Discovery Atlas

''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. 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.

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. Other sources, including the Australian Discovery Channel and Discovery Communications Inc websites, have said that the series will focus on thirty countries.

Episodes

Season 1 (2006)

Season 2 (2007)

Season 3 (2008)

** Not shown on Discovery Channel in America until October 1, 2009.

Episode synopsis

''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.

''Mexico Revealed''

Mexico is a country sustained by ritual and tradition. ''Mexico Revealed'' follows La Quebradra cliff divers, a masked wrestler named Hombre sin Nombre, and chef Martha Ortiz Chapa. The show also looks at religion in Mexico with a segment on All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Mariachi is featured throughout the show.

''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.

''Russia Revealed''

This episode focuses on how the people of the new Russia are once again embracing their past following the fall of the Soviet Union. We follow the lives of nomadic reindeer herders in Siberia, a family of carpet-makers in the Caucasus Mountains, a fashion magazine executive in Moscow, a volcanologist in the Kamchatka Peninsula and a 17-year-old COOL aspiring circus performer in Kazan. Interspersed with these stories is footage of breathtaking scenery from around Russia, including Lake Baikal and St. Petersburg during summer twilight

Home video

The initial four episodes were released on Blu-ray and HD DVD in high-definition on 30 January 2007. Each episode is sold separately and as a 4-disc box set.
They were also released on iTunes in 1080p HD.

References

External links

Official ''Discovery Atlas'' website
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{{Discovery Channel programming

Discovery Channel original programming
American educational television series
2006 American television series debuts
2008 American television series endings
2000s American documentary television series