kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 5:15 pm Post subject: African Cats [Blu-ray] |
|
|
Another reference disc!
Disneynature: African Cats (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging)
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | The title 'African Cats' doesn't really convey the type of drama or suspense that's awaiting you when you view this film. There's so much more to this movie than just looking at some cats from Africa. The themes presented here are great teaching tools for parents looking to explain the more complex issues of life to their kids. I'm not saying that it's a necessity that you do so, but the opportunity is always there. The video and audio are both astounding. The special features leave a lot to be desired. I was hoping for another Living Menu like on 'Earth,' or 'Oceans' but no such luck. The PiP commentary does provide a lot of great information though. 'African Cats' is recommended viewing for families everywhere.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The visuals here rival anything the BBC has put out. 'African Cats' looks tremendous throughout the entire film, save one or two minor hiccups. On the whole the 1080p Disney presentation is an awe-inspiring site.
The numerous close-ups of feline backs as they sneak up on their prey reveal tiny strands of hair that are perfectly defined. Hair never bunches or clumps together in unrecognizable blobs. Edges are defined and distinct. Colors are strong. The vivid yellow of the cheetahs' coats burns in the hot African sun. It's easy to discern the slightly different shades of manes that adorn the few male lions in the movie. The greenery of the pride land is contrasted well by the rich muddy browns of the river bank. The stark blue sky encompasses everything giving the entire movie a realistic natural look. The texture of the fur here is top-notch. The detail leaps off the screen.
There are a few nighttime scenes, and while noise spikes ever-so-slightly, I have to say that this is some of the best nighttime/night vision footage I've seen in a while. It isn't nearly as noisy as other nature documentaries. The hyena attack at night has a nice glow like the entire scene is being bathed in the bluish light of the moon. Blacks are always deep. Shadows are distinctly delineated adding depth to the picture. For the most part 'African Cats' is complete demo material. One of the best looking nature docs out there.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 presentation is no slouch either. This thing packs a real punch. The first thing you'll notice is the heft and weight afforded to the deep thunderous roars from the male lions. They grow in intensity until the entire soundfield is filled with low-end rumbling that is truly engaging. LFE thumps as a thunderous rainstorm moves in. The surrounds come alive with action as the rain pours down around the families of lions and cheetahs.
Jackson's narration is always clear (but, that doesn't help its cheesiness). It isn't just the deep roaring that is on display here. In fact the more nuanced sounds like the tiny yelps of excitement from the cheetah cubs or the premature growls from the lion cubs are all given ample room to show off their stuff. These types of cute growls and yelps are always clear and offer a more dynamic range. Directionality works hard as growls, squeaks, and howls are constantly happening whether the animals are in frame or not. Nicholas Hooper's score, while a bit ham-fisted, is well represented here. Ample LFE is provided for the more intense moments, like when the gang of ne'er-do-well lions crosses over the river to take on Fang.
This audio presentation will keep you engaged and engrossed throughout the movie's runtime. It's got everything you'd want in a near demo sounding title. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
