Monkey Kingdom Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Monkey Kingdom" in its 1080p/AVC-encoded Blu-ray format is exemplary, showcasing gorgeous colors and impressive clarity throughout the feature. Whether it's the striking blues and greens of the lush forests, the lifelike hues of the macaques, or the earthy tones of the jungle floor, the visual fidelity is consistently engaging. The detail is remarkable, particularly during close-ups where textures such as hair, fur, leaves, and stones reveal exceptional sharpness and definition. The presentation remains virtually artifact-free, with no notable issues aside from a slight hint of optical softness.

Comparing favorably to other Disneynature productions such as 'Wings of Life,' 'Monkey Kingdom' offers a compelling mix of mid- and long-range shots that capture the dense jungle environment with clarity. Individual leaves, flowers, and even the fine details in the thick foliage are discernible, ensuring no loss in visual quality despite the complex scenery. Colors are vibrant and bold, with greens dominating the verdant landscapes, and earth tones such as browns and grays appearing robust. The black levels are deep, and shadows maintain their integrity without banding, solidifying this as an all-around impressive video presentation.

Overall, "Monkey Kingdom" stands out with its refined definition and well-resolved textures. The complete absence of artifacting and other visual disruptions makes it a testament to Disneynature's cinematography, delivering a visually stunning experience that’s both technically sound and aesthetically pleasing.

Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Monkey Kingdom" offers a richly immersive auditory experience. Tina Fey’s narration is perfectly balanced, occupying a clear, centered position that accentuates the natural soundscape without overpowering it. The rear speakers play an active role, effectively bringing the Sri Lankan jungle to life with the sounds of rustling leaves, chirping birds, and gurgling streams. LFE output is supportive and well-timed, adding necessary weight to the audio without being overbearing. Notably, high-stakes moments such as monitor lizard attacks and macaque battles utilize each channel to full effect, enhancing the intensity of these scenes.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix excels in creating a realistic and engaging atmosphere. Jungle sounds such as whooping monkeys, growling sloth bears, and chirping birds are meticulously distributed across the channels, delivering a near-authentic jungle experience. The mix performs exceptionally well during a rainstorm, encapsulating the viewer in a fully enveloped soundscape. The soundtrack, although sometimes overtly apparent, meshes well with on-screen events to fill the listening environment dynamically. Centered narration by Tina Fey remains consistently clear, highlighting important elements without distraction. Additionally, the low-end frequencies shine during intense moments, such as rival monkey clan attacks where the tension is amplified and the bass gives a substantial kick.

Overall, "Monkey Kingdom" stands out as a testament to Disney’s prowess in creating superior audio presentations for nature documentaries on Blu-ray.

The extras included in the Blu-Ray release of "Monkey Kingdom" offer a thorough and engaging exploration of the film's behind-the-scenes efforts and the conservation messages it champions. These professional features include insightful takes on the filming challenges, contributions from world-renowned primatologists, and efforts in habitat preservation. Viewers gain an in-depth understanding of both the technical and environmental aspects of the shoot, along with a snapshot of Disneynature’s broader conservation goals.

Extras included in this disc:

Tales from the Kingdom: A look behind the scenes, focusing on filming challenges and intricate sequences.

On the Set of Monkey Kingdom: Insights from primatologists Jane Goodall and Wolfgang Dittus on macaque personalities and habitat protection.

Monkey Kingdom: A Conservation Story: Dr. M. Sanjayan discusses conservation efforts in Sri Lanka and nearby regions.

A Special Thank You: A Disneynature promotional piece summarizing its contributions to conservation.

Music Video: "It's Our World" performed by Jacquie Lee.

"Monkey Kingdom," a captivating Disneynature documentary, journeys into the intricate world of toque macaques in the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. The film centers around Maya, a determined and resourceful female macaque, navigating the hierarchical society of her troop while raising her son, Kip. This engaging narrative is buoyed by narrator Tina Fey's light, humorous touch, striking a balance between entertainment and educational value.

Visually stunning, "Monkey Kingdom" excels in anthropomorphizing its subjects, infusing them with relatable human traits. Maya's story of survival amidst intricate social structures resonates deeply, showcasing the daily challenges faced by low-born macaques. The film adeptly highlights the severe class disparities within the troop, offering insights into macaque behavior and sociability. However, the documentary occasionally veers into overly contrived territory, with some scenes appearing suspiciously staged for dramatic effect.

From playful humor to moments of tension, the depiction of macaque life is both enlightening and engaging. Tina Fey's narration delivers witty observations that delight younger audiences, though at times they verge on oversimplification, contrasting sharply with more traditional nature documentaries. Nevertheless, "Monkey Kingdom" remains a compelling and educational family-friendly film, imparting valuable lessons about wildlife while ensuring a delightful viewing experience. Although it may not reach the emotional heights of previous Disneynature entries like "Chimpanzee," it still stands as an entertaining and visually captivating exploration of the animal kingdom.

"Monkey Kingdom," a Disneynature documentary, provides an engaging and visually stunning glimpse into the world of macaques. Following the trials and triumphs of Maya, the film's relatable protagonist, viewers are treated to a story that uniquely mirrors classic Disney narratives with almost uncanny precision. While the film may border on sentimental at times, the inherent tension and fascinating dynamics within the troop hold viewers' attention, providing an educational experience that serves as an excellent introduction to nature documentaries for children.

The Blu-ray release of "Monkey Kingdom" delivers an outstanding audiovisual experience that enhances the storytelling. The video presentation is remarkable, with vibrant colors and sharp details that bring the Sri Lankan jungle to life. The audio quality is equally impressive, providing clear and immersive soundscapes that draw viewers into Maya's world. Despite its high technical quality, the disc's limited selection of special features may leave some viewers wanting more in terms of additional content or behind-the-scenes insights.

In conclusion, "Monkey Kingdom" isn't the most groundbreaking entry in the Disneynature series, but it is a charming, entertaining film that families will appreciate. The high-quality Blu-ray release ensures a visually captivating experience, though the sparse special features could be seen as a minor drawback. Overall, "Monkey Kingdom" comes recommended for those seeking a family-friendly nature documentary with superb AV quality.