Nature:Chimpanzees

Starring:George Page
Director: Bruce Reitherman, Nigel Cole
Studio: Questar, Inc
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Did you know that chimpanzees and humans have 98 percent of their DNA in common? You will after watching this absorbing 75-minute (including extras) documentary, featuring and partially narrated by renowned researcher Jane Goodall, who's been on the chimps' case for more than four decades. We see these African apes on the ground and in trees, playing, grooming, teaching, even killing one another. The scenes of them "fishing" for termites and ants using a stick for a pole make for extraordinary viewing; indeed, the film's principal message is that they and we are very much alike. And while the small screen can't capture the full majesty of what began as an IMAX film, one can sense the almost palpable three-dimensionality of the original. The DVD is also loaded with bonus features, including a 15-minute behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process and more. This is great stuff. --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews:

chimpanzees and humans have 98 percent of their DNA in common? .......2006-11-14

buy this dvd so show how ignorant some people in claiming this is where we came from, that these are our ancestors, and that humans made up religion and taught themselves how to pray. No? if there is a spirit in animals then why don't any ANY of them the world over make any idols to worship or pray? Some people says religion is why we have so many wars and killings, oh but wait, it says in the main review above that Chimps kill each other, too! And also add to it that they have a dominate male in every clan and that females are always are treated as not equals and ALL of them are submissive to the males, all of them, not some of them, all of them. Never has it been recorded and or filmed of any chimp/ape clan of a dominate female leader OR, and this is just as important, any recording/filmed/observed, any female even trying to take the leadership role in the group. What does this have to do with they don't pray or worship idols made of sticks? The answer is here, don't have a knee jerk reaction to what I am saying, just take your time and think about it. Think

Also, is "Man" responsible for the demise of the chimps, and all the other wild animals of the world? Especially the last 100 years or so? Yes.

So then if Man is smarter and more evolved than chimps/Apes, animals, then why is Man destroying the planet and the animals?

Think

Why dont animals have any family reunions? not only so most males are kicked out of many "packs" as soon as they are mature enough, to go on and find other females, this is "natures way" to prevent interbreeding.

But "who" set up this "natures way" of "Families" of animals?

Think.

And surely if you think a little you can deduce that all this didnt just "happen" out of the ground, but that its all "made" this way
The Evolution of Violence

It turns out human beings aren't so unique after all. Conventional wisdom once held that humans were the only animals that could make and use tools. Then, researchers discovered that some of our closest relatives, such as chimpanzees and some monkeys, made and used tools too.

Now it turns out that chimps and humans have something else in common: the capacity to kill, and not just for food. In the 1970s, primate researchers shocked many people with the news that chimpanzees hunted and killed colobus monkeys. Then came even more stunning news: Chimps killed, and sometimes ate, their own kind too.

Today, many scientists believe the hunts are a form of organized violence that plays an important role in chimp culture. One of the researchers studying these seemingly ritualized hunts is David Watts, a primatologist and anthropologist at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, who is featured in NATURE's DEEP JUNGLE: THE BEAST WITHIN. NATURE recently spoke with Watts about his studies.

How did you get involved in studying chimp violence?

I got into it because I am interested in human evolution and how our behaviors evolved. I first worked with mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Then, [at the suggestion of another scientist,] in the summer of 1993 I went for the first time to study chimps at Ngogo, in Uganda's Kibale National Park. It has one of the biggest known chimp communities in the world, now 140 to 150 animals, and they appear to be in the midst of a baby boom! It's possible we will have 19 births this year, so it turns out to be a fantastic place to observe chimp behavior.

What have you seen?

Well, one of the most fascinating behaviors is chimpanzee hunting. It's incredible to follow a group of chimps and watch them catch colobus monkeys and just go to work on them, sharing the meat. We've also observed groups of male chimps going on patrol and being pretty nasty to their neighbors. Since we've been there, we've documented chimps killing at least seven infant chimps, four adult males, and one juvenile chimp. Other times, they have beaten up females pretty badly.

Why do they do it?

It appears to be a regular part of chimp behavior, although it can vary from population to population and habitat to habitat. And like other forms of aggression, they use it tactically. For instance, we might be following a group of males, and they will switch into what we call patrol mode. They'll go silent, which is unusual for chimps, and just look and listen. When they hear neighboring chimps, they respond in a pretty predictable way. If there are just a few chimps in the group, for instance, they'll quietly move back toward the center of their own territory. If it's a big group, they'll respond vocally and listen to the responses. If they decide they are evenly matched, that can lead to major aggression. They'll chase down, surround, and attack rivals. Sometimes they kill them.

Do they eat the meat?

