Discovery’s 11-part ‘Earth’ portrait is as expansive as its planet subject

It’s billed as the ultimate portrait of our planet.

Discovery Channel’s “Planet Earth” is an 11-part series with the ultimate global view. Five years in the making, it boasts 200 locations with more than 70 camera operators having spent 2,000-plus days in the field to document nature’s wonders.

Among the series’ countless never-before-filmed moments: a polar bear clambering from her snow-covered Arctic den, trailed into the dawn by her pair of cubs.

Narrated by Sigourney Weaver, “Planet Earth” begins 8 p.m. Sunday with three episodes:

“Pole to Pole,” which follows the sun as it touches the lives of creatures across the planet, shedding light on how the world is interconnected.

“Mountains,” which tours Earth’s mightiest mountain ranges to meet the rare animals that inhabit them.

“Deep Ocean,” which investigates the waters that cover two-thirds of the Earth’s surface yet remain largely unknown.

Future episodes cover such habitats as jungles, caves and “Ice Worlds.”

Shot in high definition, the eye-popping “Planet Earth” airs weekly through April 22.