Latest news with #Spinosaurus
Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Walking with Dinosaurs, review: less natural history, more Jackanory
We live in a world where it's increasingly tricky to tell fact from fiction so it's perhaps no surprise that the producers of Walking With Dinosaurs (BBC One) felt at liberty to spin out some fanciful Game of Thrones -style storylines to flesh out their prehistoric tales. When you've amassed an impressive animated army of awe-inducing creatures you probably feel you can get away with anything. Only you really can't. Not so much science fiction as science fantasy, this (very) belated sequel to the original series from 1999, when the then state-of-the art dinosaur animations were all anyone cared about, treads light on facts in favour of a peculiarly sentimentalised anthropomorphic approach in which we're invited to empathise with a toddler Triceratops, a single dad Spinosaurus, a lovelorn Lusititan (like a Brontosaurus on steroids) and so on. It should really be called Soapasaurus. So while the up-to-the minute visuals are hugely impressive, immersing you in a world it's hard to imagine as extraordinary creatures wander vast landscapes, giving us visions of our unpolluted planet before humans were let loose on it, the stories woven around them, straight from the Disney playbook, feel suspiciously manipulative. Based on the guesswork of palaeontologists – every so often you cut away to a bunch of dino buffs scraping away at bones on some far-flung rock and exchanging, 'Wow, awesome!' platitudes – each jeopardy-filled episode centres on a cutely named character (Rose, George, Albie, take your pick of nursery dino-names) and invites us to follow them until their inevitable, usually neck-cracking, demise. Which would be fine if the programme properly flagged up how fantastical these tales are. But though lip service is paid to how sketchy the facts on which the stories are based, there are some giant leaps made in superimposing human emotions on dinosaur behaviour. Did dinosaurs have ritual meeting dances or experience love or grief? We're kidded here that maybe they did – and they're not around to contradict the endless theories. Take the story of George, an adolescent Gastonia (we're dipping into the less familiar book of dinosaurs for the most part), who is presented as the kind of teenage gang lad who'd go out on the lash with his mates. If this armour-plated George had jeans on he'd be dropping them at half mast and calling everyone 'bro'. This might work for Pixar, but presented as actual science it just feels unnecessarily dumbed down. Bertie Carvel, accompanied by surging orchestral strings on the background which never let up, gives it the full Jackanorysaurus on the voiceover, draining every last drop of drama from lines such as, 'Time to get the babies to safety' or, 'Having come so far, losing one of his babies is a huge blow'. Over six episodes the incessant jeopardy – narrow escape/narrow escape/death – feels exhausting. There's the bones of a fine series here and dedicated dino-heads will revel in the strikingly-created creatures. But leave the twist and turning cliffhangers to EastEnders and let the science speak for itself.
Metro
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Groundbreaking BBC show returns to TV this month after 26 years
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video More than a quarter of a century after it first stomped across our TV screens, Walking With Dinosaurs is now just days away from returning. Each of the new six episodes will focus on the dramatic story of an individual dinosaur whose remains are currently being unearthed by the world's leading dinosaur hunters. These include a Spinosaurus, the largest carnivorous dinosaur to ever walk the earth, roaming the rivers of ancient Morocco; a youthful Triceratops battling a ravenous T. rex in North America; and a lonely giant Lusotitan risking it all for love in Portugal. The rebooted Walking With Dinosaurs begins on Sunday, May 25 at 6:25pm on BBC One and iPlayer, 26 years after the original series launched in 1999. It will be narrated by British actor Bertie Carvel, 47, best known for his roles in Doctor Foster, Dalgliesh and The Crown. Walking With Dinosaurs was previously voiced by Sir Kenneth Branagh. Jack Bootle, BBC head of commission for specialist factual, said: 'A whole new generation of viewers is about to fall in love with Walking With Dinosaurs. 'The original series was one of the most exciting factual shows of all time, and this reinvention builds on that amazing legacy. 