Deadpool Narrates NatGeo’s “Underdogs” Showing Next-Level Wildlife
What you’ll learn:
- How NatGeo captured nature up close.
- About all sorts of life you may have never knew existed.
National Geographic's “Underdogs” takes audiences on a journey into the world of lesser-known animals, presenting nature's unsung heroes with startling filmmaking techniques. Instead of focusing on flashy action stars like lions and elephants, the series takes us into the captivating world of small, often "underdog animals," revealing their unexpected roles in the natural world through brilliant visual storytelling. All of this plus it’s narrated by Ryan Reynolds, Deadpool himself.
At the heart of “Underdogs” is its macro cinematography. We’ve all seen creatures up close, but I feel that they achieved something more with this series. Ultra-high-definition 4K and 6K cameras were utilized in combination with custom macro lenses to achieve expensively detailed close-ups.
Advanced Lighting and Cameras
Innovative lighting options were imperative to film such close-up shots. The team employed sensitive CMOS sensors that are specifically designed for low-light recording, along with miniature LED light rigs. The lights were calibrated and arranged to illuminate bioluminescent creatures naturally without disrupting their fragile habitats.
The shows also used the newest technologies developed for filming unusual wildlife behaviors and under challenging-to-achieve shooting conditions. Infrared and thermal-imaging cameras unveiled previously unknown nighttime behaviors, providing unparalleled access to the lives of these elusive creatures.
High-speed cameras that shot as many as 1,000 frames per second (fps) displayed discreet actions—such as the pistol shrimp's lightning-fast snapping claw—slowly and in exquisite close-up, allowing audiences to appreciate moves too fast for the human eye. Although a super tiny movement, it was wild to see its devastation in slow motion.
Drones and Robotic Rigs
Drone technology was also featured prominently in the series. Equipped with precision stabilization gimbals, drones offered smooth, unobtrusive aerial footage that would not frighten wildlife, allowing natural behavior to unfold naturally. Also, small, remotely controlled cameras were strategically located in inaccessible locations, capturing intimate moments of discreet wildlife encounters that were usually out of sight. All fairly standard in the nature game.
Robotic motion-control rigs introduced cinematic sophistication to the filmmaking process. The rigs recorded precise, repeatable camera movements even over bumpy terrain, essential for capturing consistently smooth, detailed images. Using this technology, film producers could choreograph sophisticated sequences with ease, significantly enhancing the overall storytelling experience.
Post-production technology took center stage in turning raw, unedited footage into engaging narratives. Powerful color-grading software ensured visual continuity across varied shooting environments—cave darks, colored forests, or shaded waters.
Digital compositing guaranteed with ease that shooting equipment vanished, and secondary graphic elements got integrated, producing coherent and visually captivating storytelling. I was really impressed by the seamless transitions between real and CG. I almost couldn't tell in some areas. What was apparent, I felt, probably wasn't necessary.
"Underdogs" Review
Unlike traditional wildlife programs, “Underdogs” redefines greatness through close-up narrative on micro-moment drama. The series presents a new twist, demonstrating that ordinary little creatures are capable of telling wonderful stories once paired with their filmmaking. Instead of dwarfing nature, the technology in “Underdogs” elevates its unseen wonders, delivering fascinating insights into the world of nature's underdogs. Although a lot of it is kind of gross, it did leave me wondering how much of the natural world have we missed in safer, more traditional nature documentaries.
In total, National Geographic's Underdogs is the perfect combination of new camera technology and compelling storytelling. In its use of macro photography, professional lighting, thermal and infrared photographs, drones, camera robot systems, and advanced editing, the series brings to vibrant life the engaging stories of nature's underdog creatures in almost surreal detail. Some of the footage was seriously next level. Although it seemed like it at many points, I think a minimum of 60 fps should be standard for shows like this.
The series proves there are so many tiny stories worth being told. It's hard for me not to fear for a future where we can't even capture any nature. As technological progress plows over any and all life, all we'll have left are shows like this one. The number of species that have gone extinct from recorded history is shocking. In your lifetime, too. Lonesome George, the last of the Pinta Island tortoises, died in 2012. To witness that alone should raise concern.
If anything, "Underdogs" will show you a great bunch of creatures you may have never known existed. It did for me.
It gets 4 fake caterpillar heads out of 4. You'll understand the rating after watching the show.
The show airs Sunday, 6/15 on National Geographic TV and ABC. Then catch it on Disney+ and HULU the next day, 6/16. Enjoy!
