Wild China Blu-ray Review
Score: 38
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
A visually stunning and educational production by BBC, 'Wild China' captivates with its artistry and immense detail, yet falls short in Blu-ray video and audio quality.
Disc Release Date
Video: 44
Wild China’s Blu-ray release showcases the BBC’s high-definition prowess with striking AVC-encoded visuals, despite some minor interlacing and color banding issues. Although it may not match the vibrant precision of 'Planet Earth' or 'Galapagos', its above-average contrast and sharp details still provide an engaging high-def experience.
Audio: 29
While 'Wild China' provides a satisfactory Dolby Digital 5.1 mix with clear narration and beautiful score, it falls short of expectations due to its lossy encoding, sparse LFE, and limited use of rear speakers, leaving the audio presentation underwhelming compared to other BBC high-definition releases.
Extra: 26
Hunting Dragons, the sole extra on the 'Wild China' Blu-ray, offers a 27-minute standard definition glimpse into the production's challenges, from zip-lining over roaring rivers to arduous hikes into remote locations, showcasing the crew's dedication and the hardships faced in capturing the breathtaking footage.
Movie: 76
'Wild China' is a visually stunning documentary showcasing China's diverse ecosystems, spanning nearly 6 million square miles and six episodes, while masterfully avoiding deeper political and environmental issues. It covers everything from terraced rice paddies and Tibetan plateaus to nomadic lifestyles and coastal wildlife, capturing breathtaking imagery and rich cultural insights.
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Video: 44
The Blu-ray presentation of "Wild China" demonstrates BBC's ongoing excellence in high-definition documentary production, with a focus on stunning visuals and meticulous attention to detail. Encoded in AVC with an average bitrate of about 20 Mbps, it beautifully captures rare moments and brings them to life with an impressive level of clarity. The use of ultra-closeup techniques enhances the viewer's experience, revealing colors, textures, and the inherent beauty of natural and artificial subjects alike. Black levels are notably deep and satisfying, maintaining their intensity without blooming.
However, the 1080i/VC-1 transfer does come with some drawbacks. While contrast levels are above average and many scenes exude the hallmark BBC sharpness, this presentation does not match the polish and sheen of other BBC documentaries like "Planet Earth" or "Galapagos." There are instances where primary colors appear washed out, and certain scenes suffer from vibrancy and stability issues. Additionally, softer key shots, hazy backgrounds, and occasional color banding detract from the overall visual experience.
Despite these shortcomings, "Wild China" maintains a high level of detail that is unmistakably high-definition. Although it might not surpass the benchmark set by other BBC releases, it still offers a visually compelling exploration of China's natural wonders. The occasional artifact and source noise issues can be a minor distraction for discerning viewers, but the overall quality remains satisfactory for most audiences seeking an insightful and visually engaging documentary experience.
Audio: 29
The audio presentation of "Wild China" on Blu-ray is delivered through a single English Dolby Digital 5.1 track, which is a standard feature for BBC high definition releases but falls short of more sophisticated sound formats. Bernard Hill's narration consistently maintains clarity and precision, always centered in the mix. His pronunciation of Chinese locations is notably accurate and effortless, encouraging viewers to engage with subtitles. The documentary's score, composed with a delicate balance that never overwhelms, accompanies scenes beautifully but is unfortunately constrained by the lossy compression of the Dolby Digital mix.
The rear channels provide minimal environmental ambiance, making it challenging to distinguish certain sounds in wildlife sequences and the depictions of rural communities. LFE support remains subtle and does not offer the impact that a richer, more dynamic mix would provide. Compared to other BBC documentaries like "Ganges," which uses DTS-HD HR, "Wild China" lacks fullness and vibrancy, pointing to a missed opportunity in sound enhancement. While it serves its purpose for educational and informative viewing, this Dolby Digital 5.1 track does not elevate the auditory experience to the same degree as higher fidelity audio options.
Extras: 26
The Blu-ray edition of "Wild China" provides an insightful look into the intense dedication and intricate processes behind the scenes through its lone extra feature, 'Hunting Dragons.' This 27-minute featurette takes viewers on a journey descripting the challenges faced during the production, such as capturing breathtaking shots via zip-line cameras over roaring rivers or navigating remote locations by camelback. It offers a raw glimpse into the extreme measures and unwavering passion of the filmmakers, from enduring language barriers to discovering broken equipment after a strenuous two-day hike into a gorge. While it may not delve deeply into every aspect of the filming process, 'Hunting Dragons' effectively highlights the tremendous efforts and hardships undertaken to bring "Wild China" to life.
Extras included in this disc:
- Hunting Dragons: Chronicles the technical and logistical challenges of filming "Wild China."
Movie: 76
'Wild China', a six-part series by the BBC's Natural History Unit, is a remarkable achievement in high-definition documentary filmmaking. Filmed in collaboration with China's CTV, it showcases China's astonishing biodiversity and cultural history across nearly 6 million square miles. This series starts with "Heart of the Dragon" in South China, where terraced rice paddies in Yuanyang County host diverse wildlife, leading to episodes like “Shangri-La” that spotlight the strange convergence of tropical flora and fauna in Yunnan Province. This lush portrayal extends to the Tibetan plateau ("Tibet"), home to vast herds of argali sheep, wild yak, and chiru living at extreme altitudes, crucially supported by glacier-fed waters.
