Journey through the awe-inspiring Nordic wilderness in a documentary that brings together all three episodes in a single feature-length video, unveiling the untamed beauty and surprising contrasts of northern Europe. From the icy remoteness of the Svalbard archipelago to the snowy vastness of Lapland and the tense frontier with Russia, the story unfolds across a dramatic landscape shaped by nature and history. Explore the fjords of Norway and the volcanic extremes of Iceland, before heading south to Sweden and Denmark, where behind the smiles and prosperity lie unexpected and shocking truths. This series offers not just breathtaking views, but deep insight into what makes these societies both fascinating and fragile.
An extraordinary journey to the top of the world, the documentary adventure tells the ultimate tale of survival. The film takes audiences on a never-before-experienced journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her twin seven-month-old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Captivating, adventurous and intimate footage brings moviegoers up close and personal with this family's struggle to survive in a frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, and majestic snow-bound peaks.
In Antarctica, one the most sophisticated hunting behaviours in the animal kingdom takes place – killer whales creating waves to wash seals off pieces of floating ice. A team of scientists and filmmakers travel heads to these freezing waters to find out more about these unique animals and how they do it. But their mission is not just to deepen our understanding of this extraordinary hunting behaviour. The team are also intent on learning more about the secret – and more tender side – of the lives of these killer whales.
For decades, scientists have sought to unlock the secrets of ancient DNA, a fragile genetic blueprint that rarely survives millions of years. Danish biologist Eske Willerslev had a groundbreaking idea: instead of searching for DNA in fossils or ancient tissues, he looked to frozen sediment. Initially dismissed as impossible, his work led to the recovery of genetic traces from over two million years ago, revealing lush ecosystems that existed before the Ice Age. These discoveries offer unprecedented insights into long-extinct species that thrived in warm, verdant Arctic landscapes.
Willerslev’s perseverance revolutionized DNA research, enabling scientists to reconstruct vanished ecosystems and uncover the genetic secrets of ancient worlds. By examining the DNA of past climates, researchers are paving the way to better understand Earth's deep history and adapt to current environmental challenges. This landmark breakthrough demonstrates that ancient DNA acts as a "time machine," allowing humanity to explore its distant past and draw lessons for the future.
Sir David Attenborough reveals how Mammals have conquered the Earth, uncovering the secrets to their success with their winning design, incredible adaptability, unrivalled intelligence, and unique sociability. 66 million years ago, when the reign of the dinosaurs came to an end, mammals were set free to exploit every corner of the planet. Mammals reveals the strategies, behaviours and traits that lie behind the astonishing success of this remarkable group of animals. Above all, the series celebrates the amazing intelligence that enables mammals to learn, remember, problem-solve, parent, and co-operate. Experience the complete six-episode series in a single video, showcasing how mammals have adapted to thrive in every major environment on Earth. They inhabit every ocean and continent, from frozen wildernesses and dense jungles to baking deserts, the dark depths of the ocean, and even the skies above our forests.
In 1915, the ship Endurance sank near Antarctica. Explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew miraculously survived. In 2022, the ship was discovered, some 3000m beneath the water’s surface. Documenting contemporary polar explorers and drawing on original expedition footage preserved and restored by the BFI National Archive, Endurance is an inspiring celebration of scientific curiosity and the indefatigable human spirit of discovery. Maritime Heritage Trust locates Shackleton's shipwrecked Endurance near Antarctica. Shackleton and 27 crew survive incredible journey to South Georgia to seek rescue after ship sinks, showcasing human resilience against all odds.
This series offers not just breathtaking views, but deep insight into what makes these societies both fascinating and fragile.