Planet Earth (US Version) - Pre-release Buzz

[jed]

Can't get enough 'Planet Earth' on High-Def? Now there's a new edition of the groundbreaking series bound for Blu-ray and HD DVD.

The series first hit both next-gen formats back in April from the BBC, featuring the original narration by legendary nature documentarian David Attenborough. That edition went on to break High-Def sales records, generating more revenue than any other HD DVD/Blu-ray release to date.

Now a second version of 'Planet Earth' is hitting both HD DVD and Blu-ray -- the version that was presented in the series' US television run, which replaced Attenborough's narration with the decidedly less British actress/conservationist Sigourney Weaver.

This new version is being released by The Discovery Channel (which aired 'Planet Earth' in the US), although it would seem that the cable network's distribution rights to the series are limited to direct sales.

Full story:
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/768

Disc Details:
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/planetearth_us.html

[eNoize]

I'm holding out on buying the disc set; but now I have a choice between Attenborough and Weaver . . .

[DrMaustus]

Go with Attenborough. No contest. I haven't heard Weaver's commentary, so I suppose I can't fairly compare them, but Attenborough is fantastic in everything I've seen him in.

[Devil N]

I'm wondering why it takes so long before this box set is released in the UK. Either way, I won't be going for the US version. Replacing the voice over by a more 'famous' one is just as must sacrilege as a Japanese anime getting an English dub.

[briandarroch]

I wonder if any of the upcoming HD versions will include Planet Earth - The Future or the behind the scenes that is on the UK DVDs?

[Dogmat]

I already have the BBC set. I think I'll just hang on to that. I don't think hearing Weaver instead is worth another $100, Attenborough already sounds great.

[Arkadin]

Everybody is wondering the same thing. Will more exras be included. If they are (behind the scenes) etc. this will be an expensive double dip. kind of hoping they won't be. don't have $$ for this kind of double dip.

[half-sane]

Originally Posted by Arkadin

Everybody is wondering the same thing. Will more exras be included. If they are (behind the scenes) etc. this will be an expensive double dip. kind of hoping they won't be. don't have $$ for this kind of double dip.

if there are good extras i will sell my current copy to get this one

[Das Koopa]

does anyone know if the bbc version will have a price cut/ i really dont care who is narating ive already seen all the episodes a couple of times with each narator im just waiting for a price cut

[aaronwt]

I like Weaver better but I already have the BBC version.

[hmurchison]

I'll buy Weaver. I saw the broadcast of a few episodes and Weaver does a fine job full stop

[pkremer]

I've seen both versions, and I strongly prefer Attenborough. I find his accent and voice relaxing, which is what Planet Earth does for me. I found Sigourney's narration to be a little lifeless...and lifeless isn't relaxing.

[Arkadin]

Oh I would too, BUT there's no way I would dump Attenborough for space queen. No way!

[Kotatsu Neko]

While I personally can't stand foreign language movies being dubbed into English, I can see why some people might want them that way.

But to dub a series into English, when it already was in ENGLISH.... That's just retarded, and the BBC should never have let it happen. David Attenborough is the best in this field, bar none.

[briandarroch]

On the Discovery Channels Store http://shopping.discovery.com/product-65140.html
it says

Standard version includes:

Behind-the-scenes featurettes on each episode
Bonus disc featuring "The Future" documentary – a three-part companion series revealing the vulnerability of the natural history of earth.

I'm guessing that Standard version means non-HD