DVD Reviews: Cane Toads - The Unnatural History/ Chicken - The Natural History

This DVD has the two above mentioned features on it delving into all that is weird and wonderful about the cane toad and the humble chicken. It's one of those titles that you probably would never buy for yourself, however it would make fabulous viewing and a great part of the collection for many a school or learning centre.

The first feature looks at the imported creature, the cane toad and how it was thought to be the cure for all our ills in eradicating the cane bug problem that was causing havoc for cane farmers. Things didn't quite turn out that way and now cane toads are one of the worst animal blights in Queensland. Reviled by many, loved by some, the cane toad is a hardy creature almost demanding respect by it's sheer ability to live despite man's best attempts to eradicate it. This feature is informative and funny and a great way to get kids to learn more about these creatures in a good atmosphere.

Have you ever tucked into your dinner and thought to yourself that it was handy that we have chickens? No, I didn't think so, however this feature is going to make you reassess that way of thinking before it is done with you.

The humble chicken has been a part of our lives since time began and the feature forces you to assess the impact that our feathered friend has had on our lives. This is an irreverent glimpse at the chicken and unveils things that you would never have thought of, and really, why would you have wanted to? Still, all things said and done, once again, well worth watching.

The feature is done in full frame Pan & Scan and I don't think it suffers any as a result. Audio is done in Dolby Digital 2.0 and is clear and easy to hear. The directors commentary is interesting, however is not enough to boost my scoring of the Extras section.

Good stuff.