Come Face to Face with a Monster of Mythical Proportions.

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Meet the beast – MONSTER SQUID: THE GIANT IS REAL premieres Jan. 27 on Discovery

A production four years in the making, Discovery and Japanese broadcaster NHK joined forces to undertake the most ambitious search ever mounted to find the greatest mystery of the deep, the giant squid. Tales of the creature have been around since ancient times – the Norse legend of the sea monster the Kraken, and the Scylla from Greek mythology might have derived from the giant squid. This massive predator has always been shrouded in secrecy, and every attempt to capture a live giant squid on camera in its natural habitat – considered by many to be the Holy Grail of natural history filmmaking – has failed. Until now.

Discovery and NHK captured groundbreaking imagery below the Pacific waters during a mission that included over more than 285 hours in the abyss, 55 sub dives – some at depths greater than 915 meters – and a crew of scientists, including oceanographer and marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder, marine biologist Steve O’Shea, and zoologist Dr. Tsunemi Kobodera of the National Science Museum of Japan, in addition to engineers, technicians, and sub pilots. To catch the animal’s majestic power – as well as its ultimate fragility – MONSTER SQUID: THE GIANT IS REAL utilized the latest cinematographic techniques and technology, including two deep sea submersibles with panoramic views, ultra-sensitive camera systems with light invisible to squid, bio luminescent lures and secret squid attractants.   

The NHK crew has been studying and filming the underwater life in this region for over 10 years in cooperation with Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science. The collaborative Discovery and NHK crew led to a face-to-face encounter with the giant squid deep below the water’s surface. Other previous attempts to capture footage of a live giant squid yielded the first-ever still photographs of a giant squid in 2004 and another giant squid was captured floating on the water surface in 2006. This is the first-ever footage of a live giant squid in its natural habitat, resulting in a significant contribution to science.

About Discovery:

The world is just awesome! With compelling real-life programming that inspires and entertains, Discovery reveals the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. Discovery offers a signature mix of adrenaline-charged stories, larger-than-life personalities and vivid imagery for viewers with curious minds. With the best non-fiction programming from Canada and around the world, Discovery captures the excitement of a passion for life – one lived fully and at its most extreme. With exceptional and immersive storytelling, the channel offers in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the extraordinary people and places that shape our world. Launched in Canada in 1995, Discovery is now available in more than eight million Canadian homes. Discovery is offered in standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) simulcast – for viewers who want an even bigger and bolder experience. Discovery Canada is a joint venture between Bell Media, which is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company, and Discovery Communications Inc. Find more information and interactive online features at Discovery.ca.

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For more information:                                                                                                                     

Jodi Cook, Discovery, 416.384.4603 or jodi.cook@bellmedia.ca

Noah Zatzman, Discovery, 416.384.5903 or noah.zatzman@bellmedia.ca