'Each episode is underpinned by the very latest science but is also filled with drama – making this a series for both dino lovers and people who just want to be told a great story.' Viewers have welcomed Walking With Dinosaurs' return on social media. On X, Rachel Charlton-Dailey enthused: '10-year-old me is screaming (35-year-old me is also screaming).' Echoing their sentiment, user KeyFeathers raved: 'I am so excited for this. Walking With Dinosaurs was one of those shows I would watch on repeat forever. It really got me hooked on dinosaurs for good.' Kirsty Wallace added: 'Oh I loved this – can't wait to meet the new dinos and all the new evidence of how Dinos looked. This is what the BBC is so good at.' The 1999 series was watched by 15 million viewers in the UK, cementing it as one of the most-watched science programmes on British TV in the 20th century. Walking With Dinosaurs cost £6.1 million to produce, equating to £37,654 per minute, making it the most expensive documentary series per minute ever made. It also won numerous awards, including two Baftas, three Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. More Trending The show's success spawned a documentary franchise, which included shows like Walking With Beasts and Walking With Cavemen. Speaking about the Walking With Dinosaurs reboot, Sylvia Bugg, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager for General Audience Programming, added: 'Our human fascination with dinosaurs has remained steadfast, and we are excited to bring PBS audiences this reimagined perspective on these dynamic creatures, combining engaging narratives, backed by the latest science.' View More » Walking With Dinosaurs returns on Sunday May 25 at 6:25pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Eurovision fans 'beg' Rylan and Scott Mills to stop an annoying habit MORE: Strictly star 'suing producers over alleged medical negligence after agonising injury' MORE: Doctor Who fans are worried about Eurovision episode – but not for reasons you'd expect
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Popular BBC show makes epic return to screens after being off-air for 25 years
The BBC will be bringing back a popular sci-fi series after the original show was archived for more than two and half decades. Twenty-five years ago, Walking With Dinosaurs first mesmerized audiences, offering a glimpse into the lives of the species that once ruled the Earth before facing extinction. Thanks to cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking science, experts are now able to delve deeper into the secrets of these prehistoric creatures. The iconic series is set to return to BBC One, 25 years after its initial release, much to the delight of fans. This revamped version promises to captivate audiences once again with fresh insights into the lives of dinosaurs, including their habits, hunting tactics, battles, and final moments, all revealed with unprecedented precision. The series, narrated by Bertie Carvel, will follow the stories of six unique dinosaurs, starting on Sunday, May 25 at 6:25 pm on BBC One and iPlayer, reports Surrey Live. On his new role, Bertie expressed his excitement, saying: "I am beyond thrilled to be a part of this exciting new reimagining of Walking with Dinosaurs. "The BBC is a world leader in creating groundbreaking and innovative science programming which I've admired all my life, so I'm incredibly excited to be a part of the team bringing the stories of these prehistoric creatures to life." The story thrillingly unfolds with the tale of a massive Spinosaurus, known as the chunkiest carnivorous dinosaur, facing off against a young Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex in North America while a giant Lusotitan endures the trials of love in Portugal. Once more, scientific revelations enable experts to shed light on the lives and demises of dinosaurs with unmatched precision. Combining enthralling narratives and state-of-the-art visual magic, this spectacle is set to ignite viewer's' curiosity like never before. Jack Bootle, BBC's senior head of specialist factual commissioning, said: "This series shows how dinosaurs really lived - and the true story is more dramatic, intense, and surprising than anything Hollywood could dream up. Using the latest science and stunning visuals, we're bringing their world to life like never before." Echoing the excitement, Andrew Cohen, executive producer at the BBC Studios Science Unit, enthused: "We are incredibly excited to be bringing Walking with Dinosaurs to a whole new generation of audiences around the world. "Brought to life with the very latest cutting-edge science, world-class VFX and the world's best science storytellers, this is the ultimate dinosaur show." Walking with Dinosaurs begins on Sunday, May 25 at 6:25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Wales Online
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Head to National Museum Cardiff this May half term for a diverse and vibrant experience
