DVD Reviews: The Crocodile Hunter Vol. 2

The series continues with Volume 2 of the Crocodile Hunter titled 'Steve's Scariest Moments'. Once again there are two episodes on the disc, both packed with fascinating information with the over the top style of presentation by Steve Irwin.

For those of you still unfamiliar with the series, Steve Irwin owns and operates Australia Zoo in Queensland with his wife Terri. He has a true love for all creatures and an exuberance that must be seen to be believed. If you didn't know better, you would think that it was forced however over time you do get dragged in by his boyish enthusiasm.

We should give credit where it's due also. It's easy to overlook that Irwin is an expert with these creatures and a veritable fount of information.

The first episode is hilarious (intentionally), showing all the goof ups Steve has made with these animals and essentially consists of him getting bitten or hurt from episodes of his television program. A lot of these incidents were edited out of the shows, but are presented in this wonderful DVD.

The second episode covers Steve's exploration of the Komodo Islands in Indonesia and the ancient komodo dragons that inhabit it. The show also covers the different animals that live there and what their relationship in the food chain is with the komodos. As usual, Steve charges off after animals at will, scarpering up tree vines to show us poisonous vipers and being surrounded by upset komodo dragons when he is observing their nesting habits.

This style of presentation is a relief from the old stagnant telephoto lens style from old. Steve is with the animals and seeing as he is so close we get a better idea for the appearance of them and the interaction between man and beast.

The quality of the DVD is very good and makes nice use of Dolby Digital. The vision and audio is crisp and clear and the extras are entertaining and informative.