Nature (1982)
Consistently stunning documentaries transport viewers to far-flung locations ranging from the torrid African plains to the chilly splendours of icy Antarctica. The show's primary focus is on animals and ecosystems around the world. A comic book based on the show, meant to be used an as educational tool for kids, was briefly distributed to museums and schools at no cost in the mid-2000s.
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Episode 1 - In the Lion's Den with Anthony Hopkins
Release Date: 1994-10-02Following Anthony Hopkins to Tanzania to study lions. Included: an encounter with Masai warriors; the lioness's role in the hunt; footage of zebras and wildebeests.
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Episode 2 - Pandas of the Sleeping Dragon
Release Date: 1994-10-09This installment of PBS's multi-award winning Nature series delves into the life and history of the highly endangered giant panda. Nature: Pandas of the Sleeping Dragon studies the habits and habitats of the giant panda throughout China's Sleeping Dragon Mountains.
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Episode 3 - Warts and All
Release Date: 1994-11-06"Warts and All" follows three generations of a wart-hog family over the course of a year. Observed: attacks by hyenas, leopards and flamingos; how wart-hog males fend for themselves from an early age.
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Episode 4 - Nomads of the Wind: The Faraway Heaven
Release Date: 1994-11-20The first programme in a five part series that combines wildlife footage with drama and documentary in exploring the fundamental relationship between man and nature across the Pacific Ocean. Explores the islands of Tahiti and Marquesas, which were settled some 2000 years ago by Polynesian seafarers.
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Episode 5 - Nomads of the Wind: Crossroads of the Pacific
Release Date: 1994-11-20 -
Episode 6 - Nomads of the Wind: Burning Their Boats
Release Date: 1994-11-21 -
Episode 7 - Nomads of the Wind: Distant Horizons
Release Date: 1994-11-21 -
Episode 8 - Nomads of the Wind: The Pierced Sky
Release Date: 1994-11-22 -
Episode 9 - Fire Bird
Release Date: 1995-01-08Following the flamingo as it searches for places to feed and breed in East Africa's Great Rift Valley. Observed: flamingos feeding on algae, dancing and attempting to escape predators.
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Episode 10 - Creatures in Crime
Release Date: 1995-02-05Following the work of forensic experts who use plants, insects and animals to help solve police cases. Included: how seeds on a blanket placed a rape suspect at a crime scene; how fly eggs helped police identify a serial killer.
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Episode 11 - Tigers with Bob Hoskins
Release Date: 1995-02-26Bob Hoskins travels through Sumatra, India and Nepal to learn about wild tigers.
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Episode 12 - Ghost Bear
Release Date: 1995-03-05Following a rare ghost bear, a black bear with all-white fur, as it hones survival skills on an island off the western coast of Canada. Included: salmon migration; preparations for hibernation; black gray wolves; killer whales.
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Episode 13 - Born to Run
Release Date: 1995-05-21Following a herd of Thomson's gazelles, a species that uses swift, “life-saving legs” to survive attacks by predators on Africa's Serengeti Plains. Included: their flight from cheetahs (their “greatest enemy”), jackals and hyenas; how “Tommies” travel in herds.
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Episode 14 - New Guinea: Island Invaders
Release Date: 1995-07-23"New Guinea: Island Invaders" explores the island, located north of Australia in the East Indies. Examined: the land bridge which enabled animals from Australia to cross over to New Guinea. Also: the marine crocodile
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Episode 15 - New Guinea: Other Worlds
Release Date: 1995-07-30"New Guinea: Other Worlds" explores the island's remote interior, home to the bird of paradise, which natives believe to have spiritual powers. Also: how gold prospectors came to the interior and were surprised to encounter people exclusively using stone-age tools.