Television Review: Up Close and Dangerous
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this wildlife show features
potentially frightening stories about dangerous encounters with
wildlife, as told by the filmmakers who survived them. Film
footage accompanies the tales, and although the actual attacks
aren't usually shown (if they are, they only show the victim
being banged around a bit), there are some intimidating shots
of charging animals, gaping jaws, and menacing teeth. This
definitely isn't one for young viewers, and parents will
probably find themselves explaining a lot of animal behavior to
grade schoolers (as well as reminding them never to approach
wild animals or domesticated animals without the owner's
say-so).
Families can talk about wildlife behavior. How do animals
defend themselves? How do they defend their families and
territories? How do filmmakers safely enter the animals'
habitats to observe them? What can you learn from their
stories? Why is it important to understand animal behavior? Why
shouldn't you approach wild animals?
UP CLOSE AND DANGEROUS compiles the survival stories of wildlife filmmakers whose work has brought them face-to-face with some of the world's fiercest animals. Acclaimed camera wielders like Alex Willis (pictured), Gordon Buchanan, and Scott Cassell tell amazing tales of narrow escapes from wildlife attacks by predators on land and under water, with accompanying film footage adding to their stories' drama. Episodes have featured encounters with hippos, sharks, sperm whales, and sloth bears, but despite the harrowing encounters they describe, the filmmakers are quick to remind viewers that the animals are never to blame for defending their homes and families. Up Close and Dangerous also shares the filmmakers' tricks of the trade in getting close to dangerous animals, including cameras encased in remote-controlled cars, or how one videopgrapher hid himself inside a steel drum disguised as a log.
Frightening tales and sometimes-aggressive wildlife scenes rule out this show for viewers too little to understand basic animal behavior, but its educational value makes it a good family viewing choice for young tweens and up. Parents will want to reiterate the show's overriding message of respect for wildlife and remind their kids of the danger of approaching any strange animal.
The Jeff Corwin ExperienceThe Crocodile Hunter
Wild Kingdom
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