User reviews

We watched this together as a family show. It was gentle enough for the little one to watch and not be scared. There were a couple scenes, one included a dead orca calf, which was a little to much for her to bare. But other than that it was fine for her.

It is very interesting, we learned a ton of new things about the different species of whales. Sigourney Weaver does a great job narrating. The pacing is really good, here it switches between footage of the whales and the scientists studying them, but it's mostly whale footage.

Totally recommend for anyone interested in nature documentaries.

Greetings again from the darkness. For many of us, our exposure to whales is limited to learning in school they are the largest mammals on Earth, and browsing travel guides displaying fantastic photographs of breeching whales alongside various tour excursions. National Geographic is on a mission to take us deeper into the world of these marvelous marine creatures. This 4-part docuseries is Executive Produced by Oscar-winning director James Cameron and award-winning photographer Brian Skerry, and was filmed over 3 years in multiple locations around the globe.

Episode One is titled "Orca Dynasty", and it explores communication and social structure that occurs within the family pod and community ... a recurring theme in each of the episodes, and across the five types of whales covered. Orcas, sometimes referred to as "killer whales", are the gorgeous black and white whales often featured at water parks ... although thankfully not as frequently as in the past. This segment takes us to New Zealand where we see the Orcas work together in hunting stingray, and utilize sophisticated sonar as their guide. We also follow them to the frigid water of the Arctic Ocean, as well as their confrontations with elephant seals in The Falklands.

Episode Two, "Humpback Song", features a baby learning to "speak", and again focuses on the culture and communication of the humpbacks. We witness these whales using their large brains for "bubblenet" fishing in Alaska - a highly coordinated effort that has been occurring for 40-plus years. The humpbacks breech and then slap their fin to communicate with each other. Their 'song of the sea' is featured in the Cook Islands, and we see the bonding that occurs between mother and calf. It's awe-inspiring to note that 100,000 whales from around the world simultaneously head to Antarctica for a krill buffet that results in each whale gaining up to 12 pounds an hour!

In Episode Three, "Beluga Kingdom", we follow along as these creamy white whales and their exceptionally social manner, adopt a stray narwhal whale into their pod so that it doesn't die alone. The narwhals are the most unusual looking whale in existence, even in comparison to the Belugas. With skin 100 times thicker than humans, Belugas are also known for group births, and generations of Belugas have spent one-third of their summers in Hudson Bay (Canada).

The fourth and final episode, "Ocean Giants" focuses on the massive sperm whales, best known as "Moby Dick". We learn their brains are six times larger than humans, and they use a Morse Code style clicking sound to communicate with each other. In Dominica (eastern Caribbean) we find 20 sperm whale families who deep dive to feed on 100 squid per day. This segment also includes the often tragic ramifications of human debris in the ocean, as sea turtles are entangled in discarded fishing nets.

Photography throughout the series is stunning and breath-taking. It takes us to places we never knew existed or might have previously only dreamt of. The only downside is the narration from Sigourney Weaver, whose lack of energy in reading, periodically gives this the sound of an old-school educational film. James Cameron provides an epilogue for each episode, but without a doubt, it's the fabulous creatures themselves that hold our attention. We find the Orcas, Humpbacks, Belugas, Narwhals, and Sperm Whales to be awe-inspiring and mesmerizing, and it's fascinating to learn how intricate and complex their social structures and cultures are. These intelligent giants of the sea draw us right into their world; and we are better off for it.

Disney+ original series Secrets of the Whales, from National Geographic, premieres Earth Day, April 22, 2021. The three-year project will also be featured in the new National Geographic book Secrets of the Whales, on sale April 6, and the May issue of National Geographic magazine, The Ocean Issue, available online on April 15.

The footage is superb, and I welcomed the commentary by the divers. Perhaps half of the voice-over narration is informative but, sadly, much of it gets in the way of deeper understanding. Silence (and whale songs) are golden.

Have you ever been told that our oceans are very mysterious and that they hold many secrets that are likely to be hidden forever? Well, that's certainly true - our oceans are indeed mysterious and some of the most amazing secrets hidden deep within our oceans have recently been discovered and are ready to be shared with the world in a new National Geographic four-part documentary series. Secrets of the Whales spotlights four species of whales and uncovers their secrets and stories of survival with "first time" evidence and never-before-seen coverage. This series is epic and one you are going to want to witness!

Secrets of the Whales brings alive the visions of both Academy Award winning filmmaker and conservationist James Cameron and acclaimed National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Brian Skerry as they share their knowledge and research finding of some of the most intelligent giants living on our planet. Filmed across three years and in 24 locations, this documentary series, narrated by award-winning actress Sigourney Weaver, takes viewers on an amazing journey into the lives of orcas, humpbacks, belugas, and sperm whales. From Cameron and Skerry's work we gain such an expansive understanding and appreciation of whale family dynamics, social bonds, communication and tradition. It's the "secrets these mammals share which help them prevail."

