Watch Dinotopia
- TV-PG
- 2002
- 1 Season
-
6.5 (6,710)
Dinotopia is a television show that premiered in 2002 and starred Wentworth Miller, a relatively unknown actor at the time. The show was inspired by the series of children's books by James Gurney and followed the adventures of a pair of brothers, Karl and David Scott, who find themselves stranded on an island inhabited by sentient dinosaurs.
The show's pilot episode set the stage for the rest of the series, as we see Karl and David's plane crash land on Dinotopia, an island in the middle of the ocean where humans and dinosaurs coexist in harmony. They are quickly taken in by various residents of the island and are shown the ropes of living in this new and utterly unique environment. They experience everything from riding on the backs of dinosaurs to communicating with creatures who, at first, only seemed capable of grunts and growls.
As the series progresses, Karl and David become embroiled in the politics of Dinotopia. There are factions on the island that resent the human presence and don't believe that they should be allowed to coexist with the dinosaurs. There are also forces at work that want to exploit the island's resources for their own gain, putting everyone in danger.
The brothers find themselves working with a cast of colorful characters, both human and dinosaur alike, in order to defend Dinotopia from those who wish to harm it. They learn about the island's history, its customs, and its unique way of life, all while trying to find a way to get back home.
One of the most impressive things about Dinotopia is the production design. The show was filmed in a variety of locations, from Canada to England, but the creators went to great lengths to make it all look like it was happening in one place. They built elaborate sets that integrated practical and digital effects seamlessly, making it easy to buy into the idea that these creatures were really alive and sharing space with the human characters.
Speaking of the creatures, the dinosaurs are undoubtedly the stars of the show. They are designed to look realistic and believable, and they move with an incredible amount of detail and fluidity. They're not just relegated to being background dressing either - they are actively involved in the story and often help the human characters in surprising ways.
The show's cast is also quite strong. Miller, who went on to find fame as the star of Prison Break, delivers a solid performance as Karl, the older and more responsible of the two brothers. He's joined by Tyron Leitso, who plays David with a sense of wide-eyed wonder that perfectly embodies the awe that anyone would feel upon discovering the island of Dinotopia.
There are a number of supporting actors who all bring their own unique quirks and personalities to the mix. One standout is David Thewlis, who plays Cyrus Crabb, a perpetually grumpy trader who serves as a kind of mentor to the brothers. His dry wit and gruff demeanor make him a fan favorite.
All in all, Dinotopia is a delightful adventure series that appeals to both kids and adults. It's a show that doesn't talk down to its audience or shy away from complex themes, while still maintaining an innocent sense of wonder and joy. Whether you love dinosaurs, sci-fi, or just a good old-fashioned adventure story, Dinotopia has something for everyone.
Dinotopia is a series that ran for 1 seasons (14 episodes) between May 12, 2002 and on