Chimps that are successful hunters may be eating more meat than some Ugandans. But they don't eat adult chimps, although they will cannibalize the infants. [And even when the prey is a monkey], often chimps don't eat much of the meat. That raises the question of whether the hunts have more important social significance. For instance, we've seen active meat sharing among coalitions of the chimpanzees. If one chimp has a big hunk of meat, and another chimp comes along, [the first chimp] may put a piece of meat into their hand. So it may be a way to build relationships.

Too Preachy.......2003-07-21

Pretty good primate documentary. Cool parts include black and white footage of a young Jane Goodall interacting with the same chimps she visits now. [Weak] parts include the obligatory guilt-inducing checkbook-opening "don't let us go extinct" chapter at the end. Complete with Goodall lecturing a racially mixed class of schoolchildren about conservation. I'm not against racially mixed classes of schoolchildren, and I'm not against saving the apes, but I watch movies to escape rather than be reminded of reality.

There are lots and lots of cute chimps playing (with a really cool baboon/chimp playing together section), but not too much in the way of science. This may be what you want, of course.

Knowledge+Understanding=Caring.......2003-06-12

What a tribute to Dr. Jane's work and the "kindred souls" she is deparately seeking to save from extinction. This IMAX edition captures the "soul" of both Dr Jane and the wild chimpanzees and will surely capture the hearts of all viewers (of any age). Sound and picture are breathtaking and will bring Gombe into your den or living room. But there is something even more important....
Now do two things (1) get this DVD right away and share it with your family, friends, students etc. and then (2) contact the Jane Goodall Institute (Roots & Shoots for the little ones in your life) and help save this species "So Like Us" for our children and their children's children.

Fabulous Production, Important Subject!.......2003-03-01

A hundred years ago chimpanzies numbered between 1,000,000 and 2,000,000 in 25 African countries. Now "there are no more than 150,000 left," according to Dr. Jane Goodall.

This shocking fact underlies David Lickley's IMAX documentary about Jane Goodall and her groundbreaking research. Her remarkable 43-year career (and counting!) studying the wild chimps at Gombe National Park in Tanzania has led to several important discoveries, causing Science (capital S) to have to redefine what separates Mankind from the other animals. Goodall's own quiet tenacity has been tested as she must now spend most of her time advocating for the very survival of man's closest living relative.

The ultra-high-definition IMAX format provides a gorgeous transfer to DVD format, in both sound and image. Close-up images of the individuals at Gombe, as well as panoramic recordings of the sounds of the rainforest, make this a treat for the eyes and ears. Goodall herself does nearly all of the narration. South African musician Johnny Clegg provides several songs which integrate seamlessly into Amin Bhatia's orchestral score. Mini-featurettes on the DVD describe the difficulty of filming the notoriously-shy chimpanzies in remote Africa with the bulky IMAX cameras -- which can shoot for only 3-minutes at a time. Another featurette describes the recording of the music, including lots of rare shots of Clegg in the studio. Lickley's DVD commentary provides a ton of additional information missing from the original IMAX production.

Description

Learn more about these creatures from the wild, who really aren't that different from us! Program 1: Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees - Jane Goodall provides privileged access to an absorbing family saga in the wilds of Tanzania. Observe the family's complex day-to-day life through intimate communications and relationships. Program 2: Monkey in the Mirror - Chimps and primates use tools, language, politics and even culture. How does their intelligence compare to our own? This program investigates the answers in both the laboratory and the wild.

Nature - Never Looked So Good Set (Pandas/Bears/Dogs/Horses/Chimpanzees/Birds)

Average customer rating:

Amazing Show
AWESOME SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Outstanding Value - Nature Films

Nature - Never Looked So Good Set (Pandas/Bears/Dogs/Horses/Chimpanzees/Birds)
Starring: George Page
Director: Bruce Reitherman , and Nigel Cole
Manufacturer: Questar
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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Nature: Extraordinary Animal Behavior
Nature - Birds
Nature: Antarctica
Nature: Animals Gone Wild
Nature - Reptiles

ASIN: B0001MMGVI
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Description

