (a mix of expansive and intimate) captures the animals well too. Especially in the latter parts, which actually show more threat and suspense than "Treasure Islands" like with the snappers and the white sharks. The music here is a remarkably good fit, throughout it not only complements the visuals but enhances them and there is an authentic flavour to it.
Throughout, "Reefs and Wrecks" is thought-provoking and educational as well as engagingly narrated and written. Not quite as illuminating as "Treasure Islands", but very interesting to see rarities, or more unfamiliar to me content, like Antillean manatees, rusticles and tarpon. It was great to have a mix of the adorable and dangerous, one not out-shadowing the other. The narration is delivered mellifluously and sincerely, without any signs of preaching.
Overall, wonderful once again. 10/10
Absolutely loved the first episode "Treasure Islands", a wonderful way to start and certainly did compel me to continue watching the rest of the series. "Reefs and Wrecks" is every bit its equal, not quite as illuminating perhaps, being hardly the first or last documentary to explore reefs or wrecks in any shape or form, or have as many varied habitats as "Treasure Islands". That doesn't matter, whether it's familiar territory or not never aims to be an issue when watching documentaries. It's how it's made, whether it makes me care for what is being shown on screen, whether there's enough that educates and whether it's delivered well. "Reefs and Wrecks" delivers on all.
"Reefs and Wrecks" is beautifully filmed throughout. Coral reefs always look wonderful and it is very hard to make them not be, they don't disappoint and the episode shows them show a purpose (extracting nutrients from algae and allowing whales to pass through) but also shows others with its threat to ships to be equally uncompromising. Have thrown this world around a lot recently, and merely because of trying to make a point that environments and habitats have much more to them than just being pretty scenery which has been a common criticism with recent documentaries (a prime example being with David Attenborough's brilliant 'Dynasties', and that was before the series was even aired).
Enough of that, the filming (a mix of expansive and intimate) captures the animals well too. Especially in the latter parts, which actually show more threat and suspense than "Treasure Islands" like with the snappers and the white sharks. The music here is a remarkably good fit, throughout it not only complements the visuals but enhances them and there is an authentic flavour to it.
Throughout, "Reefs and Wrecks" is thought-provoking and educational as well as engagingly narrated and written. Not quite as illuminating as "Treasure Islands", but very interesting to see rarities, or more unfamiliar to me content, like Antillean manatees, rusticles and tarpon. It was great to have a mix of the adorable and dangerous, one not out-shadowing the other. The narration is delivered mellifluously and sincerely, without any signs of preaching.
Overall, wonderful once again. 10/10