I have recently been matching many PBS documentaries on Nature and
Nova, which are now all broadcast in high definition (HD). (I've been
watching these via my personal media
network, incidentally.) What follows is a list of the best such
documentaries for 2010, and a brief synopsis. Also see my
recommendations for the top
PBS documentaries of 2006-7, 2008, and 2009.
Nova: Building the Pharaoh's Ship. Based on archaeological
finds and inscriptions from ancient burial sites, a team of
archaeologists and Egyptian shipbuilders construct an authentic
replica of an ancient Pharaoh's ship. The artisans craft the
unusual ship using only hand tools and
authentic materials. Can a ship made without glue or artificial
sealants be seaworthy? This episode combines history,
woodworking, and a good deal of excitement.
Nature: Hummingbirds: Magic In the Air. Numerous incredible
facets of hummingbird behavior and physiology are explored. Their
incredible flying skills are explained with slow-motion, close up
footage. Tremendous migrations, the longest by body length of any
bird, are illustrated. And the incredible variations in body size
and shape of the different hummingbird species (exotic tails, long
bills, and more) are shown with incredible footage and informative
narration.
Nature: Clash: Encounters of Bears and Wolves. With recently
reintroduced wolves now plentiful, grizzly bears must compete
for prey where they once dominated unchallenged. Bear and wolf
lives are shown independently and where they intersect, in
interesting and surprising ways. Yellowstone park is present as
a scenic backdrop throughout this intriguing (if slightly gory)
episode.
Nova: Mount St. Helens: Awake from the Dead. Interesting
findings about the volcano itself and the unexpectedly fast
recovery of the surrounding wildlife are presented in this
episode. Massive growth of new peaks inside the crater is shown
using time-lapse photography. Plants and animals are show
thriving in the ash-filled slopes after the eruption. And the
nearby lake is shown fully recovered and thriving after being
completely devastated by silt flows.
Nova: Riddles of the Sphinx. The Sphinx is examinged for clues
to its origin, purpose, and construction. Fascinating details
about its origin from the rocks at the base of the pyramids are
presented. The alignment of the pyramids, the Sphinx, and a
nearby temple provide strong evidence about which Egyptian ruler
built the Sphinx.