Galapagos with David Attenborough 3D (2013)

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Galapagos with David Attenborough 3D (2013)

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David Attenborough is returning to Sky screens with a ground-breaking new 3D series. Galapagos 3D with David Attenborough launched on New Years Day and is simulcast in 2D on Sky 1. Filmed in one of the most extreme and hard-to-reach locations in the world, the series is Sky 3D’s third collaboration with the multi-award winning natural history broadcaster Colossus Productions. Using pioneering 3D-techniques and technology to explore the unique environments and species of the Galapagos, it will take viewers on a voyage to understand the stunning archipelago which changed the way we see the world and has long-remained a place of true interest with the nation’s favourite naturalist.
Each of the 3, 1-hour episodes will cover different chapters in the history of the Galapagos Islands. Origin (1st January) looks at how the islands rose explosively from the ocean four million years ago, with episode two, Adaptation (5th January), investigating the evolutionary innovations which helped life develop into unique and spectacular form. Evolution(12th January), the concluding episode, explores the fact that no two islands in the Galapagos are the same and we see the final footage of the islands’ world-famous giant tortoise Lonesome George, the last survivor of his species, who sadly died earlier this year. David Attenborough was the last person ever to have filmed with him.
‘It’s only now that the latest developments in camera technology have given us the possibility of filming the full range of wildlife in 3D, and the first place I wanted to put that to the test was the Galapagos,’ says David Attenborough. ‘Galapagos is full of dramas, and it is also full of very, very charismatic animals which, because they’re uniquely unafraid of humans, you can get up close to and film: it’s a natural for 3D.’
‘This was one of the most challenging 3D documentaries ever undertaken,’ added Anthony Geffen, Producer and CEO of Atlantic Productions. ‘It involved working in extremely difficult locations on land, in the air and under the sea using custom built kit. But the resulting 3D allows you to step into the Galapagos as if you are actually there with David Attenborough, experiencing the extraordinary wildlife and discovering the history of these magical islands.”
Since launching Sky 3D in October 2010 Sky has broken new ground across a range of genres, including natural history, live music, the arts, spots and movies. Highlights have included Kingdom of Plants with David Attenborough, a number of summer music festivals, opera and ballet, Kylie Minogue live from the O2, Got to Dance, the 3D TV world premieres of Avatar, Alice in Wonderland and the Toy Story Trilogy as well as more than 150 live sports broadcast spanning a range of domestic and international sports.

Episode 1: Origin
The islands of the Galapagos rose explosively from the ocean four million years ago. Although life would not seem viable in such a remote Pacific outpost, the first arrivals landed as the fires still burned. David Attenborough explores the islands for the animals and plants that descend from these pioneers: from the sea birds carrying the seeds that made a tentative foothold on these rocks, to equator-dwelling penguins and a dancing bird with blue feet.
This is a story of treacherous journeys, life-forms that forged unlikely companionships, and surviving against all odds. It is the story of an evolutionary melting pot in which anything and everything is possible.

Episode 2: Adaptation
Once life arrived in the Galapagos, it exploded into unique and spectacular forms. David Attenborough investigates the driving forces behind such evolutionary innovations. We learn that life must be able to adapt quickly in these ever-changing volcanic landscapes. It has resulted in species found nowhere else in the world, such as giant whale sharks and marine iguanas that can spit sea-salt from their noses, dandelion seeds that grow into tree-sized plants and spiders that can blend perfectly into the darkness.
Adaptation has been the key to survival in these islands so far, but the story of life in the Galapagos doesn’t end here. The catalyst that triggers these explosions of life remains in place.

Episode 3: Evolution
No two islands in the Galapagos are the same. The imperceptible drift of a continental plate keeps each island biologically isolated. David Attenborough explores this evolutionary crucible, encountering tortoises that weigh up to half a tonne, finches that use tools and lizards that communicate using press-ups; for Darwin, this was all evidence for his theory of evolution. We see the final footage of the world famous tortoise fondly known as Lonesome George, the last survivor of his species. David Attenborough was the last person to have ever filmed with him.
Darwin’s famous visit had a downside – the arrival of man. David investigates the impact we’ve had in these islands, as our influence is a double-edged sword. We’ve disrupted the natural balance but he also believes Darwin would be thrilled with the advances we have made in science. We’re also now uncovering evidence that evolution is more rapid than Darwin could ever have imagined. Whatever wonders the Galapagos Islands hold today, they are only a hint of what awaits them in the future.

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Galapagos with David Attenborough 3D (2013)

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Galapagos with David Attenborough 3D (2013)

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Galapagos with David Attenborough 3D (2013)

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