logo
Roaring back to life: discover the stunning visuals and storytelling of the reimagined 'Walking with Dinosaurs'

Roaring back to life: discover the stunning visuals and storytelling of the reimagined 'Walking with Dinosaurs'

IOL News14-07-2025
'Walking with Dinosaurs' gives viewers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Earth's oldest creatures.
Image: Supplied
Back in 1999, factual television was revolutionised when 'Walking with Dinosaurs' was released.
The six-part nature documentary mini-series, created by Tim Haines, was a production collaboration between the BBC Science Unit, the Discovery Channel and BBC Worldwide TV, Asahi, ProSieben and France 3.
Regarded at the time as the first series of its kind, the show depicted dinosaurs and other Mesozoic animals as living animals in the style of a traditional nature documentary.
It has gained a worldwide cult following for how it recreated the extinct species through the combined use of computer-generated imagery and animatronics.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
Now, 26 years later, a bold reimagining with the same title, once again produced by the BBC Studios Science Unit, brings to life six extraordinary dinosaurs through groundbreaking visual effects, dramatic storytelling and the latest advancements in palaeontological research.
Narrated by Bertie Carvel, a double Olivier and Tony Award-winning actor who is renowned for roles in 'The Crown' and 'Doctor Foster', 'Walking with Dinosaurs' premiered on BBC Earth (DStv Channel 184) at the end of June.
It invites viewers into the lives of the individual dinosaurs, who each have their own emotional journeys of survival, parenting and adaptation.
Some elements of these magnificent creatures, which will be featured, include the towering might of Lusotitan and the delicate vulnerability of Clover and the life of a baby Triceratops.
'Walking with Dinosaurs' also brings to life their habitats, their behaviours and their survival strategies.
Jay Balamurugan, the series assistant producer and a paleoartist, has a burning passion for Earth's most ancient creatures.
'It's such an interesting experience getting to work on a series like this because it was my childhood,' she said during an interview with 'Independent Media Lifestyle.'
'It's the reason I got into science and art and TV.'
She added, 'The original left such a mark on me, and to get the chance to work on these new ones is so special, and now seeing it out in the world, it is really special.'
'I'm really pleased because I've seen a lot of families and children, especially, really enjoy it and watch it together, and it's something that makes me happy.'
Balamurugan explained that she decided to get involved in this bold reimagining as a way of making her inner child happy.
'I think me, as a child, would have hated me as an adult forever (if she didn't take up this project).'
'It was also a great opportunity to bring this new view of dinosaurs to the public eye.'
She said that it was how the dinosaurs were portrayed on the original series which sparked her interest in the show.
'I think that it had quite a special way of making the dinosaurs feel like animals. They didn't feel like movie monsters, and they didn't feel like mythological dragons.'
'They felt like animals, and it felt like I was watching a nature documentary about a lion or a hyena or something, except it was a T-Rex, and I think that was the thing that really hooked me and lots of people as well.'
And although Balamurugan is thrilled to have worked on 'Walking with Dinosaurs', she said that it has not been without its obstacles.
'It's been a very, very challenging production because it's such a huge one,' she explained.
'Not only are we making the VFX dinosaur but we're making a show about palaeontologists. It does feel like we've got two big productions in one so it has been quite a challenge.'
In regards to how it fares with the original show, she explained: 'I think it's similar to the original in the sense that it really keeps that spirit of telling the story of one animal in a really dramatic part of its life.'
'In the original, we had this with quite a few of the episodes where you would follow one dinosaur or one prehistoric animal and it's going through a really important epic migration or growing up in the presence of predators.
Balamurugan added: 'We really try to keep that thread going in our current series.'
What sets this reimagining apart is the inclusion of live-action sequences.
'I think we made that choice specifically because we want to celebrate science as much as we celebrate dinosaurs.'
Balamurugan also had modern technology at her disposal for this version of 'Walking with Dinosaurs'
"It's interesting because science has come such a long way and the technology involving film-making has also come such a long way.'
'We now have incredible VFX technology where not only can we make these times more realistic than ever but we can also sometimes even build our entire environments in VFX if we need to and this allows us to really get incredible sequences that we never would have got before.'
Overall,Balamurugan promised that viewers can expect 'a really good story in each episode.'
'I also think people will really relate to these animals and come away with a wider understanding of these animals.'
∎ Watch new episodes of 'Walking With Dinosaurs' every Monday until August 4 at 8pm on BBC Earth (DStv Channel 184).
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From booze to buff: how Anatii's sobriety and fitness journey redefined his life
From booze to buff: how Anatii's sobriety and fitness journey redefined his life

