Life in the Freezer: The Big Freeze
(1993)
The Big Freeze is an intriguing account of Antarctica’s brutal, unforgiving winter. With only a handful of creatures choosing to tough out the immense cold, it is a fascinating look into their specialised physiology and incredible adaptations.
Fish have ‘antifreeze’ in their blood, lichens seem oblivious to the permanent ice of their surroundings and weddell seals take advantage of the sheltered underwater world. The fifth of six episodes in David Attenborough’s major series, Life in the Freezer, The Big Freeze provides a unique insight into this harsh and hostile world.
Capturing the stark beauty of this forbidding and desolate land the BBC collaborated with The National Geographic Society and Lionheart International Inc on this production. Together they enlisted the talents of world-famous cinematographers, their extensive team including the award-winning wildlife photographers Hugh Miles, Simon King and Doug Allan.
Winning a Panda Award at Wildscreen 1994 for best series, impressive photography reveals all aspects of animal life. Memorable footage records male emperor penguins huddled together as they incubate their solitary eggs, with storms raging around them and the Southern lights illuminating the horizon.
A remarkable production filmed in a highly challenging environment, the crew spent three years in the Antarctic using boats, divers, suspended capsules and remote-controlled cameras to gather their stunning footage. Using advanced technology, the production provides an unrivalled glimpse into the hardiest creatures, as they tough out the most extreme environment on Earth.
Life in the Freezer: The Bountiful Sea (1993)
Simon King
