BBC Earth - Hidden India [ 2016 ] Blu-Ray

1. Prequel - the subtitle issue:This Dutch import has caused some viewers a problem with removing subtitles. This cannot be done from an on-screen menu as there isn’t one. However, the player handset has a button called subtitle and this can be pressed to choose your preferred option including ‘off.’ You have to wait for all the preview adverts to finish before the button will work, which it does the moment the film starts.2. Review:This is a three part documentary – Land of Change; Land of Mountains; Land of Rivers – with each section lasting 50 minutes. There are no extras.The voice over is provided in English read by actress Geraldine Jones. Initially she reads the script without the sort of involvement that one has grown to expect from David Attenborough, but fortunately, her delivery becomes less studied and more fluent as she seems to become more involved with the content. This impression of slight detachment is unlikely to detract from enjoyment for viewers.The films themselves seem to be HD quality throughout and can sustain close viewing distance indicative of that quality. The disc is copyrighted as 2015 vintage although three sources of archive material are credited. In reality any differences in quality would be hard to identify.Each program ranges across the whole of India drawing upon numerous examples within the chosen titles. Human involvement is touched upon as examples of the way that Indians feel linked to the animal world. This can be through religious beliefs or sheer practicalities such as sharing agricultural land with snakes such as Cobra. However, regardless of that human connection, the main focus of the films is upon the wildlife of India. A considerable range of wildlife is shown with examples drawn from invertebrate through to vertebrate forms of life.This is an interesting and often engrossing introduction for viewers into the wildlife, and not so wild life, which is found throughout India. It is presented with good quality visuals and informative script and can be warmly welcomed.

Yes, as has already been mentioned, the DVD version has Dutch subtitles, which you can't turn off, if like me, it is played on a DVD player using a computer monitor, if it is played on a tv with a remote controller, you might be able to deactivate the subtitles, but, just as long as viewers are aware, you make your choice accordingly. It seems a huge pity really, as I have obtained a few other Dutch DVD's of recent BBC wildlife and nature programmes, which allow you the option to select the subtitles, or, not, which are excellent, I just can't understand why this one should be any different, especially, as the series was only aired on the BBC in 2015.Anyway, it was worth watching again, having been to India on holiday it reminded me what a vast country it is, from the Himalayas in the north to the Western Ghats, and the plethora of insects, animals and birdlife all over the sub-continent, plenty to keep you interested, the music that accompanied the filming was OK, a tad too noisy for me at times, but, it didn't really detract from the viewing and the narration by Geraldine James was concise and clear, typical of an established actress who has worked in theatre who can project her voice properly to an audience, rather than someone who just mumbles into a studio microphone regularly, she should be chosen more often for these BBC wildlife programmes.

Okay, so I love this documentary, it's great. It made me want to visit!There is one annoying feature about this disc: there is an advert at the start of the disc which lasts a few minutes - unfortunately this is not skippable, nor can you fast-forward through it. Unfortunately you just have to live with it.In regards to the subtitles, you should find that you have the option to disable these using your BluRay player's handset.We have a Panasonic DMP-BDT460: to disable the subtitles click the 'Option' button on the remote, and a menu will open on screen.Find the option for 'Subtitles' and highlight that. Hit the up or down keys to scroll through the drop down list until you find 'off'.Click OK, and then hit the Option button again to remove the menu.You should now have returned to the main show without the subtitles showing! Hopefully something like that will work for you too!

A very good 149 min REGION B/2 DVD that was very interesting, very informative, included some stunning scenery, good photography, if you like wildlife and nature, this is the one for you.I thought some of the stories could have been elaborated on, as they, in my opinion appeared to have been time fillers.The documentary was divided into three episodes lasting approximately fifty minutes each:- 1 Land of Change 2 Land of Mountains 3 Land of Rivers.The DVD although Dutch is English spoken with Dutch subtitles that can be removed by your remote control (subtitle button) as there is no screen menu except for the three documentary episodes.I would recommend this DVD and at the time of writing this review is a good price.

UNBELIEVABLY GOOD! I was a bit hesitant to buy this after reading the negative reviews about the Dutch subtitles, but if they bother anyone that much, just don't turn the subtitles on. the narration is very well done in English. and really I don't see what the big deal is. The film footage is unbelievable and extremely interesting. I would highly recommend this for all nature lovers as well as people that want to view a foreign part of the world!

A good in depth look at India's wildlife, covering several specific areas of India throughout the year. Narrative is low key. Not quite as detailed as "National Geographic's Secrets of Wild India" but close. Does have species not covered by the latter e.g. mountain bees/hornets. Recommended. Yes - the subtitles are irritating but can be ignored.