As said many times, David Attenborough is a national treasure. He may apparently dislike the term, but it is hard to not say that about such a great presenter who has contributed significantly to some of the best documentaries there's ever been.

It is really hard picking favourites, let alone a definite favourite, among what Attenborough has done because he has done so many gems, it is the equivalent of trying to choose your favourite ice cream flavour or your favourite operatic role (for examples) and finding you can't pick. 'Natural Curiosities' is another gem of his, there is nothing artificial about it at all, it's imaginatively done and there is more than enough in every episode to make one stick with it, the curiosity factor is high. It is also very entertaining, very candid and very much accessible. It's very natural and wonderfully curious.

"Life on Ice" does nothing to break the consistently exceptional quality and in its own way it's just as wonderful. 

The episode looks beautiful for one thing. It is gorgeously filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate and there is nothing static about it at all. The editing is smooth and succinct and the wide range habitats make for some truly eye catching scenery that are just as big in character as the animals and Attenborough himself.

One learns a lot about the animals and finds themselves rooting for them in some way too, something that has always been pleasingly apparent in Attenborough's work. This may sound like hyperbole, but it really came across that way to me.

Entertainment value is high, and as always with Attenborough "Life on Ice" is incredibly informative. Found myself learning a lot and found that even familiar knowledge was expanded upon. The diversity ensures that repetition never kicks in. Like Attenborough's best work, it is easy to connect emotionally and it is hard not to be captivated by the fun, tension and pathos.

Attenborough is a huge part of the appeal, of course, and his contribution helps significantly. He is very candid, clearly knowing his stuff and knowing what to say and how to say it. He delivers it with his usual richness, soft-spoken enthusiasm and sincerity, never talking down to the viewer and keeping them riveted and wanting to know more. 

Was illuminated more by what was said about the North American Frog though, that the Emperor penguin was still fascinating though slightly familiar territory.

Remarkably, in typical Attenborough documentary fashion, a lot is covered here. Yet it never feels like "Life on Ice" is trying to do too much and none of it feels under-explored.

Summing up, won't leave the viewer cold. 10/10 Bethany Cox

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

The history genre features recounting and analyzing past events, societies, cultures, and historical figures. This genre aims to provide insights into the development of civilizations, the causes and consequences of historical events, and the impact of individuals and ideas on the course of history.

David presents vertebrate species who cope amazingly with freezing cold. First the emperor penguin, where the males especially brave incredible cold to mate and protect their offspring. Next North American frog species who mastered the art of surviving frost even in ice thanks to a sort of cry-stasis.

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David Attenborough in Natural Curiosities (2013)

Life on Ice

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