IOL News

timea day ago

  • IOL News

From booze to buff: how Anatii's sobriety and fitness journey redefined his life

Award-winning musician and producer Anatii shares his inspiring journey to sobriety. Image: Instagram Grammy-award-winning artist and producer Anatii has revealed a deeply personal chapter of his life that is marked by discipline, transformation and self-discovery. Known for his contributions to the local hip hop scene and thought-provoking lyricism, the 'Sey'hlangene' hitmaker recently gave fans a rare glimpse into a deeply personal chapter of his life and his journey to sobriety. Marking one year, nine months, and thirteen days free from alcohol, Anatii quietly shared the milestone on his Instagram. The artist acknowledged the milestone with a post that featured moments of his days. Anatii's journey to sobriety is just one part of his bigger commitment to improving himself. In January 2025, the multi-award-winning artist revealed his impressive weight loss, where he lost over 50 kilograms. He gave credit to his health-focused lifestyle and the guidance of life coach Jeremy Blasco for helping him navigate the journey. 'I've been locked in working on myself holistically, and it feels amazing to see the results on my continued health journey. 'Losing 53kg in one year is no easy feat but I've unlocked a whole new level of mental fortitude and with the help of my amazing coach Jeremy Blasco who has dedicated so much time to making sure I train at least six times a week and making sure my nutrition is next level fully natural, gratitude on the highest,' he said. He was also candid about the uphill battle, revealing that he struggled with weight gain throughout his life. 'Having struggled with weight gain and fluctuations most of my life, it feels good to finally be in control, ultimate control over my health, desires and the ability to manifest on the highest. If you ever feel like giving up, remember that it's not worth it. You can do it too!' However, his evolution has not been limited to his personal life. Professionally, the rapper has also been exploring new territory. Known primarily for his work in hip hop and production collaborations with the likes of AKA and other local rappers, the artist made a bold shift in 2024. He made a musical return and took his fans on a different journey with the release of his album 'BOOM SZN', which is rooted in the vibrant sounds of Amapiano. In an interview with "IOL", he revealed that he wanted to give his supporters 'shock value' as the sound was something they did not expect from him. 'You know, I think what I've appreciated the most is that, with 'BOOM SZN', I've been able to give people shock value. From the sound, the features, the production choices, and the blending of genres,' he said. 'Not so much switching from hip-hop to Amapiano, but rather infusing hip-hop with amapiano, R&B with amapiano, and Afrobeat with amapiano,' he added.

Cardi B hit with civil battery lawsuit following 2023 Las Vegas concert incident
Cardi B hit with civil battery lawsuit following 2023 Las Vegas concert incident

IOL News

timea day ago

  • IOL News

Cardi B hit with civil battery lawsuit following 2023 Las Vegas concert incident

Cardi B is being sued by an unidentified woman who claims she was attacked by the rapper with a microphone at a 2023 concert she attended. Image: Image:Instagram/@spicybardi Rapper Cardi B is facing a civil battery (common assault) lawsuit stemming from a July 2023 concert incident at Drai's Beachclub in Las Vegas. The lawsuit, filed by an Ohio woman identified in court records as Jane Doe, alleges that the US rapper threw her microphone into the crowd, striking her after she (Jane Doe) splashed a small amount of her drink toward the stage. According to 'People', the lawsuit claims that the 'Bodak Yellow' hitmaker seemed visibly overheated on stage and, while holding a mic, asked the audience to splash her with water. Doe claims she acted in response to Cardi B having encouraged fans earlier in the show to splash water on her to cool off. According to the court complaint, when Doe complied, Cardi B allegedly 'suddenly and forcefully' hurled the mic in her direction, causing a physical impact and emotional distress. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The complainant is now suing the Grammy-Award-winning rapper for the alleged assault and negligence, which she claims caused her 'severe emotional distress, shock, humiliation, and physical injury'. Additionally, she is suing Drai's management group for negligence. According to the allegations, Cardi B acted in apparent anger and without warning, suddenly and forcefully throwing her microphone directly at Doe, which caused her to experience immediate fear of harm. After the incident, the woman reportedly filed a police report. However, the case was closed due to insufficient evidence, and no further action was taken at that time. Despite the Las Vegas police closing the criminal case due to insufficient evidence, Jane Doe is now pursuing civil action to hold Cardi B accountable. The lawsuit also notes that the microphone was later auctioned for nearly $100,000 (over R1.7 million), which Doe claims further worsened her emotional distress.

