National Geographic magazine is synonymous with spectacular photography. So it seems natural that National Geographic Home Video’s two newest releases (both $19.98) focus on photography.
One, “America’s Endangered Species: Don’t Say Good-Bye,” follows two photographers on their quest to document the more than 1,000 plants and animals on the government’s growing endangered species list. The other, “The Photographers,” turns the camera around and looks at the men and women who create the magazine’s indelible images — National Geographic’s own photojournalists.
The better of the two offerings, “America’s Endangered Species,” introduces viewers to photographers Susan Middleton and David Liittschwager. The duo left comfortable jobs — he as a fashion photographer, she as a museum artifact photographer — to devote themselves to these imperiled flora and fauna.
Since photographing their first endangered creature in 1986, they have logged hundreds of thousands of miles and visited all 50 states. They take striking formal portraits of their subjects against stark black or white backgrounds.
The hourlong documentary, which aired earlier this year on NBC, pleas for humanity to protect the natural world. Yet, this beautifully filmed show never grows dull or preachy. Narrated by actor James Woods, it presents its points in a series of poignant segments. As the San Francisco-based photographers travel across the country in a converted milk truck, the show introduces viewers to several endangered creatures. We see just how widespread the problem is as the team visits, among others, black-footed ferrets in Wyoming, red wolves in North Carolina and butterflies in California.
Some of the compelling subjects are obvious choices — the majestic bald eagle, for example. Others are unexpectedly dramatic. Take the Presidio manzanita, a seemingly average plant species. Yet it is so rare it grows only in one small spot in the San Francisco area, the film explains. To protect the plant, its exact location is kept secret. Such informative and enlightening stories create a fascinating portrait of America’s endangered wildlife.
– “The Photographers” also has many interesting stories to show and tell. The documentary, which originally aired in 1995 on cable’s TBS on the “National Geographic Explorer” series, introduces viewers to some of the talented individuals who create many of National Geographic’s stunning photos.
Tagging along as the photographers travel to remote locations, the video looks at the triumphs and hardships these men and women experience as they document the world’s people, places and animals.
For example, viewers are taken along with Beverly Joubert, who lives year-round in the African wilderness so she can capture wildlife in action. And it follows National Geographic veteran David Doubilet, who spends about 100 days a year under water shooting marine life for the magazine.
“The Photographers” educates its audience about a variety of photographic styles — adventure, portrait, wildlife. It also addresses some interesting questions — What makes a good photograph? What does it feel like to have your work appear on the cover of National Geographic?
Yet, in several cases the show leaves some gaping holes. Although it wants viewers to get to know these people, it leaves out many important details. It tells us, for example, that this intense job requires that the globe-trotting photographers often must be separated from family for months at a time. But who exactly are these loved ones? Spouses? Children?
And it never addresses how these photographers made it to the top of their profession. Although the video clearly makes their jobs seem glamorous and desirable, it never offers viewers any clue on what it takes — beyond incredible talent — to become a photographer for National Geographic.
Still, the compelling snapshots we do get of the photographers’ lives is enough to make this video worthwhile.
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“America’s Endangered Species: Don’t Say Good-Bye” (star) (star) (star) (star)
“The Photographers” (star) (star) (star)
