SHEDDING INK

Winged Migration

Winged Migration is less a documentary and more a visual poem to ornithology. After all, there isn't much educational information contained within its celluloid frames. However, the visuals are absolutely awe inspiring, even if they are a bit contrived (as the "making of" feature on the DVD reveals, most of the birds were imprinted from birth so they would be comfortable with the filmmakers flying among them along their migratory routes). As these birds fly thousands of miles across continents—even oceans in some cases—to ensure their survival, it captures the amazing power of instinct and almost makes you envious, since our own instincts can be so bad at times. Still, what Winged Migration lacks in edification it more than makes up for in extraordinary nature cinematography.

- December 30, 2005

DVD Extras

The special edition DVD includes highly informative documentaries and featurettes about the making of the film and the movie, as well as in-depth interviews and a photo gallery with filmmaker commentary.

Back to DVD Reviews

Winged Migration (2001)

A team of filmmakers led by French actor Jacques Perrin follow dozens of bird species on their migratory journeys across all seven continents.


Directed by Jacques Perrin, Jacques Cluzaud, Michel Debats


Written by Jean Dorst, Stéphane Durand, Guy Jarry, Jacques Perrin, Valentine Perrin, Francis Roux


Narrated by Jacques Perrin

89 minutes
Rated G

Movie: B-
Extras: B