Dinosaurs Alive Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray for "Dinosaurs Alive!" is a standout, offering viewers a stunning 1080p/VC-1 transfer. Originally filmed with an IMAX 3-D camera, this release benefits greatly from its 65mm negative, delivering an exceptional level of fine detail. Be prepared to see the minutest of features, from fissures on rocks to individual grains of sand floating in the wind. The film's visual clarity is impressive, coupled with a realistic color palette that gives the entire picture a three-dimensional feel. Long landscape shots exhibit excellent depth, enhancing the immersive experience. Black levels are consistent, although there are occasional instances of crushed details in shadows and minor contrast variations in some wide shots. However, there are no significant compression issues like banding or macroblocking, ensuring a clean and pristine viewing experience.

Despite these attributes, the presentation isn't without a few minor drawbacks. There are brief moments where film grain appears more pronounced, and some scenes experience a noticeable softening. Additionally, instances of ringing in distant shots are present, though they do not significantly detract from the overall quality. These imperfections are minor and may go unnoticed by most viewers. The absence of the 3-D version may be a disadvantage for some, but given the mixed reception of previous anaglyphic IMAX releases, it is not a substantial loss. Overall, this high-definition transfer is not only technically proficient but also visually engaging, capturing the intricate details and expansive beauty of its prehistoric subject matter impressively.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Dinosaurs Alive!" is notably robust, showcasing three DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks in English, Spanish, and French. Each track brings a surprising amount of sonic depth for the film's concise 40-minute runtime. The LFE channel is effectively activated by the powerful growls of the dinosaurs, and the orchestral score by the Prague Symphony Orchestra demonstrates the dynamic range of the tracks. While the surround speakers are not overly active, ambient effects like rain, wind, thunderclaps, and panning helicopter rotors provide a lush auditory environment. A standout moment includes a front-to-back effect when dirt is thrown at the camera. Despite an initial perception of thinness in Michael Douglas's narration, a brief volume adjustment revealed a balanced mix, though some scenes did vary in volume.

The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack delivers an enjoyable and satisfactory experience. Although it does not possess the overwhelming impact of more action-centric films, the narration is delivered with exceptional clarity. Mid-level channels contribute to a warm mix that comfortably engages the viewer. Occasional ambient effects serve to immerse the audience in the dinosaur-centric content effectively, albeit in a manner that sometimes leans more towards being loud and flashy rather than nuanced. Low bass frequencies provide a substantial punch during intense moments, adding to the overall entertainment value of the audio track. Despite minor volume discrepancies, the audio component of "Dinosaurs Alive!" surpasses expectations for a documentary format.

The Blu-ray extras of "Dinosaurs Alive!" present an insightful and engaging addition to the viewing experience. The Making of 'Dinosaurs Alive!' featurette is particularly compelling, offering an in-depth look at the demanding process of capturing a 3D IMAX movie. Highlights include the cumbersome logistics of handling 250lb cameras in rugged terrain and the staggering computer graphics effort involving 7,000,000 minutes of rendering time. The trivia quiz provides an entertaining way to test your knowledge of dinosaurs, while the "Meet the Creatures" segment adds educational value by offering detailed stats and video clips of each featured dinosaur. Lastly, the trailers offer a sneak peek into other visually rich IMAX documentaries.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: In-depth look at the production process for the film including behind-the-scenes footage and visual effects.
• Film Trivia Quiz: Ten-question, multiple-choice quiz about dinosaurs.
• Meet the Creatures: Detailed information and clips of each dinosaur featured in the film.
• Trailers: Previews for "Wild Ocean," "Ride Around the World," and "Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs."

"Dinosaurs Alive!" offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of paleontology, blending the work of real-life scientists with CGI recreations of prehistoric creatures. The film follows noted paleontologists Mike Novacek and Mark Norell, along with their team, as they uncover new dinosaur species in locations like the Gobi Desert and New Mexico's Ghost Ranch. These sequences are interspersed with reenactments of famed explorer Roy Chapman Andrews’ expeditions in the 1920s, contributing both historical and scientific context. Narrator Michael Douglas lends his voice to the documentary with a stoic tone that enhances the educational focus rather than overshadowing it.

While the CGI dinosaurs are well-composed and integrated into live-action footage, they may not quite meet the standards set by contemporary Hollywood blockbusters. This might be a minor setback for viewers expecting high-end visual effects, as some animations appear cartoonish at times. Nevertheless, the visuals are engaging enough for an IMAX production meant for educational purposes.

The film's narrative oscillates between the thrilling discoveries of fieldwork and vignettes of dinosaurs in their natural habitat, albeit sometimes feeling a bit unfocused. Yet, these elements together make "Dinosaurs Alive!" an ideal watch for budding paleontologists or anyone curious about the science behind these ancient giants. Although the film's orchestral score and sound design significantly elevate the viewing experience, its real strength lies in portraying the meticulous yet exciting aspects of paleontological research. Despite its brief runtime of under 40 minutes, "Dinosaurs Alive!" manages to be both informative and entertaining, striking a balance that will appeal to both children and adults interested in dino-centric content.

Dinosaurs Alive! on Blu-ray offers an engaging visual and auditory experience that showcases the prehistoric world through impressive CGI and detailed animations. Narrated by Michael Douglas, the documentary attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of dinosaur life, though its brief runtime of just under an hour limits its depth. The Blu-ray edition shines with exceptional picture quality, delivering crisp, lifelike visuals that make the ancient creatures appear almost tangible. Additionally, the lossless audio track ensures a robust, immersive experience that brings the sounds of the Mesozoic era to life.

Despite the film's technical achievements, it falls short in terms of supplementary content, which may disappoint those looking for in-depth special features or behind-the-scenes insights. The CGI, while not cutting-edge, avoids entering the uncanny valley and maintains a level of realism that should captivate dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages. It's worth noting that the documentary might feel a bit dry for younger viewers who prefer high-octane action scenes; however, children with a keen interest in facts and dinosaurs will likely find it both educational and enjoyable.

In conclusion, not every child will be enraptured by Dinosaurs Alive! The CGI is nowhere near the uncanny valley and the action scenes are few and far between. That said, fact-collecting kids with dinosaurs on the brain will probably be glued to the TV. And if you're one of those parents who demand the best audio/video quality for your children, rest assured that the film comes with a superb transfer and a more-than-capable lossless audio track. Recommended.