Beyond its sublime cinematography, 'Wild China' cleverly navigates socio-political topics. Episodes like "Land of the Panda" examine the Han Chinese ethnic group and the environmental dichotomy post-Mao Zedong era, albeit with limited emphasis on China's ongoing ecological struggles. "Tides of Change" portrays coastal China's marine ecosystems and human interactions, subtly addressing pollution without harsh critique. The restraint in presenting controversy ensures a non-confrontational narrative but leaves some gaps for those seeking deeper insights into China's environmental policies.
Technically, 'Wild China' stands out for its exquisite footage of wildlife and environments rarely seen on screen. From mesmerizing bamboo forests to the arid plains of Northern China, each episode is a visual treat. Despite its shortcomings in addressing darker environmental impacts, the series remains an indispensable look into China's natural tableau and cultural evolution. It encapsulates the pristine beauty and complexity of a nation that is both ancient and rapidly modernizing, making it a commendable addition to any documentary enthusiast’s collection.
Total: 38
"Wild China," a visual masterpiece from the BBC's renowned Natural History Unit, meticulously captures the breathtaking vistas and intricate cultural tapestry of the vast nation. The documentary stands out for its detailed, aesthetically composed shots that resonate with the high production values synonymous with the BBC. Each segment masterfully intertwines educational content with captivating visuals, making it not only informative but also deeply engaging and awe-inspiring.
However, despite the documentary’s captivating content, the Blu-ray release leaves something to be desired. While the high-definition visuals undeniably enhance the viewing experience, there are notable shortcomings in the video transfer, which at times appears inconsistent. The audio track also falls short of expectations, lacking the immersive and dynamic quality necessary to complement the stunning visuals. Additionally, the Blu-ray release is skimpy on supplemental materials, presenting limited additional content for viewers seeking a deeper dive into China's rich history and natural beauty.
In conclusion, "Wild China" exemplifies BBC's prowess in documentary filmmaking, flawlessly blending factual storytelling with extraordinary photography. While the Blu-ray edition may not fully capitalize on the potential of high-definition home entertainment, the documentary's intrinsic value as an educational and visually riveting piece remains undisputed. It is a commendable addition for enthusiasts of natural history documentaries, though one might consider prioritizing other titles with stronger technical offerings in their Blu-ray collection.
Blu-ray.com review by Lindsay MayerRead review here
Video: 90
My favorite shot technique, used frequently in Wild China and several other BBC productions, is an ultra-closeup that focuses the viewer on the colors, textures, and inherent beauty of the subjects, be...
Audio: 60
Ambiance is present for wildlife sequences, and likewise that of rural or nomadic human communities, but it's somewhat difficult to distinguish in the rears....
Extras: 40
In it, the challenge of obtaining some of the breathtaking shots in the series are explored, such as running a camera down a zip-line over a roaring river....
Movie: 80
Producing everything from the ambitious megaproject Planet Earth to themed series like David Attenborough's Life, or the location-centric Continents in which the subject of this review is part, the NHU...
Total: 70
China enjoys an odd dichotomy of sorts within the international community; it is so ubiquitous through its exports, and so geographically expansive, yet it is all the same so enigmatic and so closed to...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 40
That’s not to suggest the presentation is a complete loss, but rather that it lacks strength and consistency when compared to similar BD documentaries on the market....
Audio: 40
Unfortunately, the rear speakers are relegated to environmental ambiance (in all but a few scenes), LFE support is sparse and uninvolving, and the documentary just doesn’t have the sonic oomph that will...
Extras: 20
While there isn’t anything too exciting or groundbreaking to see, it still offers a thorough examination of the efforts and hard work of the documentary’s crew....
Movie: 80
It not only dedicates time to China’s economy and political history, it weaves in tales of nearly-extinct alligators, revered animals in Beijing, and the pandas and endangered animals of the Qinling Mountains....
Total: 40
Unfortunately, I can’t say the same of this Blu-ray release since it falters with a disappointing video transfer, an underwhelming audio track, and a slim supplemental package....
Director: N/A
Actors: Bernard Hill
PlotIn the vast and diverse landscapes of a sprawling East Asian country, the film delves into the breathtaking natural beauty and fascinating wildlife that thrive across its seven distinct regions. It opens with the mystical karst mountains of the south and the terraced fields of Yunnan, showcasing communities that live in harmony with their environment. Ancient traditions, such as bamboo rafting and rice cultivation, are highlighted as integral aspects of rural life. The journey continues to the dense bamboo forests that are home to the elusive giant panda, a symbol of the country's rich biodiversity. The film carefully documents the daily routines and the delicate ecosystem that supports these iconic creatures.
Venturing further north, the film explores the arid expanse of the Gobi Desert and the towering peaks of the Tibetan Plateau, where nomadic herders guide their yak herds across challenging terrains. The narrative then shifts to the lush jungles and wetlands of the southeast, where endangered species, such as the golden snub-nosed monkey and Yangtze River dolphin, struggle for survival against modern threats. Each segment is meticulously filmed, offering a glimpse into the country's lesser-known habitats and the extraordinary wildlife that inhabit them. Through stunning cinematography and insightful commentary, the film captures the essence of this country's wild frontiers, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to protect these natural wonders.
Writers: N/A
Release Date: 11 May 2008
Runtime: 60 min
Rating: N/A
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English