Life From Above

Life from Above is a breathtaking documentary series aired on PBS in 2019 that takes viewers on an extraordinary visual journey exploring the earth from an entirely new perspective. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, this four-part series captures the globe from a bird’s-eye view, presenting our home planet in a way that we have never seen before. It provides rare insights into the wonders of our world, reinforcing the delicate balance of life on earth.

Each episode of this gripping show is expertly crafted, combining high-resolution aerial imagery from satellites with extensive footage shot from drones, helicopters, and cameras attached to birds' backs. This outstanding footage offers a panoramic vista of the landscapes and patterns of human and natural life, from a global perspective all the way down to detail that would be missed from the ground level.

The first episode, "Moving Planet," captures the planet's perpetual motion. It reveals the awe-inspiring ways life operates by zooming in on minute phenomena, such as wildebeests charging through the Serengeti, to massive events like ice cascading from a glacier. It shows how different life forms, even continents, are interconnected and always in motion.

The episodes that follow, "Colorful Planet," "Patterned Planet," and "Changing Planet," continue the remarkable experience, each handling a different theme. Colors are splashed across the screen in a dazzling display, as the series highlights the strikingly vivid hues of our planet – from the electric blues of a morpho butterfly's wings in the Amazon to the radiant reds of China's crimson beach.

Meanwhile, "Patterned Planet" focuses on the fascinating patterns appearing in nature and human life, revealing a rich and diverse tapestry that exists from the formation of palm oil plantations to the synchronized movement of starling murmurations.

The final episode, "Changing Planet," takes a serious look at how our earth is evolving. It delves into the factors underpinning these changes, accentuating the impact of human activities, and climate change on life and our face-bending landscapes. The series does not shy away from showing how our actions are progressively transforming our beautiful blue planet, instead promoting a sense of urgency and a call to protect our home.

One of the standout features of Life from Above is how it creatively employs technology to showcase the beauty of life. Satellite footage is used to show, in accelerated motion, day turning into night and the shifting of the seasons — spring spreading across a continent, or the blossoming of a coral reef — with an immediacy and grandeur that ground-based footage could not achieve.

Life from Above is visually stunning, but it's more than just a pretty picture. It is informative and educational, leveraging global consulting experts throughout the series who share their unique insights and context. These include geologists, environmental scientists, meteorologists, and more. They help the audience comprehend the grandeur and complexity of this planet, its systems, and how all forms of life are interconnected.

Moreover, the underlying message of the series extends beyond showcasing the wonders of the world. It underscores the importance of preserving and respecting our planet. It subtly yet powerfully conveys the mutual interdependence between humankind and nature, emphasizing the need to strike a balance for the survival of both.

The show’s narration, delivered by the accomplished actor and writer, Chiwetel Ejiofor, combines expert knowledge and an empathetic tone, adding further depth and resonance to the breathtaking imagery. His voice accompanies the viewers through each scene, sparking curiosity and amplifying the emotional impact of each episode.

To sum up, Life from Above escapes the bounds of conventional documentaries. It represents a unique fusion of art, technology, and nature. Whether it’s the ever-shifting shapes in the Okavango Delta or bustling human activity in mega cities, the extraordinary views are sure to entertain, educate, and inspire awe. It is an invitation to rediscover the world we live in, celebrate its incredible beauty, appreciate its intricate patterns, and reflect upon our responsibility to protect it.