F. Murray Abraham

This two-part biological documentary examines the process and practice of courtship as exhibited by numerous species in the animal kingdom. The first half explores behavior common to females and argues that they instinctively attempt to "shape the future" of their respective species by selecting the finest mates available, while the second half hones in on the "universal" behavior of males, arguing that their erogenous behavior is shaped by a need to "pass on" their genes to successive generations. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

Tourist season sets the stage for terror when a greedy developer attempts to transform a quiet California fishing town into a gaudy tourist trap, and a swarm of man-eating Great Whites begin devouring anyone who dares venture into the once-peaceful waters. Decades of dumping has turned the Pacific Ocean into a toxic cesspool, and while some species died out others somehow managed to survive and adapt. Full Moon Bay is a sleepy seaside town populated primarily by fisherman, though slimy industrial millionaire Hamilton Lux (Armand Assante) is planning to rape the land a reap a profit. Should Lux have his way, overpriced shops will flank historic landmarks and a luxury resort will draw tourists from around the world. Of course this will put a stranglehold on the local business, such as the nearby fishery fun by Daniel (John Schneider) and Brook Wilder (Daryl Hannah). Wilder isn't about to go down without a fight though, and though he's never seen eye to eye with his estranged brother Phillip (Roark Critchlow) - a noted professor and environmental expert - the siblings are about to reunite to fight for a common cause. Just as Phillip returns to town, word emerges that a number of locals have been torn to shreds and eaten alive after venturing into in bay. When Marine biologist Amy Zuckermann (Heather McComb) arrives to survey Lex's developments, she makes a most disturbing discovery - a beached bull shark with sensory organs that still display predatory instincts even after death. As if this news wasn't horrifying enough, Amy discovers that a swarm of Great White sharks are stalking the waters and killing for pleasure. Each day the number of sharks grows, and each day they become more violent. With the sun shining bright and the tourists turning up in droves, Amy, Daniel, and Brook must figure out a way to stop these killing machines before the feast begins. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

As originally produced for - and broadcast on - PBS, the documentary program Nature: The Silence of the Bees travels back to the winter of 2006, when an odd and enigmatic phenomenon transpired in the entomological realm: millions of honeybees vanished without a trace from their hives, thereby putting the global food supply at risk and rendering untoward acres of crops extremely vulnerable to externalized threats. Tragically, this phenomenon continued far beyond the initial season in which it was discovered. Silence of the Bees carries audiences to a series of locales where the catastrophe continues to transpire, including hives now vacant and fallen. It also ventures into scientific laboratories, where entomological researchers race against time to prevent the complete and permanent extinction of the honeybee as they search for the reasons behind its demise. The program then provides a detailed exploration of the insect's history, its role in influencing human diets, and the potential losses wrought if honeybees vanish from existence altogether. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

What external dynamics or internal traits would prompt a 400-pound Silverback gorilla with a tortured familial history to relinquish the past and rise above his trauma, courageously leading a pack of 25 other primates for the duration of his lifetime? That's the question posed by this documentary, which originally aired as an episode of the Nature series on PBS. The subject in question is Titus, who witnessed the brutal slaughter of his father at age 4, the murder of his baby sister not long after, and abandonment by another sister and his mother soon after that. Titus intrigued a number of primatologists and researchers, notably the late Dian Fossey and Kelly Stewart (Jimmy Stewart's daughter), for his ability to lead one of the most triumphant and issue-free lives imaginable, despite his past. This program explores the history and day-to-day world of Titus and discusses possible reasons for his extraordinary adaptive ability. It combines on-location footage of Silverback gorillas, archival footage of Titus as an infant, and on-camera commentary by primate researchers who discuss Titus's status and role as a leader of other gorillas. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

The titular reference - "Superfish" - refers not to one particular species of fish, but to a whole class of aquatic vertebrae so enormous that they rank among the most intimidating "gamefish" in the Earth's seas and oceans. These include the swordfish, the sailfish, and the marlin (among others). The program argues that mystery, obscurity and towering legend have cloaked the species for untold decades. Here, marine biologist-turned-documentarist Rick Rosenthal takes his cameras to stunning depths in an attempt to capture these massive creatures on-camera and film them, observationally, in their natural habitats. As Rosenthal reminds the audience, the systematic decimation of these populations is making the documentary's goals increasingly elusive and difficult. It thus renders the footage that Rosenthal captures increasingly valuable for future generations. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