This series has me completely captivated throughout all four episodes. Seeing the variety of marine life within their natural habitat is just jaw-dropping. With such stunning photography and action-packed video footage, the cinematography in Secret of the Whales is the best I've ever seen. As each scene is presented to viewers, you get a sense of being right there and consumed within each moment. To pick a favorite episode within this series would be impossible, since each episode is so unique with new secrets of the whales being unveiled to viewers.

The common message within all four episodes of Secrets of the Whales is centered around culture.

These whale families must work together in a sophisticated manner if they are going to survive and be successful as a species. Whales are highly evolved creatures that have the complexity of family bonds, language, feeding patterns, emotions and interesting secrets. It is critical that these traditions be taught to offspring and passed down throughout the generations.

I give Secrets of the Whales 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. Adults, especially those interested in marine ecology and conservation will certainly appreciate these films as well. What a great way to celebrate Earth Day. Don't miss this series! Reviewed by Dominic D., KIDS FIRST!

I absolutely loved this heartwarming film. I learned so many secrets about whale culture.

Enjoying every episode so far of this most excellent documentary. Others have covered it's high quality. I'll just add a couple of quibbles which didn't affect my score.

1- Sigourney's narration grew old. Way too saccharine at times. Also, don't call a mother whale "Mom". She's not your Mom.

2 - The "how they did it" segments were great but they don't always explain the under-water footage. Is that a photographer down there? Remote control device? Who are the belugas smiling at?

One concern is that they show pristine locations and I can just see tour guides taking people there and maybe ruining it.

Secrets of the Whales

With Sigourney Weaver's soothing voice, excellent cinematography, and education on these majestic creatures, this Nat Geo miniseries shows off Orcas, Humpbacks, Belugas, Narwhals and Sperm Whales up close and personal. They do show them feeding, but from a distance, and not the super gory way it truly is. I felt bad for those poor sea lions.

The footage from underwater is just so cool to see. The divers did a really good job for those shots.

I mean, it's a documentary about whales, so it's pretty straightforward, but I enjoyed seeing the creatures that are usually seen from a distance.

The content is interesting to watch. However, as you listen to the narration, 99% of whales are females. Whenever there was ever a "he", it was only presented in a sort of futile attempt at something. I never imagined that the liberal female lead bias could be extended even to program about animals.

Consistently comparing whales to humans was frankly obnoxious, I felt offended for the whales, jk sort of. Is the audience of this documentary supposed to be so narrow minded that they cannot view anything outside of their human relationship existence? Or were the people completing the documentary so narrow minded that THEY couldn't interpret something outside of their human construct? Whatever the case the comparison was repeated ad nauseam.

As a fan of nature documentaries I appreciate the new information and insight that these shows usually possess, the thought that is often provoked. This show left no room for interpretation. Nearly every speaking segment told you what to think about each piece, even incredulously telling you what the WHALES were thinking. The photography was fantastic, the commentary was preachy and pedantic.

Netflix seems to have taken over where National Geographic left off.

Shame. Mostly monosyllable kindergarten repetitive script is poorly delivered by narrator Sigourney Weaver - a good actress but not narrator. Thus, the interesting, indeed some enchanting rare photography and music score are ruined.

James Cameron is executive producer. He should have narrated as his voice displays genuine respect & fascination of whales in one bonus feature as he watches the highlights of film.

Instead of paying Sigourney Weaver high wage, use the money for a better script with more intelligent/Interesting facts & narrator with an interesting voice.

This show had great possibilities , showing true hidden nature & intelligence of whales, proving common myths wrong, showing culture & traditions. Yet, it's the narration that separates the "must see" ones. It's why elder Sir David is beloved- his vocal TONE & delivery remains entertaining, plus he mostly had well written scripts. Tom Hiddleston (Loki) is another with great voice and delivery. Comedian Tim Allen (Bud Lightyear in Toy Story films) did fine narration of chimps for Disney. Bill Murrey is another with great voice & timing ( Baloo in Jungle book).

No music score is needed when photography is fascinating, only natural sounds of whales & oceans. But constant narration of wrong voice can ruin best filmography.

Preteens & older will become bored with this series.

While the cinematography is amazing, I cannot get past the narration script trying to indoctrinate the continuous use of the terms "culture" and "clans" in place of the longstanding terminology of using subgroups and pods when referring to whales.

The repetitive dialog distracts from the truly dynamic social structures captured on film when the last episode tries to tie in whale behavior into human cultural diversity. The lack of scientific language replaced by redundant verbage makes the viewer wonder what was the agenda of the script writers, to inform or subliminally indoctrinate.

James Cameron's narration at the conclusion gives a nice behind the scenes twist in the film maker's perspective about the filming the whales, which probably could have been an episode on its own.

The usually high standard of filming from Mr Skerry the whole thing is unfortunately ruined by the narration.

Sigourney Weaver narrates in the over the top American touchy feely love and commitment and let talk about the children; as if that wasn't bad enough she speak so slowly it is almost patronising.

Every story is a committed mother and a child in peril.

While there is some science in the stories a lot of what she says is best summed up with the whale seems to be thinking about love for it calf.

If you want to learn something about whales there are numerous better documentaries available this is severely lacking.

And of the facts you get in this series are best double-checked elsewhere as there are things suggested as fact that are educated guesses at best.