The Bamboo Virtuoso: A conversation with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia
The Bamboo Virtuoso: A conversation with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia

IOL News

timea day ago

  • IOL News

The Bamboo Virtuoso: A conversation with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia

Grammy Award-winning bansuri master Rakesh Chaurasia brings his breath-taking artistry to Cape Town in a world premiere of orchestral fusion. Image: Supplied There are flautists. And then there's Rakesh Chaurasia - the globally acclaimed Indian classical musician whose artistry on the bansuri, the traditional bamboo flute, has earned him stages, standing ovations, and two Grammy Awards, including the 2024 Best global music performance for the song Pashto and Best contemporary instrumental album for 'As We speak' with Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer and the late Ustad Zakir Hussain. The nephew and musical heir of the legendary Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Rakesh has carved a formidable legacy of his own - one marked by technical brilliance, deep emotional expression, and an open-hearted embrace of collaboration. From Indian ragas to global jazz, and now symphonic arrangements, his music defies genre while staying rooted in tradition. As he prepares for the world premiere of Symphony of Bansuri with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) this August, we sat down with Rakesh to explore lineage, innovation, and what it means to find your own voice through breath. Q: Rakesh, you're returning to South Africa with something extraordinary - the world premiere of Symphony of Bansuri. What makes this concert so meaningful to you? Rakesh Chaurasia: This is a very special project. The bansuri has always been a solo instrument in Indian classical music. To now present it in dialogue with a full Western orchestra… it's like giving it a new dimension, a new space to breathe in. And to do this in South Africa - a country with such a deep musical soul and that I have visited several times before - feels very right. Q: Your musical lineage is remarkable. What was it like growing up in the shadow and tutelage of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia? RC: In one word: humbling. I was lucky to have music in the air at home. But it wasn't easy. There was discipline, high expectation, and a deep respect for the tradition. My uncle didn't just teach me notes - he taught me how to listen, how to feel. Over time, I had to find my own tone, my own style. That's the journey of every artist - to honour where you come from, but to speak in your own voice. Q: You've collaborated across borders and genres - from classical to world music and fusion. How do you stay grounded in your classical roots while embracing new forms? RC: It's about intention. If the collaboration is rooted in sincerity, mutual respect, and love for the music - it works. I don't fuse styles just for the sake of it. I try to let the bansuri speak in all these different languages while keeping its soul intact. Music has no passport - only emotion. Q: What excites you about performing with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra? RC: Oh, everything! The lush textures, the expansive sound… and most importantly, the chance to introduce the bansuri to new ears in a new setting. There's something magical when traditions meet without ego - just curiosity and heart. Next Stay Close ✕ Experience the breath-taking artistry of Grammy Award-winning bansuri master Rakesh Chaurasia as he premieres his orchestral fusion in Cape Town Image: Supplied Q: What do you hope audiences take away from this performance? RC: I hope they close their eyes and feel something true - peace, joy, maybe even a memory. The bansuri is an ancient instrument, made of bamboo, breath, and silence. It doesn't shout - it whispers. But if you listen, it can carry you somewhere beautiful. Q: You've reached incredible heights. What still inspires you to keep playing, practising, evolving? RC: The music itself. It's endless. Every note still humbles me. And every time I pick up the flute, I remind myself: I am just a channel. The music flows through me - not from me. Symphony of Bansuri, featuring Rakesh Chaurasia and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, premieres at the Artscape Opera House on 2 August 2025. Presented by Inner Circle Entertainment, it's a rare opportunity to witness a master at the height of his creative power. Tickets via Ticketmaster and the Artscape Box Office from R200 – R1000. IOL

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store