Ultimate G's: Zac's Flying Dream Blu-ray Review

The 3D presentation of "Ultimate G's: Zac's Flying Dream" on Blu-ray delivers a mixed but generally acceptable visual experience. The film exhibits decent detailing, though some scenes appear soft, and the overall sharpness isn't up to par with more recent 3D releases. Colors tend to be slightly dull, but brighter hues, like greens and fall foliage, stand out adequately. The 1080p transfer maintains a fair film-like texture with honest flesh tones and average black levels.

Where this Blu-ray truly excels is in its 3D content delivery, offering a seamless depth that remains engaging throughout the film. Objects are well-spaced, creating a natural sense of depth, even if the image has occasional ghosting and vertical stretching issues. Despite these drawbacks, the 3D effects shine in specific scenes, such as cockpit views and the opening titles, which provide an immersive visual experience. While not the best in the 3D Blu-ray category, this release brings a unique aviation-centric visual appeal that will satisfy fans of the genre.

However, it's important to note the limitations of the outdated camera equipment and the age of the film, which contribute to the less-than-stellar detail levels and occasional heavy ghosting. These flaws are particularly prominent in certain scenes, with distracting crosstalk and phantom images appearing intermittently. Still, for a budget title, "Ultimate G's: Zac's Flying Dream" holds its own and offers memorable 3D moments that make it a worthwhile watch, especially for those keen on aviation.

"Ultimate G's: Zac's Flying Dream 3D" features an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that significantly enhances the viewing experience. With a soundmix that is both dynamic and immersive, Image Entertainment has delivered clarity and precision across every element. The ambient noises and the powerful sounds of propeller planes cutting through the sky are delivered with pinpoint accuracy. Sound effects move fluidly through the front and back channels, creating a 3D sonic environment that perfectly complements the high-flying visuals. Even minute details, such as the ticking of a clock or bicycle tires crunching on gravel, hit with wonderful precision, making the experience rich and engaging.

Dialogue remains crystal clear, ensuring none of the excitement is marred by audio inconsistencies. Each channel is employed effectively to match camera angles and maintain immersive audio localization, with rear speakers providing continuous engagement and natural sonic movement. Bass levels are robust yet controlled, offering depth without overwhelming the overall mix. The soundtrack offers a superb range that captures both the symphonic highs and the varied volumes of the audio elements, making it an impressive auditory treat. Consumers with high-end surround systems will particularly appreciate the detail and richness of this mix, although those using standard TV speakers will miss out on much of its nuanced brilliance.

The Blu-ray extras for "Ultimate G's: Zac's Flying Dream" 3D are notably sparse, offering primarily trailers and BD-Live functionality. The comprehensive list of trailers includes "The Alps," "Grand Canyon Adventure - River at Risk," "Hurricane on the Bayou," "Journey into Amazing Caves," "Volcanoes of the Deep Sea," "Dinosaurs - Giants of Patagonia" (in 3D), and "Adrenaline Rush." Despite the robust selection of associated content, it is peculiar that there is no trailer for "Ultimate G's" itself. This limited offering might leave enthusiasts desiring more insightful or behind-the-scenes features.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Alps: Trailer
• Grand Canyon Adventure - River at Risk: Trailer
• Hurricane on the Bayou: Trailer
• Journey into Amazing Caves: Trailer
• Volcanoes of the Deep Sea: Trailer
• Dinosaurs - Giants of Patagonia (3D): Trailer
• Adrenaline Rush: Trailer

Ultimate G's: Zac's Flying Dream offers a unique narrative that diverges from the typical IMAX fare, presenting a heartfelt story about a boy named Zac who dreams of flying. Starring a young Michael Cera, the film follows Zac's journey from an enthusiastic pre-teen obsessed with making various contraptions that might enable him to soar, through his father’s guidance on the principles of aviation, to ultimately growing up and becoming a pilot. The narrative balances Zac’s youthful ambition and trial-and-error attempts at flight with the steadying influence of his father and supportive friend Laura. The film effectively transitions from the idealism of youth to the realization of adult dreams, despite its occasionally forced character dynamics and overly simplistic plot.

From a technical perspective, Ultimate G's excels in its delivery of visually stunning 3D aerial sequences. The IMAX format shines as the film captures spectacular in-cockpit footage and immersive scenes from accompanying aircrafts, making audiences feel as if they're part of the flight. This intimate perspective is enhanced by innovative 3D visuals that bring the thrill of aviation to life. However, at just under 40 minutes, the film suffers from constrained storytelling and underdeveloped characters. Despite these limitations, Director Keith Melton manages to instill enough emotion and charm into the story, creating an engaging viewing experience that stands out for its earnestness.

In conclusion, while some performances may appear stilted and the script feels truncated, the core of the film remains appealing through its heartfelt representation of dream-chasing and innovation. Ultimate G's: Zac's Flying Dream is a visually impressive IMAX feature that successfully intertwines personal ambition with technological achievements, appealing particularly to flight enthusiasts and younger viewers fascinated by the skies.

"Ultimate G's: Zac's Flying Dream 3D" stands out among typical IMAX features by offering a narrative-driven exploration of dreams and human determination rather than a standard documentary format. The film benefits from a perceptible honesty and a heartfelt storyline, despite its brief runtime and occasionally subpar acting. Though it might not match the polish of other releases in Image Entertainment's catalog, the 3D visuals are commendable, enhancing the immersive experience.

Image Entertainment excels in the technical execution of this Blu-ray, delivering very good audio quality through its lossless soundtrack. While the video quality could be considered mediocre, it is balanced by the strength of the film's composition and the effective use of 3D technology. Where the release falls short, however, is in the supplemental content, offering nothing beyond a series of trailers for other films.

In conclusion, "Ultimate G's: Zac's Flying Dream 3D" may not be perfect, but its engaging storyline, combined with strong 3D visuals and robust audio, make it a worthwhile watch. Despite lacking additional extras, the film's aggressive pricing makes it an attractive option for those seeking unique educational entertainment in the Blu-ray 3D format.