The series was filmed in high definition, produced by Mike Gunton and Patrick Morris of the BBC Natural History Unit and narrated by actress Tilda Swinton.

The series was proposed to the BBC by the principal cinematographers Paul D. Stewart and Richard Wollocombe.

The opening episode "Born of Fire" won four awards at the 2007 International Wildlife Film Festival in Missoula.

[3] Horace Newcomb, director of the Peabody Awards, described the first episode as one of the most beautiful things he has ever seen.

A DVD, Blu-ray, soundtrack CD and book were released to accompany the TV series: