Combines the latest Research, award-winning CGI and dramatic story telling for a vivid view of dinosaur life
Christian Slater narrates series
Following in the tradition of its hugely popular, critically acclaimed mini-series WHEN DINOSAURS ROAMED, the Discovery Channel presents the animation special DINOSAUR PLANET.
This new natural history series blends cinematic storytelling with the latest palaeontological evidence to take viewers on a dramatic dinosaur journey. Narrated by actor Christian Slater, DINOSAUR PLANET premieres exclusively on the Showtime network every Saturday throughout April at 20:00 KSA (21:00 UAE).
In each episode of DINOSAUR PLANET, viewers follow the adventures of one dinosaur character on a different continent in the prehistoric world, assessing its environment and the struggles it would likely have faced during the end of the Cretaceous period (85-65 million years ago).
In Asia, a lone female Velociraptor (White Tip) searches for a new pack in the brutal landscape of the Gobi Desert. In North America, a small male Daspletosaurus (Little Das), dominant predator of the time, has problems hunting with his pack while a volcano threatens in the distance.
In South America, viewers follow the life of a female long-necked Saltasaur (Alpha) who must grow up quickly if she is to survive long enough to reproduce. And lastly, in Europe, a young adult Pyroraptor (Pod) is swept away by a tidal wave to an island of dwarf dinosaurs. Although he becomes the apex predator, he is a social pack animal who must face a life alone.
Throughout each special, palaeontologist Scott Sampson reveals the facts and finds on which each story is based. He explains how palaeontologists use fossil clues to deduce various aspects of the appearance and behaviour of dinosaurs.
For example, recent discoveries of feathered dinosaurs in China have dramatically changed the perception of small predatory dinosaurs which animators have painstakingly re-created on similar creatures such as White Tip and Pod.
Similarly, palaeontologists originally dubbed Oviraptor the "egg thief" because the first specimen was found over what was thought to be a Protoceratops nest. Recently, however, scientists discoveredthat a similar clutch of eggs contained Oviraptor embryos so it appears that the supposed “egg thief” was, in reality, a protective parent and this is the view portrayed in DINOSAUR PLANET.
Fossil finds are used to introduce stories. In Argentina, palaeontologists discovered the site of a huge nesting colony of Saltasaurs, long-necked herbivores who returned to the same nesting area year after year. It is this colony where the character Alpha is born and returns to when it comes time to lay her eggs.
One of the most remarkable fossil discoveries provides the basis for a dramatic end to one episode. Palaeontologists found fossils of a Velociraptor and a Protoceratops locked in combat as if frozen in time. Careful analysis revealed that the animals were most likely fighting on a rain-soaked sand dune which collapsed preserving them mid-battle. Viewers will be able to see a careful re-enactment of how this amazing find was created.
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Discovery Networks Europe
Discovery Networks Europe, launched in 1989, reaches a cumulative subscriber base in excess of 100 million. DNE’s portfolio comprises nine channels across 52 countries in the Europe, Middle East and Africa territories; Discovery Channel, Discovery Home & Leisure, Discovery Health, Animal Planet, Discovery Civilisation, Discovery Science, Discovery Travel & Adventure, Discovery Kids and Discovery Wings. Programming is customised into 20 languages and broadcast on 7 unique feeds. Discovery Channel and Discovery Civilisation are exclusively broadcast in the Middle East on the Showtime television network, which also provides viewers with Animal Planet.
For more details, please contact:
Andrew Bone, PR manager W: +971.4.808.8026
Showtime M: +971.50.657.4751
E: abone@showtimeuae.com
Azza El-Sonbaty, PR Co-ordinator W: +971.4.808.8092
Showtime E: asonbaty@showtimeuae.com
© Press Release 2004
