REVIEW: Attenborough's Life In Colour, Series 1 Episode Two 'Hiding In Colour'

 REVIEW: Attenborough's Life In Colour, Series 1 Episode Two 'Hiding In Colour'

By this point, it seems fair to say, the BBC have well and truly become the pioneers of 4K broadcasting on terrestrial television. We're only three months' into the year, and already we have had three BBC television programmes in true 4K (with another that aired last year). Life In Colour, as you would expect from a show possessing a title like this, is the perfect demonstration of how vibrant colours can be within 4K programming.

And it's evident from the start, as we see the majestic colours of a tiger grace the screen. This tiger uses its orange and black markings to hide from deer, who are unable to see orange, black or red colours. To the deer, the tiger looks green, and so blends into the surroundings effortlessly. It's really clever how the tiger can use its colours in this way, and makes you feel sorry for the poor deer, who really don't stand a chance.

Another impressive fact is how the zebras use their black and white markings, which you would assume would make them stand out too much in the wild. In fact, we are told that their black and white markings work to confuse their enemies, because of the contrast in colours. The trick even works on flies, which seems like something that would be of more use than squirting some bug spray.

That's not the most interesting piece of information relayed to us in this episode however, as we learn of the colour-changing talents of the tarmigan grouse and artic fox. These creatures change their brown feathers and fur respectively to white, in order to best blend in with snowy environments in the winter, and this just seems like such a smart move by nature. What better way to hide from those you don't want to be spotted by than through camouflage?

But it's not just hiding from creatures however, there's also the cunningness displayed by this incredible colour-changing spider. This spider changes colour to reflect ultraviolet light, which attracts the bees (who see through ultraviolet vision in order to find the nectar) over and making it easy for the spider catch them as its prey. I love how these spiders just trick their prey like that. It's such a sneaky move that you kind of feel like the spiders have earned their snack through their excellent use of trickery.

Speaking of trickery, wasn't that butterfly incredible? The way it disguises its wings to make itself look poisonous to other creatures has to be one of the most ingenious ways to say 'leave me alone'. It's almost like a prettier version of a 'Do Not Disturb' sign for a bedroom door.

Overall, Life In Colour has been yet another brilliant Sir David Attenborough documentary series. Beautifully shot in 4K and with some innovative new camera techniques, this series has been a joy to watch, and the only disappointment has stemmed from its surprisingly low episode count. Two eps really doesn't seem like enough.

To have future posts delivered direct to your inbox, click the three lines at the top and register for email notifications via the 'Follow by Email' box.

What are your thoughts on Attenborough's Life In Colour's second episode? Let me know in the comments section.