"When it comes to Sir David Attenborough, you’re guaranteed a feature of the highest quality"

When it comes to Sir David Attenborough, you’re guaranteed a feature of the highest quality. There’s no way the great man would lose his consistency in creating some of the greatest nature and wildlife documentaries of all time, and release anything below-par; and Flying Monster’s was no disappointment.

Flying Monsters is a 3D examination of, well, flying monsters. It focuses greatly on the Pterosaurs, in other words, reptiles that can fly – following the evolution of such creatures over 150 million years. From the very start when the poor little creatures would hobble around, flying about as well as a pigeon that’s eaten half a load of Hovis, to when the beasts were soaring through the sky, a greater size than any other flying creature since.

It’s a captivating documentary, informative and enjoyable, whilst David Attenborough narrates and explains the proceedings as he does best. However, I do have a slight problem with the film. As well-made as it is, for me, it just doesn’t warrant a cinema release. Don’t get me wrong, seeing the feature in 3D, and, particularly at the IMAX (aren’t I lucky?) it looks quite astounding to say the least – but it’s just too short to merit a big-screen release. At 40 minutes long, you want more from your cinematic experience.

So the obvious solution would be to put it on television, especially as when it comes to Attenborough’s work, I find I enjoy it most sitting at home on the sofa, eating my dinner. But then we face another problem – as one of the films great selling-points is that it’s in 3D and looks brilliant on the big-screen.

Which leaves me in limbo as to where this film is best suited. The film doesn’t deserve a cinema-release due to its length, but then again, by putting in on television, it takes away the visual spectacle to which we are treated.

I felt that perhaps a solution could be for the film to be part of a double-bill. If it was coupled with another documentary – the two together could make the experience and money spent more worthwhile for the viewer.

Therefore, despite thoroughly enjoying the documentary, and leaving with a sincere and educated understanding of all things flying reptiles – it just doesn’t do enough for me to warrant seeing it in a cinema. If you own a 50 inch 3D television, then be sure to buy this on DVD. Or, if you’re willing to spend a tenner to go to the cinema and see a 40 minute film, by all means please do – however, if neither are particularly appealing or attainable, then this one may just pass you by.