Disney has made an auspicious beginning to its new film production arm, Disneynature, with the breathtaking, yet cautionary feature, “EARTH” opening in theaters on Earth Day.

Five years in the making, “EARTH” follows the sun’s warming influence from arctic winter 700 miles from the North Pole as it travels south to the Antarctic. The epic journey is told through the eyes of three key animal families: a polar bear mother struggling to feed her newborn cubs as the sun melts the ice beneath their feet; a determined elephant mother who guides her tiny calf on an endless trek across the Kalahari Desert in search of fresh water; and a humpbacked whale mother and her calf as they undertake the longest migration of any marine mammal—4,000 miles from the tropics to the Antarctic in search of food.

Although the film’s commentary is provided by one of the world’s most celebrated voices, James Earl Jones, “EARTH” really needs no narration, the featured animal families tell their own tales.  They are heroes; they have their battles, they have their defeats, they have their victories, and their stories are as fascinating as any big-screen drama.

“EARTH” is an extraordinary portrait of our planet, revealing its natural splendors as they have never been seen before. At a time when we are all becoming increasingly aware of global warming and the fragile state of the planet we call home, “EARTH” is a movie of the moment. Disneynature plans to release a film annually on Earth Day. Next year’s release will be “OCEAN,” and if “EARTH” is any indication, it will be well worth the wait.

A note of warning for Mom and Dad: nature can be cruel, and some scenes may be too frightening for the wee ones. You may want to schedule a “Circle of Life” conversation before the show, or stick to the animated animals for the time being.

Be sure to stick around for the credits, and you’ll see some of the amazing methods used to film this remarkable feature. (Running time: 1 hr 36 min. Rated: G)

Big Fat Rating: ★★★ 1/2

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