A story that’s been told countless times is now on Netflix. “The Dinosaurs,” a four-part series created by Steven Spielberg, and narrated by Morgan Freeman, depicts the beginning to the end of the dinosaurs’ reign on Earth. With Freeman’s soothing narration and advanced computer-generated imagery (CGI), the series brings the long-lost world of dinosaurs to life in a new and cinematic way.
“The Dinosaurs” takes a fun approach to a very academic topic. The imagery provided prompts viewers to imagine themselves walking amongst the monsters. From the Triassic to the Cretaceous period, the show displays the triumph that dinosaurs achieved and their eventual devastating extinction.
What makes the adaptation of such a familiar topic special is the visuals. The advanced CGI makes the dinosaurs come to life, as if viewers could observe their everyday movements right in front of them. With no use of artificial intelligence (AI), the hyperrealistic cinematography is mesmerizing.
Freeman’s narration, accompanied by the visuals, honors the art of the series by creating a modern and improved image of the dinosaurs. Each line is delivered in a way that is simple and easy to understand, shortening even the complex topics like evolution and extinction. Additionally, there is the volume and tone in Freeman’s soothing voice that makes the cinematic experience magical.
Let us not, however, forget the name Spielberg, as his directorial essence comes through quite obviously throughout the show. Known for intense and emotional dramas, he brings that same style to “The Dinosaurs.” Spielberg goes into detail about how the dinosaurs fought with one another, and the true grit that it took to survive. Spoiler alert, being a prehistoric animal was not easy, but did it need to be the main point made?
Most importantly, this series has created empathy for the dinosaurs. In the final sequence, the documentary shows the dinosaurs slowly dying off from the asteroid that caused their eventual extinction. As a Tyrannosaurus rex (T-Rex) falls sideways and its eyes slowly close, you cannot help but feel bad for these animals. Spielberg’s directorial touch has brought a newfound empathy for animals that have long been considered monstrous.
“The Dinosaurs” is a great cinematic achievement that blends education and entertainment. Viewers leave with a new set of knowledge about the planet we inhabit. The CGI is stunning, displaying details you truly did not know were something, opening one’s mind to see how these creatures operate. It adds a taste of hyper-realism where viewers really gauge how our Earth once was. However, because such a common story has been told so many times before, it is hard to identify what makes this adaptation unique. The story of the dinosaurs has been told repeatedly, and you could not help but get a little bored watching a plot we have been learning since our formative years. With no specific angle, it is hard to understand what makes this story different from the many others about dinosaurs.
Overall Rating: 4/5