More than 11 wildly exciting hours of the world's most beloved and bizarre animals are included in this fascinating and fun award-winning collection. Observe Jane Goodall and her chimpanzees, Julia Roberts on horseback in Mongolia, hosts John Ritter and Matthew Modine and much more! DISC 1: Pandas - Program 1: Pandas of the Sleeping Dragon - The giant panda has lumbered into the hearts of people across the globe. Experience the habits and habitat of this endangered species in China's mountains of the Sleeping Dragon. Program 2: The Panda Baby - Witness the efforts of the San Diego Zoo to breed and successfully raise a panda in captivity. Actor Matthew Modine narrates this tale of bringing up baby, and raises the hopes and fears for the future of all endangered species. DISC 2: Bears - Program 1: Showdown at Grizzly River - Following the comfortable six-month hibernation taken by the grizzly, the hunt is now on for salmon. The competition for food is fierce. This natural story of breathtaking beauty offers an insightful look at the giants. Program 2: Walking With Giants - When two naturalists head north to Siberia's Kamchatka Peninsula to prove the naturally predatorial grizzly isn't instinctively hostile, they become unexpected foster parents to three orphaned cubs. DISC 3: Dogs - Program 1: Extraordinary Dogs - Through amazing and emotional stories about dogs and their special bonds with humans, witness some of the extraordinary things canines do as our companions, protectors, and assistants. Program 2: Dogs: The Early Years - Narrated by John Ritter, this playful and practical look at the irresistibly adorable stage of a young dog's life profiles different breeds and their owners, and provides advice on choosing the right puppy for you. DISC 4: Horses - Program 1: Horse and Rider - Saddle up and settle in for a hard-charging ride into the fascinating relationship between horse and rider, one of the greatest examples of animal-human cooperation. Program 2: Wild Horses of Mongolia With Julia Roberts - Julia Roberts provides us with rare and privileged looks at not only wild horses, but also the eastern cowboy culture they continue to drive. DISC 5: Chimpanzees - Program 1: Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees - Jane Goodall provides access to an absorbing family saga in the wilds of Tanzania. Observe the family's day-to-day life through complex communications and intimate relationships. Program 2: Monkey in the Mirror - Chimps and primates use tools, language, politics, and even their own culture. How does their intelligence compare to our own? This program investigates the answers in both the laboratory and the wild. DISC 6: Birds - Program 1: Extraordinary Birds - Stunning photography takes flight to capture the wondrous behavior of the world's most extraordinary birds. Follow the warlike falcon hunting for prey, a storm of wild birds who bring a monsoon to an Indian reservation, the 5,000-mile commute of a tiny hummingbird, and more! Program 2: Parrots: Look Who's Talking - This fun, visually rich program profiles a bird of magnificent color, both in plumage and in personality. Adoring owners talk about their parrots, including one who loves opera and another who dunks cookies on demand.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Show.......2006-09-12

Well Ive always wanted to have this dvd of nature.Theres allot of episodes.12 to be exact.Pandas of the sleeping dragon,The Panda Baby,Showdown at grizzly river, Walking with giants,Extroadinary dogs,The early years,Horse and rider,Wild horses of mongolia wit julia roberts,Janes goodalls wild chimpanzees,Monkey in the mirror,Extroadinary bears,Parrots look whoes talking.12 episodes.Im not going to tell the descriptions because that would ruin it for you.But its good qaulity.And the panda episodes are really cute.The first episode there shooting the pandas in the wild.Not in a zoo like lots of films.The second ones really cute to.To tell the truth ive only watched 2 episodes.But ive seen the show before.I had 6 episodes on tape but now I get them on dvd.Im going to try to buy the most possible I can buy.So I highly reccomend nature never look so good set.

AWESOME SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-09-10

It is really awesome and cute.Just wathing the first episode made me love it.awesome qaulity.And its been my favorite show for a few years.Ive recorded it and im trying to bye the most possible I can buy.So I highly reccomen Nature dvd.I think every body would like it.

Outstanding Value - Nature Films.......2005-03-05

The individual films have been reviewed elsewhere. Outstanding value in case you are interested in twelve high quality films from the nature series [total of 11 hours]. The dvd with "Monkey in the Mirror" and "Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees" are worth the price alone. The other films are simply a bonus. Sooooo....if you like nature films you cannot go wrong. The only (minor) drawback is that the films are focused only on vertebrates (chimpanzees/monkeys, horses, pandas, bears, dogs and birds). However, they are highly recommended! I hope to see more of these collections in the future. Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Incredible Documentary
Beautiful film, even if the message is obvious.
Heartwarming & Wonderful
the bond between all creatures
LANDMARK

Why Dogs Smile and Chimpanzees Cry
Starring: Sigourney Weaver
Director: Carol L. Fleisher
Manufacturer: Family Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Nature & Wildlife | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

NOVA: Dogs and More Dogs
Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees (Large Format)
Wolves At Our Door
Nature: Dogs
Mountain Gorilla (IMAX)

