This 2-disc collection celebrates the animals who play an important role in the myth, legend and folklore of diverse peoples and cultures, from the Inuit to the Aborigines.
LENGTH: 156 Minutes
MSRP: $39.95
CATALOG #: 20300
UPC #: 6-4603203009-9
ISBN #: 1-56839-250-8
RELEASE YEAR: 2005
PRODUCER: Gruppe 5 Filmproduktion
The sea monster, the unicorn and the vampire are not merely creature of fantasy; they all have their origins in real, living animals.
The highest quality animal behavior footage is combined with amusing tales recounted by natives from all over the world. State of the art graphics and dramatized re-enactment give powerful and realistic insight into the relationship between animals and the people they live among.
Disc 1:
Champion of the Prairie – The Bison
The bison were everything to the Native Americans of the plains. Not only were they a source of food and clothing, they were an important part of their spirituality.
Mermaids and Sirens — The Sea Cow
Gentle creatures that swim leisurely through warm, clear waters, Sea Cows were often mistaken for sirens, mermaids, and water spirits, which created countless myths about them.
Sacred Bird of the Maya – The Quetzal
The red markings on the Quetzal represents their slain king who died valiantly trying to save his people.
Disc 2:
Jaws of Fire – The Komodo Dragon
On ancient maps at the edge of the world was printed a warning…go no further for here is the home of the dragons. Many travelers have been killed by the Komodo dragon yet natives of Komodo Island coexist with these giant lizards.
Man of the Forest – The Orangutan
The legend of the Orangutan tells of one young man too perfect for this world and his grandmother who tries to save him by giving him a coat of red hair that transforms him into the man of the forest.
Monster of the Deep – The Giant Octopus
In the foggy waters of the Pacific Northwest lurks a beast of mythical proportions. On the coast tales are told of men and ships lost to an eight-legged monster – The Octopus.
Reviews
“Viewers will see fascinating footage . . . While the content is consistently interesting, it’s the photography that really steals the show here . . . Recommended. Three Stars.” – Video Librarian“Extraordinary videography of bison, sea cows, giant octopus, Komodo dragons, orangutan, and the Quetzal bird in their natural habitats are a delight to viewers… Patrick Galligan superbly narrates the excellent, well-researched script off-screen, accompanied by well-chosen background music and sounds. The stunning scenery and animal footage are expertly mixed with stills of museum artwork. Each animal showcased is shown in its stunning natural habitat… This series is an excellent purchase for school curriculums and for public libraries.” – School Library Journal
