Documentary: Planeta Tierra

Spanish Level: Intermediate

Format: DVD Documentary

Subject: Nature/Science

If you like the natural world, this documentary is an awesome choice for any intermediate Spanish speakers. Because of the 'nature' of the documentary (hehe), the narrating is done slowly and it is very well enunciated (and this carries over to the Spanish language track). It's a good opportunity to learn new vocabulary and practice your listening skills. Unfortunately, though the English version is on Canadian Netflix, it doesn't have the Spanish language track available. Perhaps you might have better luck with this if you are in the States. It was wonderful when I was in Ecuador, everything on Netflix had a Spanish track. (Which is where I watched it in Spanish in the first place.)

Level of Concentration Required: Less than Spanish Soaps (Telenovelas)

 ...much less.

I would put it on before I went to bed, on those days that I just didn't have the mental capacity to study. I may have passed out during it from time to time, but I learn things like, nivel del mar (sea level) and la atmósfera, two guesses on what that one is! ;)

One of my favorite phrases I learnt from it is 'agua dulce' - the direct translation is sweet water, and I love the sound of that. 'Fresh water' just doesn't have the same ring to it!

Sadly, not even my DVD version has the Spanish track. All my DVD's have French of course, but that doesn't do me any good at the moment! I liked the documentary series enough that I want to buy a brand new copy just so I can watch it in Spanish again. I've found a copy on Amazon, I'm just trying to convince myself to spend the money. ;)

Where to find it:

Planeta Tierra can be found at- Amazon.com, Amazon.ca and if you're lucky, Netflix.com as well! But if you're purchasing it (or any other Spanish DVD/Blu-ray), be verrrry careful that the title is in Spanish OR that Spanish/Castilian is listed as an audio track. You'll find that on the back of the DVD/Blu-ray case in tiiiny little writing somewhere, usually right before the sub-title language list.)

A little extra to snack on:

Before you start, it might be a good idea to learn some of the names of animals in Spanish! Here's a little tidbit to help you on your way...