Beyond 'The Hunt': Three other must-see nature documentaries

July 1, 2016 at 4:04PM
Filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature’s most spectacular locales, THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA’S BEST IDEA is a six-part, 12-hour film by Ken Burns on the history of America’s national parks and the people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved. Pictured: Grand Teton National Park Credit: Photo by Craig Mellish
Grand Teton National Park in “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Documentaries that take you into the wild don't have to make your stomach turn. After watching "The Hunt," extend your nature walk with these tranquil but captivating works:

"March of the Penguins" (2005): Those who want to focus their attention on just one species can't go wrong with this Academy Award-winning tribute to the Waddlers of the South, with cameras following their heart-tugging journey from babies to majestic Emperors.

"Planet Earth" (2006): The team behind "The Hunt" put the focus on habitats rather than inhabitants in this beautifully shot 11-part series that remains one of the most ambitious explorations of our various terrains.

"The National Parks: America's Best Idea" (2009): Ken Burns uses his unique brand of storytelling to celebrate the country's greatest treasures, causing thousands of viewers to re-imagine their summer vacation plans.

Neal Justin

about the writer

about the writer

Neal Justin

Critic / Reporter

Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

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