Fancy taking a journey through time, discovering the natural world from the universe's beginnings to the age of dinosaurs as well as a range of exciting events? Not only can you do that in one place at National Museum Cardiff, but entry is also completely free. A charge may apply for some events. This May half term, visitors can enjoy a variety of engaging activities and exhibits at this great destination in Cardiff which offers a mix of art, history, and science for everyone to explore. National Museum Cardiff is one of seven museums across Wales, which are part of the Amgueddfa Cymru family. Mammoth MAY-hem Bring the whole family to discover an Ice Age favourite that has now taken its place in the heart of the National Museum Cardiff! Be amazed by the most complete woolly mammoth skeleton ever found in Britain—an extraordinary mammoth discovery. The 3D mammoth is a replica of bones discovered in Shropshire in 1986 and were dated at between 14,000 and 14,500 years old. Join the museum for an exciting and educational adventure as you delve into this piece of history. Explore other stunning prehistoric exhibits throughout the museum and make lasting memories together. Dinomania is back (Image: National Museum Cardiff) Get ready for a roarsome adventure as you enjoy prehistoric fun, including meeting adorable baby dinosaurs who might just nibble your fingers, and coming face-to-face with Spike, a huge walking Spinosaurus. He's massive, mighty, and always up for a roar! During the 90 minute show you will learn incredible dinosaur facts. Ever wondered how fast a T-rex could run or what a Velociraptor really looked like? Dinomania have the answers. You can also explore the Dinomania fossil collection and see real fossils up close and uncover the secrets of the ancient past! The event takes place on May 28 until June 1 at 11am or 1.30pm. This is a ticketed event, with entry £15 per person. John Akomfrah's Listening All Night to the Rain What could we achieve if we learned to truly listen? Contemporary art and activism become one in noted artist John Akomfrah's profound piece, Listening All Night To The Rain. Be among the first to experience it at the first stop on a UK tour following its debut at the 2024 Venice Biennale. The immersive audio-visual piece is a journey of sights and sounds that draw out specific moments in time, events in our collective histories that have shaped individuals and societies. It opens on May 24 and is free to enjoy. Book your free tickets in advance here. Picture Post – A Twentieth Century Icon (Image: Haywood Magee /Picture Post/) Before 24-hour news and social media, how did people see the world? Groundbreaking photo-magazine Picture Post revolutionised the way Britain understood itself, capturing everyday life, major events, and shifting social attitudes, reaching 1.7 million readers at its peak. The exhibition of some of its striking photography will reveal Britain's transformation from the 1930s to the 1950s, from war and politics to cultural change, so you can discover the moments that defined a nation. Experience the power of photography to inform, challenge, and connect - just as Picture Post did for a generation. Opening on May 24 book your free tickets here Pay a visit The museum is open from 10am until 5pm, Tuesday until Sunday (although it is open on Bank Holiday Monday). Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Its public programme is supported by People's Postcode Lottery. Visit National Museum Cardiff to discover the full what's on programme.
BBC News
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Walking With Dinosaurs: New trailer and narrator announced
The trailer for the brand new series of Walking With Dinosaurs has just been released, which sees the prehistoric world brought to life again. The show blends real-life historical discoveries with computer generated footage of dinosaurs as they would have lived millions of years makers say episodes will take viewers from the science behind dinosaur fossils to the dramatic scenes when they roamed the With Dinosaurs will be released this year on BBC One and iPlayer. The new series comes more than 25 years since the very first episode of the show, and will tell the story of six dinosaurs, including:The Spinosaurus, the largest ever meat-eating dinosaur to walk the earth A Triceratops battling a giant Lusotitan in love in Portugal The team behind Walking With Dinosaurs have announced that British actor Bertie Carvel will be the narrator for the new series, guiding viewers through each of the six prehistoric has won an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role playing Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical on the West End. Walking With Dinosaurs was first shown back in 1999, and inspired a series of programmes that used visual effects to tell the story of our history, including Walking With Beasts, Walking With Cavemen and Walking With Monsters.
