Earth Day is finally here (!!!) and with that so is DisneyNature’s first feature length film, appropriately titled Earth.  When I first saw the trailer for Earth I was so excited for the chance to finally see beautiful nature footage on the big screen - an opportnity we rarely get as a movie-goers.   I’ve always been a firm believer that movies allow us get as close as we can to actually experiencing new ideas, people and places - and that experience is what allows us all to change our minds or see the world in a new way.  With Earth I was happy that for the first time a mass audience would be able to experience the joy and beauty of our natural planet and those who inhabit it. What I didn’t know going into the film was that it was directed by the same team that brought us Planet Earth, the wonderful BBC series.  In fact, most of the footage in DisneyNature’s Earth was used in Planet Earth.  As it turns out, there was a partnership and collaboration from the beginning between the two projects, with one knowingly focusing on three specific animal stories (Earth) and one focusing on the larger scope of the planet (Planet Earth).  I’ll admit that this made watching the DisneyNature flick a bit less exciting and I was a bit letdown. Overall though, I couldn’t be happier that the film is coming out.  The story itself revolves around the cyclical and natural journey of a polar bear family, a humpback whale family and an elephant family.  Throughout the film we revisit these creatures as they attempt to move across the planet in search of food and safety.  In between our visits with the families, we meet many creatures and visit places that give us a greater idea of how the planet functions as a whole.  And even though in many ways this is just a simplified and very packaged version of Planet Earth, the enitre thing is absolutely gorgeous.  And if you liked Planet Earth you would be silly to miss the opportunity to revisit some of the footage in an actual movie theater. Also, I think it is important to remember that this is a film that was created for a mass audience - and that is really valuable.  We need more ways to connect large groups of people with our planet and this is a great way to do that.  Kids and adults not so familiar with the world of nature documentary will have the chance to get a taste of it - to see how mesmerizing and amazing our natural world is.  I hope (and know Disney intends) that Earth will simply be a stepping stone, a starter drug if you will, into the larger world of nature documentary and planet acitvism.   I hope many many people will see it and that they will be inspired to learn more, watch more and get involved in the world we all (animals too!) depend upon. And really, when you get down to it, that is what Earth Day itself is all about - raising awareness and excitement.  And I can’t think of a better way to participate than to see Earth.  Well, you could also (and should!) takepart with our 17 Prime Ways to TakePart on Earth Day. But also - see Earth