Hebrides - Islands on the Edge [DVD]

To give some sense of context, these islands are close to home territory and are the source of much pleasure to this photographer, now 'retired' and living on the west coast of Scotland.This 4 part series provides a year's view of three groups of the Hebrides Islands. Each episode lasts for about one hour and offers superb photography, sympathetic script and a very fair and understanding introduction to the wildlife and nature of these islands 'on the edge.'Episode one focuses on the southern islands of Islay, Jura, Colonsay and Oronsay. Episode two concentrates on Mull, Coll and Tiree. Episode three focuses on the more distant islands of Uist, Lewis, Harris, Benbecula and Barra leaving Episode four to complete the series by considering the future prospects of the Hebrides from the joint perspectives of the wildlife and the humans.This is a very sensible and effective way of introducing viewers to the variety of wildlife, scenery and the challenges faced by all choosing to live on these islands.Ewan McGregor clearly communicates his personal interest in the subject, as he did in the companion series Highlands-Scotland's Wild Heart, and this makes a positive impact rather than just listening to someone reading a script that is not of real interest to them.As commented earlier. this series makes a very impressive introduction to this unique world of the Hebrides and may well encourage viewers to investigate further, and even visit the islands themselves. Those wanting greater depth may find that this series does not attempt to emulate David Attenborough in those ways but the photographic achievements are really superb and are a sufficient justification themselves for owning this set.One quibble needs to be mentioned though, and this will be a matter of personal taste. The quibble concerns the constant background music, even swelling in climatic excitement, when the viewer is encouraged to appreciate the sounds of the calling geese for example. No chance! Perpetual background, middle ground and foreground lyrical but tuneless music now seems an obligatory feature of documentary films, even those wishing the viewer to hear the sounds of nature as here.Regardless of that however, this 4 part series offers a superb and well thought-through introduction to the Hebrides, the unique Islands on Scotland's edge.

Beautifully narrated. I am a Scot (Lowland) & have spent more than a few vacations on Scotland's west coast and Inner Hebrides. All of the scenery was very familiar to me and a lot of the wildlife. Enjoyed watching it to bring back memories(as now living in England) but somehow or other expected more. Nonetheless for those who have not visited Scotland, worth time watching this docu.

Liked every minute.Stunning filming with material throughout the year and breathtaking aerial pictures. Amazing material of the animals that are renowned in the isles and make many people go there every year. Not losing the human factor as well and touching on the human - nature interaction of today.Highly recommended and simply PERFECT!!!

This series is excellently filmed of both the wildlife and scenery of these remote islands that brought back some happy memories of the time that I have spent touring them. Despite the over dramatic narration, these programmes are very informative as to both the flora and fauna of this region leaving me at its conclusion wishing there could have been more. The photography was breathtaking and was some of the best that I have seen on any wildlife documentary. There is a very good balance in these programmes between the animals, birds, natural resources and human population that is satisfying. I recommend this to those interested in a very interesting part of Britain..

I really liked it. The quality is very good and I like less informative and more narrative style of story telling in this series. Also Evan does a great job at telling the story. A must have as it brings a breath of fresh air to nature documentaries out there.

Stunning photography that shows a side of the Islands that is rarely seen. It was particularly good to see the Islands at all times of the year, from the depths of winter, through autumn, the height of summer, as well as spring. Each season of the year having their own special challenges for the wild life that lives on the islands. Ewen McGregor's good narration is an added bonus. Well worth watching.

This is an excellent 236 min REGION B/2 BLU-RAY that is very interesting, informative and superbly narrated by Ewan McGregor. This documentary with all the wildlife, scenery, magical islands and shot in breathtaking HD is one of the best I have seen.I would highly recommend this Blu-ray.

This four part documentary covers the yearly cycle of life in the Hebrides on both land, water and in the sea with excellent photography. The documentary also shows human interaction with the wildlife and both it's adverse and good sides. Whilst the episodes are just numbered 1 to 4 in fact they can be summarised as follows Episode 1 Autumn; Episode 2 Winter / Spring; Episode 3 Summer and Episode 4 People of the Hebrides.