‘Earth’ generates buzz on Earth Day
Earth Day 2009 is here, and with it comes the first release by Disneynature, a new film label by none other than Disney. The company chose to release “Earth” today to commemorate Earth Day. Already the documentary on endangered species is pulling in high ratings from critics.
How ‘Earth’ helps Earth
Besides calling attention to nature and animals, Disney has promised to plant a tree for each person who attends “Earth” on opening weekend. With all the attention this movie has gotten already, it’s sure to pull in big bucks at the box office. Movie and animal lovers will be busting out the credit cards for tickets and popcorn in no time.
Origin of film
Disneynature didn’t need any cash advances or extensive funding for “Earth.” The movie is made from footage cut from the 2007 BBC documentary “Planet Earth.” The film follows three groups of animals — polar bears, humpback whales and elephants — on journeys.
The film features mothers and their babies. Disney could get more bang for its buck with this mother-and-child theme because of quickly approaching Mother’s Day.
Future of Disneynature
Disney’s new nature-focused division plans to release films on oceans, chimpanzees and big cats in the near future. Disneynature actually is somewhat of a throwback to the ’40s and ’50s for Disney. Back then, Disney released several documentaries as the “True-Life Adventure” series.
In recent years, Disney has released several Earth-related and nature-conscious films such as “Wall-E” and “March of the Penguins.”
Similar projects
The film has drawn many comparisons to “March of the Penguins,” which also was a documentary about natural animal journeys. Movie blog “Tapeworthy” says “Earth” is more entertaining than “March of the Penguins.”
“March of the Penguins” focused on a single species, Emeperor Penguins. The documentary chronicled a group of penguin’s yearly trek to their mating grounds.
‘Earth’ epidemic
Parents and elementary schools all over are viewing “Earth” and Earth Day as good teaching moments. One first grade class in Indiana plans to get together outside class to watch the film.
Teacher Stephanie Onieal arranged the optional outing, and she spent the day teaching her students about the animals featured in the film. The students have been conducting research projects for several weeks to gather their own information on global warming and endangered species. Onieal says it’s been “ridiculously fun” for her students.
Box office predictions
“March of the Penguins” pulled in $77.5 million at the box office in the U.S., $127.4 million total. “Earth” has been advertised in trailers as “better than March of the Penguins,” and many online critics appear to agree. Could this be a foreshadowing that “Earth” will do better financially?
The well-timed Earth Day release of “Earth” will no doubt help bring in some extra bucks, as will the tree-planting promise.
This will particularly be great for the kids. Not only will it play out as a great “teaching” tool for the little ones, but it will definitely be a great reminder of God’s beautiful creations. Children need to understand the cycle of life and respect our earth and atmosphere to the fullest extent. The way we conduct our daily lives today will affect tomorrow’s surrounding.
this movie was boring