ASIN: B00004R991
Release Date: 2000-04-11

Amazon.com

Are animals closer to humans on an emotional level than generally has been believed? The many scientists, researchers, wildlife photographers, and other animal experts interviewed in this Discovery Channel video answer with a resounding yes. They make their case in this 93-minute documentary, narrated by actress Sigourney Weaver, with stories of despondent dogs, grieving chimps, and lab rats who laugh when tickled. The first half focuses on happy bonds between mother and child, siblings, and animals and humans. The second half delves into the darker subjects of sadness and grief, offering astounding assertions such as elephants secrete a tearlike substance when upset and search dogs finding only corpses in the Oklahoma City bombing case needed treatment for depression. While the focus is on mammals, mollusks get some air time in the form of octopuses that appear to change color according to their situation. Backing up observations with brain imaging and genetic testing, the scientists--and this film--make a compelling view for any animal lover. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Customer Reviews:

Incredible Documentary.......2006-01-16

This documentary is incredible. As a young, athletic guy, it's a testament to this film's integrity that I actually cried.. numerous times. I've seen it twice; one time on a two-part television series and once after renting it from the library. I cried not once but both times. This movie is an emotional rollercoaster. I'll be smiling and laughing at one moment, crying at the next, and intrigued just minutes later. What a wonderful movie.. that's why I'm now buying it.

Beautiful film, even if the message is obvious........2005-09-30

Despite the fact that I think it's ridiculous to structure a film around the question of whether non-human beings experience emotions (only a species as arrogant and detached from nature as ours could even conceive of such a question), this film was extremely worthwhile. There were some interesting points, for instance: human anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications probably work on dogs because their brains are reasonably similar to ours; and fear is probably "the" universal emotion because it leads to survival-enhancing behavior. The footage on octopi, dogs, sea lions, rhesus monkeys, dolphins, elephants, and wolves, among other species, was beautiful to watch and often incredibly moving. While I'm glad that there is now a body of scientific work on this subject, many of us don't need science to understand that many species experience emotions as we do. Konrad Lorenz, though he was a fine scientist, was probably not relying on research when he said: "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be."

Heartwarming & Wonderful .......2005-03-11

I first saw this documentary on the Discovery Channel. I bought it thinking it would be good to have, being as though I'm preparing for veterinary school. As a student of veterinary science, I am proud to say this is one of the greatest pieces in my collection. The subject of animal behavior has always fascinated me, and this documentary was a delicious helping for my always eager appetite. If you love animals, you will love this. Once you watch it, you will see how closely related humans and animals really are, and you'll understand some of their behaviors better. This documentary has proven helpful in research reports and papers, and is an excellent resource for any project. Go get it!

the bond between all creatures.......2004-01-16

This is a fascinating, and often quite moving documentary showing the emotional kinship between man and his fellow mammals. The film footage is remarkable, starting with the basic emotions that pertain to survival, "fear, aggression, and the urge to procreate", and then moves on to the more subtle feelings of joy, compassion, grief, loyalty, and even depression.
The caring of one another in animal societies is extraordinary, and shows the bonds of friendship between species of primates, meerkats, wolves, and many more.

The section on maternal love is wonderful, with one exceptional segment by wildlife photographer Martyn Colbeck who follows a herd of elephants, and captures the tremendous patience and devotion exhibited towards a recently born calf as he struggles to walk. There are many instances of incredible sacrifice, including the story of a dog who saves a young boy.
It shows how rescue dogs can show signs of depression, and rats who laugh when they are tickled. I love the chimp who is looking at Gourmet Magazine, and points to pictures of pastries and signs "sweet".
As Dr. Roger Fouts of the Chimpanzee Human Communication Institute says, the difference between us and other animals is "one of degree, and not of kind".

Produced, written and directed by Carol Fleisher, and calmly and carefully narrated by Sigourney Weaver, viewing this documentary is time well spent; it is informative as well as entertaining, but parents of young children should realize that though there is plenty of fun and frolic, it is far from being a cute animal film, and there are scenes of violence and tragedy. Total running time is 95 minutes.

LANDMARK.......2003-10-05

This film is a landmark in blending science and advocacy. It seeks to assert that animals lead complex and sophisticated emotional lives, not unlike our own. But it manages to walk the fine line between subjectivity and objectivity. It avoids going too far into the subjective. It doesn't try to emotionally blackmail the viewer with mere cute/stagey displays of animal interaction. Instead it relies heavily on scientific observation in both natural and controlled environments. But by the sheer genious of editing and writing, one cannot help but be drawn into the lives of these noble creatures just as one would a good drama. The movie wisely lets the animals' behavior "do the talking", and doesn't try to push the viewers' judgement one way or the other. It left me rethinking everything I had assumed about animals, emotions, and the nature of our (and by 'our' I mean all of God's creatures) existence.

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