Discovery Atlas is a documentary television series on the Discovery Channel and Discovery HD Theater which focuses on the cultural, sociological, and natural aspects of various countries by exploring their different peoples, traditions, and lands. The documentary follows the lives and individual struggles of locals, while taking in-depth looks at the countries' history and culture.[citation needed] Eight episodes have been broadcast so far on the Discovery Channel: the first episode, Discovery Atlas: China Revealed aired October 1, 2006, and was followed by Discovery Atlas: Italy Revealed, Brazil Revealed, and Australia Revealed. The most recent episodes (from 2008) have been focused on France, Japan, Egypt and Russia.[1]
| This article needs to be updated. (June 2012) |
Quick Facts Discovery Atlas, Narrated by ...
Discovery Atlas |
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Narrated by | Various people |
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Opening theme | "Discovery Atlas" theme by David Rhodes |
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Country of origin | Worldwide (Discovery Channel countries) |
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No. of episodes | 11 |
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Executive producer | Peter Gabriel |
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Running time | 42 or 100 minutes (approx.) |
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Network | Discovery Channel |
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Release | October 1, 2006 (2006-10-01) – November 30, 2008 (2008-11-30) |
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According to the Miami Herald, the series will be shown over five years and focus on a total of 20 countries, with the possibility of more. Four countries will be featured each year.[citation needed][needs update] Other sources, including the Australian Discovery Channel and Discovery Communications Inc websites, have said that the series will focus on thirty countries.[2][3]
China Revealed
This episode focused on the rapid development of the People's Republic of China in modern times, and also introduced several Chinese cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong), the improvement of rural communities (Longshen, Taizhou) and the lives of various ordinary Chinese people (a rice farmer, a Shaolin monk and his students, a Mongolian horseman, a gymnast who is an Olympic hopeful, an Imperial bowmaker, an architectural millionaire, a window washer, a girl tempted by cosmetic surgery and a policewoman). Traditions of ethnic minorities (Mongolians) were also mentioned. The film uses both exciting western music as well as traditional Chinese music. This episode of the Atlas is narrated by actor James Spader.
Italy Revealed
Italy Revealed depicts the passionate culture of Italy as it follows six stories of Italians, including a jockey participating in a traditional palio, to a former fisherman setting a free-diving record off Sicily's coast, to the Missoni family's fashion world and a Venetian gondolier's attempt to keep his family in his native city.
Brazil Revealed
This episode shows Brazil's celebrative spirit as it follows the stories of some of Brazil's citizens, as well as giving insight into the history and culture of the country. Among the people followed include a female soccer player struggling to play in what is considered a man's sport, a helicopter pilot in São Paulo, a rancher taking part in his first rodeo, and a dancer in preparation for Carnival.
Australia Revealed
This episode revealed the young nation's determination and tough nature, while focusing on Australia's marvelous ancient cultures that contain the nation's beat and the traditions of some of Australia's oldest indigenous populations, as well as the country's modern achievements. Some of the subjects of the documentary include an Aboriginal man trying to follow his ancestors' old ways, a professional swimmer, a jackaroo (or cowhand), and a fence builder working on the continent's longest single fence. It is narrated by Australian actor Russell Crowe.
South Africa Revealed
South Africa Revealed explores the lives of several individuals and how they contribute in their own way to the new South Africa after years of internal struggle. Profiled is a young Zulu schoolgirl and her teacher, a man working thousands of feet underground in the world's deepest gold mine, a wildlife veterinarian and her team working to preserve South Africa's unique wildlife, the Khoisan bushmen battling to keep their traditional way of life, a young colored woman in a leadership role in the South African Army, and an ambulance driver in Johannesburg, one of the world's most violent cities.
India Revealed
India Revealed shows life in the land of the Gods. India has the world's second fastest growing major economy and a sixth of the world's population. The show follows an upscale wedding planner, a young man attending a gurukul to become a Brahmin. Dharavi, a large slum in Mumbai, is featured during the Festival of Lights. It is narrated by Mira Nair.
France Revealed
This episode spotlights the radical new ways in which France is changing the world. From sports like free running and urban climbing, to unexploded munitions removal, to more traditional events like eating and watching fireworks, the French are setting new trends in many different aspects of life.
Japan Revealed
Japan Revealed focuses on the unique balance in Japan between the seasons and life, and keeping old traditions alive in a modern world. The episode follows the lives of a geisha in training, a tuna fisherman, a group of Ama divers, two trend setting schoolgirls, a family competing in robotics fighting, and a tattoo artist. It is narrated by Masi Oka.
Egypt Revealed
This episode follows the lives of six individuals throughout Egypt. Stories include a 17-year-old bread delivery boy in Cairo, a Bedouin herbal healer in the Sinai hoping to pass on his secrets to a new generation before he dies, a man who left his Cairo home to become a Coptic Christian monk, and the conservative lifestyle of women in the oasis town of Siwa in contrast to a successful businesswoman and founder of a women's magazine in Cairo.