The Cove Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Cove" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, drawing from a varied array of source materials. As a documentary deeply embedded in undercover intrigue, the film utilizes a mix of infrared and night vision cameras, leading to certain sequences with significant grain and softness. This is particularly evident in the night vision footage, where the image becomes noisy, substantially grainy, with considerably soft focus and minimal detail. Additionally, occasional use of stock footage lacks the high-definition clarity, resulting in some blocky images akin to those extracted from lower-quality digital sources.

However, the remainder of the film boasts impressive sharpness and well-defined details, clearly revealing the rigorous conditions under which it was shot. The daytime scenes shine with crisp HD quality, showcasing saturated colors and excellent contrast. Notably, interview segments stand out with their fine detailing, contributing to an overall high-standard visual experience despite the varied source material. The climatic scenes showcasing vivid, saturated colors—albeit in horrifying context—also add to the visual impact. Given the nature and sources of the content, the Blu-ray presentation remains commendable, maintaining a consummate balance across diverse types of footage.

The audio presentation of "The Cove" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that, while not stunningly immersive, effectively complements the documentary's visual storytelling. The surround channels primarily remain subdued but become more active during key Taiji scenes, where the ambient sounds of encroaching residents heighten the tension. Underwater recordings of whale songs and dolphin calls punctuate the soundscape, delivering an evocative and immersive experience in these moments. Fidelity remains consistently high throughout, with O'Barry's on-camera statements and voiceover narration coming through with clarity and precision.

This audio track excels in delivering clean and clear dialogue through the front and center channels, ensuring that the core narrative is always easy to follow. While it doesn’t feature the bombastic effects found in blockbuster films, it provides a well-modulated and appropriate auditory context for a documentary format. The anxious shouts from the fishermen attempting to deter the filmmakers are effectively rendered through the surrounds, adding a layer of urgency to these confrontational scenes. Overall, "The Cove" leverages its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix to produce a coherent and sufficiently engaging sound experience suitable for its documentary nature.

The Blu Ray release of "The Cove" delivers a rich array of extras that provide exceptional insight into both the filmmaking process and the critical environmental issues highlighted in the documentary. Notably, the feature commentary by Director Louie Psihoyos and Co-Producer Fisher Stevens delves deeply into the technical and logistical challenges faced during production, adding an enriching layer of context to the film. The supplementary material, from engaging featurettes on covert filming techniques to poignant discussions on mercury pollution, ensures a comprehensive understanding of the documentary's themes. Although presented in standard definition, these extras are invaluable for anyone interested in both the cinematic craft and the urgent environmental narrative.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary by Director Psihoyos and Co-Producer Fisher Stevens: In-depth discussion on the production challenges and environmental issues.
• Black OPS Covert Gear: Overview of hidden camera technology used in filming.
• Free Diving: Showcases a diver's underwater abilities.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional interviews and mission background.
• The Cove: Mercury Rising: Examination of mercury pollution's impact on humans.
• Trailer

"The Cove," the Oscar-winning documentary, astounds with the harrowing tale of Ric O'Barry's transition from dolphin trainer to activist. Set against the picturesque and deceptively serene backdrop of Taiji, Japan, the film unfolds like a high-stakes thriller as it exposes the slaughter of up to 23,000 dolphins annually. Utilizing covert operations, hidden cameras, and meticulous planning reminiscent of "Ocean's Eleven," director Louis Psihoyos and his team unveil gut-wrenching footage that is both visually arresting and emotionally devastating. This documentary's brilliance lies in its stark depiction of the horrors befalling these intelligent creatures while blending visceral excitement with profound sorrow.

O'Barry's personal narrative adds an irrefutable emotional depth to the film, especially his poignant recounting of Cathy, one of the dolphins who portrayed Flipper, who allegedly chose to end her life in O'Barry's arms. This revelation about dolphins' capacity for self-awareness and depression juxtaposed against their brutal killings makes the documentary even more compelling. Moreover, "The Cove" reveals the sinister connections between dolphinariums and research institutes funding these hunts, shedding light on the extensive economic machinery behind such cruelty.

Additionally, the health ramifications are alarming, as mercury-laden dolphin meat is sold under false pretenses, potentially leading to another public health crisis akin to Japan’s infamous Minamata disease. While some criticisms point to possible exaggerations and factual misrepresentations in the film, the core footage renders these debates almost moot. The shocking final moments of the film serve as an indelible reminder of the brutality inflicted on these sentient animals, making "The Cove" not only an incisive documentary but also a potent call to action for animal rights and environmental advocacy.

"The Cove" Blu-Ray stands out as an exceptional documentary that delves into the dark and distressing practice of dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan. The film merges breathtaking underwater cinematography with a profound and urgent narrative, spearheaded by Ric O'Barry. Through expertly crafted visuals, viewers are confronted with the raw brutality and grave injustice faced by these intelligent creatures. The storytelling is compelling, characterized by its steadfast commitment to bringing this clandestine atrocity to global consciousness.

Technically, the Blu-Ray presentation excels, delivering crisp, high-definition video quality with meticulous detail. The audio clarity enhances the visceral experience, drawing viewers deeper into the unfolding drama. The use of color and the stark contrast between the serene beauty of the ocean and the horrific violence within it further accentuate the film's impact. Beyond the aesthetic aspects, the documentary’s content is strengthened by interviews with passionate activists and distressing yet vital covert footage, placing indisputable evidence at the forefront of its message.

In conclusion, "The Cove" builds briskly toward one of the most harrowing denouements of any documentary, and the footage of scores of dolphins being brutally assaulted is not easily taken in or forgotten. This film has sparked an international uproar and hopefully O'Barry's ardent wish that the wholesale slaughter and/or capture of dolphins will end in his lifetime will be realized by acolytes who are moved to action after having seen this devastating film. Highly recommended.