A Roman warrior on a quest to uncover the truth about Jesus of Nazareth becomes enamored with an Israeli beauty after rescuing the woman from a violent mugger in this Biblical-themed period drama starring Dolph Lundgren, F. Murray Abraham, Max Von Sydow, and Mónica Cruz. A solar eclipse has cast darkness over the Roman Empire, and as the frightened population cowers in fear the earth beneath their feet begins to violently tremble. Having recently heard rumors about a mysterious Jewish savior who apparently transcended death, Emperor Tiberius sends fierce warrior Tauro to Jerusalem to solve a mystery that threatens to dissolve their empire. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Tauro rescues a young beauty named Tabitha and her frail grandmother from a menacing street criminal. But Tabitha is forbidden to look at Romans - much less speak to them - and now after entering into a forbidden romance with Tauro the end of an era fast approaches. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

F. Murray Abraham, classically trained star of the blockbuster features Amadeus (1984) and Finding Forrester (2000), hosts and narrates the PBS Nature special Sharkland. The program travels to the majestic, mysterious freezing waters around southern Africa, where a bizarre zoological phenomenon transpires: sharks of over 140 different species and stripe, from makos to tiger sharks to great whites -- each of which demand unique living conditions, climates, and temperatures -- somehow manage to coexist and thrive in common waters. Via involving narration and breathtaking on-location cinematography, the program charts the reasons for this occurrence as it offers viewers a startling introduction to many of the species. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

The PBS animal documentary Nature: Supersize Crocs begins with an incredible legend. Amid worldwide terror over the cannibalistic proclivities of the crocodile, even more jolting rumors persist of an oversized species that allegedly spans up to 21 feet. On a heartbreaking note for zoologists everywhere, this variant of croc -- a carryover from ancient times -- may soon cease to exist. Determined to locate this dying branch of the crocodile family, naturalist Romulus Whitaker hearkens off to Australia, Northern India, and Ethiopia, where the skin of a 21-footer recently cropped up; once there, he begins to search the homes of the Nile, Saltwater, and Gharial crocodile families with the hope of locating the extinct or near-extinct 21-foot breed. Celebrated Oscar-winning actor F. Murray Abraham (Amadeus, Mighty Aphrodite) narrates. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

Six American graduate students studying apes in the African jungle discover a new species of killer chimpanzees that could prove to be the most formidable threat ever known to humankind. Upon first spotting this bizarre new breed, Greg, Dani, Amy, Josh, Sydney, and Seth were all assured by their highly-esteemed professor (F. Murray Abraham) that they have all been part of a discovery that could change the very face of science. Survival instinct soon takes over, however, when a typical study in animal behavior becomes a brutal struggle to escape a relentless predator with unparalleled strength and speed. As the serenity of the wilderness is suddenly shattered by the blood-curdling screams of man, Mother Nature proves just how little we truly understand about the savagery of the jungle. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

In addition to the reputation afforded him in the centuries following his death as a world-shaking scientific provocateur, Isaac Newton was also extraordinarily devout, and something of a mystic. As one who did his life's work during an unusual period when both modern science and theology were on the upswing, he simultaneously invented calculus, laid the foundation of alchemy, attempted to predict the date of Christ's return based on Biblical clues, and disclosed grave heresies buried deeply in Catholicism and Anglicanism -- to name only a few among hundreds of gifts that Newton brought to the world. He also established himself as one of the most profound mathematicians in world history, attaining the wickedly difficult Lucasian mathematics post at Cambridge and acquiring a professorial reputation that terrified prospective students by virtue of Newton's genius and esotericism. And the great irony is that a number of Newton's key discoveries have never been publicized, thanks to his unwillingness to make known many of his thoughts and conclusions. An episode of the critically and popularly acclaimed long-running PBS series that has instilled an adoration of science in hundreds of thousands of viewers during its 32-year run, NOVA: Newton's Dark Secrets plunges into the bizarre and brilliant corners of Newton's scientific genius, offering a fascinating, unflinching look at the many facets of this deep and complicated man. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

Originally intended as a four-part miniseries, Kingdom of David: The Saga of the Israelites made its U.S. debut as a two-part PBS special on May 14 and 21, 2003. Narrated by Keith David, with character voices provided by an impressive lineup of prominent actors, the program is dedicated to the thesis that the Israelites and the Jewish faith changed human history "as much as any empire that ever existed." Persecuted and slaughtered for practicing monotheism at a time when the prevailing belief was in multiple gods, the Kingdom of David kept itself united and solvent by passing along the history and traditions of its elders in written form (the "religion of the book"). Among the subjects explored are the formation of the laws of the Jews, the origins of their customs, and their strongly held and strictly enforced moral values. Individual episode titles include "By the Rivers of Babylon," "The Book and the Sword," "The End of Days," and "The Gifts of the Jews." As often as possible, Kingdom of David was filmed on the exact locations where the historical events described herein occurred. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide