Disney's Earth

With all the focus on the planet and recycling and “going green,” Disney’s new feature-length documentary found release at the perfect time. Debuting in theaters on Earth Day of this year, Disney also vowed to plant a tree in the rain forest for every ticket sold during its first week of release, which added up to 2.7 million trees.

James Earl Jones narrates the film version of the television series “Planet Earth,” which follows the migration patterns of polar bears, elephants and humpback whales.

Though staying true to its family friendly rating, “Earth” also does not pretend these animals aren’t in danger of their survival every day. The polar bears might not find food before the ice melts and halts their travel. The elephants might not make it through dust storms to the water days and days away. The humpback whales might lose their path and fall into the treacherous direction of a sharp-toothed shark.

Jones’s narration is soothing and haunting, depending on the scene he’s discussing, making the voice of both Darth Vadar and Mufasa from “The Lion King” the perfect choice. When the animals are finding nourishment or bonding in a playful way, Jones provides a comforting storyline, but when the animals are becoming desperate or in danger, his voice lends itself to a telling and foreboding tone.

It’s hard not to yearn for a picture-perfect Disney ending for all of the animals seen in the film, but such a thing is just not realistic due to the (pardon the Disney pun) circle of life. Children will have questions after seeing animals being hunted and hunting each other and adults will feel a pull at their heartstrings for the parents unable to provide for their young during the long migration months.

“Earth” is not all death and destruction though as some species thrive and prove to better themselves against all odds. The moral of the story is to not take these lives for granted and begin better treating the world we share with them. That message is clearly projected and felt throughout the 90-minute feature.

Written by: Mandy Rodgers

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