RELEASE: TV

This is a wildlife feast that feature the migratory animals of the Straits of Gibraltar or the Pillars of Hercules (as it was formerly known), the border between Africa and Europe.  From the dawn of history, battles have been waged in these seas.  Today, one of them is still on each season – the fishing of red tuna in their migratory route through these waters.  This entails an intense fight between two competitors – the Moroccan fishermen and the greatest predator in the oceans, the orca.  Each year in their flight, more than 300 million of birds challenge the strongest westerly and easterly winds to head here for their winter shelters.  Will they all be able to achieve this?  For the other animal species, their migration to this land was either coincidental or compulsory, as pets or as bargaining chip between trading Arabs of Phoenicians.  Whatever the reason, the result is that these chameleons, tortoises, mongooses, and genets are all part of a legacy.  Today, they have become typical species from the south of Spain, some of them being unique representatives of their species in Europe.

An extraordinary phenomenon is taking place in the Pacific Ocean: The formation of a new island from an undersea volcanic eruption.

Located 1,000 km from Tokyo, Nishinoshima island suddenly emerged in 2013.  It is still expanding rapidly and has already become the biggest newly-born island in historic record.  Scientists are saying that this exceptional event could literally blow away previous understanding of volcanology, and solve the mystery of how continents are made.

But field investigation is nearly impossible, since the new island is strictly off limits due to the volcanic hazard.  To overcome these issues, NHK has launched a bold project to seize this very rare opportunity and help scientists solve the unknown facets of the island.  The mission involves filming this natural spectacle from the air, land and sea in stunning 4K resolution images using remote control machines, while collecting important scientific data.

Witness this once-in-a-lifetime experience of the “birth of land” in this grand science adventure documentary.

(AKA Origins of Life)

4 billion years in the ocean, from the very beginning of life up to the incredible moment when the first vertebrate emerged onto dry land and opened a path to the conquest of the continents, Origins of Life examines the fascinating sea-creatures that are still alive today.

Plunge into the wildly spectacular Sea of Cortes and join beautiful naturalist Iliana Ortega to swim with whales, dolphins, sharks, and giant manta rays. Then venture into the boiling hot desert to see Baja’s drier side, and up snow capped mountains as you explore the peninsula’s wonderful balance of life. Winner of Best Theatrical Program at Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. Inspired Mexican President Vicente Fox to declare a new nature preserve.

Popular Japanese animation, Ninjaboy Rantaro, and authentic science program Cosmic Front team up to bring a science comedy adventure show for the whole family.

Three ninja friends, Rantaro, Kirimaru, and Shinbei from the manga show set off on a great adventure in space after a surprising turn of events.

Does extra-terrestrial life truly exist in the solar system?  What is the secret behind the birth of the moon?  Join the Ninjaboys as they embark on a spectacular adventure into space and find out about the cosmos!

This fun science show features spectacular space images recreated by 4KCG using the latest astronomical data!

Jump in the van and ride shotgun with this crew of snowboarders (and the token skier) as they explore Hokkaido’s resorts, backcountry, and culture.  Witness the neck-deep powder, wild nights, and other-worldly experiences that only Japan can provide.

With more than 300 days a year, the sun dominates this country so much that it’s even shining from their flag.

It’s a barren land, sometimes like from another planet but still familiar –a land of contrasts and colours with wide landscapes and fascinating deserts.  Influenced by various cultures during colonization and now reborn from the shadows of Apartheid in 1990, Namibia gives a beautiful collage of culture, language, art, music, and food.

Everyone who loves an adventure should travel to Namibia, the precious corner of our world full of incredible natural wonders.  The experience of endless landscapes and an unparalleled blaze of colour make Namibia unforgettable.

Namibia – The Spirit of Wilderness invites you on a trip whose fascination will never let you go: from the Namib Desert over the breath-taking Fish River Canyon to the spectacular Etosha National Park where you will see wild elephants, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, and lions.

Home to the oldest civilization, India is our world’s largest democracy.  For millenia, many have left their homes and set off across this spiritual land in search of its secrets to share the meaning of life that would elevate the rest of humanity.  Of all such journeys, none is greater than the true story of an 11-year-old child yogi, Neelkanth, who left his home on June 29, 1792 on a journey of awakening.

On Christmas day of 2003 Pasquale Scaturro and a team of explorers set out on an epic quest to become the first to complete a full descent of the world’s greatest river, the Blue Nile and the Nile, from source to sea.  Four months later on April 28 at 7:01am, Pasquale and his expedition partner, Gordon Brown, reached the mouth of the Nile at the Mediterranean Sea becoming the first in history to complete this 3,250-mile journey.  Their amazing journey is the basis for the IMAX® film, Mystery of the Nile.

Told through a modern-day archaeologist and a young Mayan descendant who explore ruins and legends to unlock the secrets of the past, the film takes the audience through a breathtaking trip on Mayan culture and history.

Mysteries of the Great Lakes is a timely film.  All across the Great Lakes basin, there is a renewed interest in the health of the Lakes, and an increased awareness of the importance of this fresh water resource to the social and economic vitality of North America.  Dubbed ‘inland seas’ by early European explorers, the Great Lakes have some of the most spectacular wilderness scenery on earth, and a fifth of all the planet’s fresh water.  Today, 25% of all Canadians and 10% of Americans live on the Great Lakes.  In addition, one in every three Canadians and one in every seven Americans rely on the Great Lakes for their fresh water.

Through several interlocking stories including the story of maritime commerce and the ships that move cargo through the inland waterway, Mysteries of the Great Lakes will take you on a journey through the greatest lake system in the world, and showcase the amazing geography, ecology, science, and history of the region through the most powerful film medium in the world — IMAX.

