Get 'Planet Earth' and 'Life' on Blu-ray for $50

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than with two of the best documentaries ever made about Earth?

Today only, the Discovery Channel Store is offering an outstanding bundle: the BBC series "Planet Earth" and "Life" on Blu-ray for $50.

Shipping will run you another $4 (choose "7-14 days" at checkout), but here's an added bonus: if you sign up to be on the store's mailing list (enter your e-mail address in the upper-right corner of the page and click Sign Up), you'll immediately get a code for $5 off your next order. That should get you out the door for $49.

I've said this before and I'll say it again, if you've never seen "Planet Earth," do your eyes, brain, and sense of wonder a huge favor: watch it.

As for "Life," the new nature documentary that's been airing on The Discovery Channel this month, it's equally dazzling, jaw-dropping, and awe-inspiring--if not more so. I've been watching it with my family, and my kids have actually requested it ahead of other favorites like "Chuck" and "The Middle." That says a lot.

Just one wrinkle: "Life" is actually a preorder at this point, meaning your bundle won't ship until June 1. (So much for making this a Mother's Day gift. But it should work out for Father's Day, hint hint.)

If you're interested, the store has two other bundles worth considering: the DVD editions of "Planet Earth" and "Blue Planet" for $40, and the DVD editions of "Life" and "Nature's Most Amazing Events" for $40. The former ships in 24 to 48 hours, but the latter: June 1.

Although I already own "Planet Earth," I may just scoop up the first bundle and save the extra copy for my next gift-giving occasion. Because, frankly, I was all set to order "Life" anyway, and this is too big a discount to pass up.

Happy Earth Day! Go hug a tree. Actually, pick up a few pieces of litter. That's much more constructive.