Life in Cold Blood DVD

Life in Cold Blood

Life in Cold Blood is a BBC nature documentary series written and presented by David Attenborough, first transmitted in the UK from 4 February 2008 on BBC One.

A study of the evolution and habits of amphibians and reptiles, it is the sixth and last of Attenborough's specialised surveys following his major trilogy that began with Life on Earth.

The series comprises five 50-minute programmes, each one followed by Under the Skin, a 10-minute section that features Attenborough interviewing the scientists whose work has led to the sequences included in the main programme. It also examines the challenges faced by the crew and reveals some of the techniques used to film the series.[2]

The series is a co-production between the BBC and Animal Planet. The executive producer is Sara Ford and the series producer is Miles Barton. The Under the Skin segments were produced in collaboration with the Open University. The music was composed by David Poore and Ben Salisbury.

Within David Attenborough's 'Life' series, it is preceded by Life in the Undergrowth (2005).

Filming began in the early part of 2006 and, as with Attenborough's previous series, the production team travelled the world to photograph the required sequences. In May 2006, Attenborough celebrated his 80th birthday in the Galápagos Islands while filming giant tortoises, one of which, called Lonesome George, is thought to be the same age.

Several innovative techniques were used to capture footage. Thermal imaging cameras were used to demonstrate the creatures' variable body temperatures, probe cameras allowed access to underground habitats and even a matchbox-sized one was attached to the shell of a tortoise.

1. "The Cold Blooded Truth"
Broadcast 4 February 2008, the first episode discusses the keys to success of reptiles and amphibians, looking at thermoregulation, parental care and the time-scales on which reptiles operate.
2. "Land Invaders"
Broadcast 11 February 2008, the second programme explores the world of amphibians, of which there are some 6,000 known species. Attenborough visits Australia to illustrate how they became the first back-boned creatures to colonise land: the lungfish, which is capable of breathing air, and whose ancestors became the first amphibians.
3. "Dragons of the Dry"
To be broadcast 18 February 2008, the third instalment takes a look at the immense diversity, social skills and displays of the lizards.[9]
4. "Sophisticated Serpents"
To be broadcast 25 February 2008, the fourth episode will look at the most modern reptiles, the snakes, exploring how they have managed to become so successful despite their elongated body plan and lack of limbs. It includes what is thought to be the first recorded predation by a wild rattlesnake in any documentary.
5. "Armoured Giants"