Mysteries of China captures one of the great archaeological events in modern times telling the story of ancient China, the First Emperor, and the literal foundation of the China we know today.  Starting with modern China and springing back as we seek the birth of this mighty nation, we talk of an ancient time when a fierce warrior brought together a warring nation, and how an accidental discovery changed everything we know about China’s past.

It happened in 1974 when farmers digging a well in Xi’an stumbled upon one of the greatest archaeological finds the world had ever discovered – the Terracotta Warriors and the Tomb of the First Emperor.  The Terracotta Warriors offer a unique time capsule into the past revealing many things about the very founding of this great country which we use to tell a larger story of the growth of China into a true superpower.

From modern China to ancient China and back again, the film is a visual adventure using beautiful aerial photography and cutting-edge time-lapse techniques to reveal great majesty, tragedy, splendor, and growth in a nation that continues to excel quickly into the future.

(AKA Egypt: Secrets of the Mummies)

Journey to the royal tombs of Egypt and explore the history of ancient Egyptian society as told through the mummies of the past.  The film follows explorers and scientists as they piece together the archeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies, and provides audiences with a window into the fascinating and mysterious world of the pharaohs.  To unwrap the secrets of the pharaohs is to perhaps glimpse the future of our own civilization.

The MTB Insights Series offers a unique, Ultra HD view into mountain biking today.  Looking at each aspect of the sport, this series is for enthusiasts and experts alike.  Each episode takes an in-depth look at the culture, evolution, and champions of one of the fastest growing extreme sports in the world.  Season 1 broadcast internationally in over 20 countries and received outstanding feedback from VOD audiences.

After the success of Season 1, MTB Insights is back with a new 10 x 26mins season, fresh faces, and new places.  Filmed in brilliant 4K with legendary riders such as Cedric Gracia and Cam Zink.  Discover unique spots like Bear Mountain Resort and the legendary Coastal Gravity park, Canada, and many other international destinations.  This documentary driven series offers a true insight into mountain biking around the world.

Million-selling fantasy novel series Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit comes alive in a full 4K drama series, starring leading Japanese actress Haruka Ayase.

The story is set in an imaginary land resembling ancient Asia, where the two worlds of spirits and humans intertwine in mysterious ways.

The heroine Balsa is a skilled bodyguard and a masterful spear-wielder.  One day she rescues Prince Chagum who has fallen into a river.  The prince is carrying a mysterious spirit egg in his body, and is in danger of being assassinated by his father, the Mikado (king), who fears this will damage his imperial prestige.  Balsa embarks upon a perilous journey when she accepts the queen’s plead to protect her son from her husband …

The narrative, including the VFX and action sequences, will propel viewers into a world of dense forests, spectacular palaces, and spirits and demons.

A world of adventure never seen by anyone is now being unveiled.

The 17th century: The super powers are the Habsburg Empire and the Ottoman Empire, being more than just enemies.  On September 11, 1697, the Ottoman army is annihilated in the battle of Zenta by the imperial army led by Prince Eugene of Savoy, thus ending the steady rise of the Ottoman Empire over the previous centuries.  The dominance of the Habsburgs is well documented, but the Ottoman Empire was a civilization that was no less developed and whose culture we know only little about.  Yet the Sultans ruled over Asia Minor, the Near East, the Balkans, North Africa, the Crimea and current-day Hungary for several centuries.  We follow Emetullah Rabia Gülnuş Sultan, first concubine in the harem and later, as a mother of two Sultans, Valide Sultan.  For more than 30 years the Greek woman, abducted from Crete at the age of four, had enormous influence over the political and cultural fortunes of the Ottoman Empire.  Our protagonist on the Habsburg side is Prince Eugene of Savoy, who, from an emotionally neglected childhood, rose to huge success as a feared army leader and the wealthiest man of his time.  Elaborate computer simulations and skillful re-enactments immerse viewers in the elegant, yet also brutal and merciless world of the Habsburg and the Ottoman Empire, showing not only their military encounters but also the mutual influences in the fields of culture, science and even food.

Sports Science reveals how top athletes use their bodies and skills.

The world’s top synchronized swimmers Natalia Ishchenko and Svetlana Romashina have an impossible stunt called The Russian Roulette where the two move their legs at breakneck speed during a routine when oxygen levels drop dangerously.

A first-ever research by NHK has revealed that when underwater, they display abilities only aquatic mammals are known to have!  Be amazed at the supreme performances of the duo metamorphosing into real mermaids in beautiful 4K images.

With each new day, we engage in rituals that we’ve developed through instinct and years of routine.  Because we have repeated the patterns so many times, we can succumb to a dulled awareness of our surroundings.  It is easy to become unaware that these daily patterns and routines are repeated on every scale in nature and in the lives of all creatures.  All around us there is drama that is constantly unfolding, unseen — paralleling our own rituals, struggles and triumphs.  Every organism plays a role and adds a unique contribution.  There is a certain uniformity in nature’s complexity and our existence is truly a series of interconnected events.

Using text from Mexican novelist Carlos Fuentes and ancient Aztec and Mayan poetry, Mexico leads viewers on a visual journey through this country’s rich and varied past and present.  Stunning images and a dramatic musical score by Daniel Valdez create a vivid, insightful portrait of the Mexican people and their culture.

The world’s elite independent watchmakers are incredibly passionate about watch making from design to assembly, delicately bringing together hundreds of minuscule parts all by hand.  The price for one such truly artistic timepiece can fetch up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Their phenomenal techniques stretching the limits of human capability are almost divine.  Example of their mastery include a watch that uses only wooden parts except for the springs, a watch without hands or a face, and a watch that shows celestial movement.  This documentary series goes deep into the workshops of the world’s expert independent watchmakers.