Anthropocene: The Human Epoch Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Anthropocene: The Human Epoch Blu-ray Movie Review

An absorbing documentary about mankind's destruction of nature worldwide

Anthropocene: The Human Epoch is an absorbing, intellectual, and thought-provoking documentary which explores humankind's relationship to nature and the often destructive path taken by human beings in caring for our beautiful planet, Earth. Never over-the-top in exploring the difficult topic of our geological duties, Anthropocene: The Human Epoch is an important documentary about the world's troubling times of rampant industrialization.

The documentary was constructed with an exploration that spans different countries and continents: six continents were traveled to in total and a variety of sequences delve in to showcasing footage filmed across 20 countries the world over (including scenes in China, Kenya, Carrara, and Australia). This worldwide endeavor carries a global message: human beings worldwide needs to care for and protect our planet. Our future generations are counting on us.

Protect Earth. Take one step forward.

Showcasing devastating fires, mounds of trash, and ice-cold glaciers, Anthropocene: The Human Epoch delivers stunning visuals of both the beauty (and horror) of our planet's condition. It is a reminder to us all that our world is in need of our vigilance and protection. The idea behind Anthropocene is that human beings are the cause of our geological change. We must consider this idea.

The filmmaking on display in Anthropocene: The Human Epoch is exquisite and has many impressive production elements. The music score by Rose Bolton and Norah Lorway is evocative. The vivid and hypnotic cinematography by Nicholas de Pencier (Long Time Running, To Each His Own Cinema) is remarkable in more ways than one. The editing by Roland Schlimme (The Ghosts in Our Machine, Acquainted with the Night) manages to shift between countries (and continents) with masterful transitions. An impeccable documentary production.

The screenplay written by co-director Jennifer Baichwal (The Holier it Gets, Watermark) explores the topic in a fair and respectable manner. The narration by Alicia Vikander (Tomb Raider, Ex Machina) gives the experience a calm, collected, and beautiful tone. Directed by a trio of filmmakers including Jennifer Baichwal (Manufactured Landscapes), Edward Burtynsky (Watermark), and Nicholas de Pencier (Dances for a Small Screen), Anthropocene: The Human Epoch is a must-see documentary on a relevant topic that everyone should consider. Our planet need us (just as much as we need it).

Anthropocene: The Human Epoch Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Kino Lorber with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen, Anthropocene: The Human Epoch is a beautiful documentary with outstanding cinematography which beautifully showcases countries from around the globe in stunning high-definition clarity. This is an impressive visual experience. Each frame can feel like a work of art.

The film is an often nightmarish vision, showcasing many disturbing natural-environment disasters, but the filmmaking beautifully renders these sequences. Color reproduction is superb and vibrant from start to finish. The photography is startlingly crisp and clear for the bulk of the presentation. There are a few minor issues to report as well, including some photography difficulties with night-time scenes and some minor banding in a few (extremely brief) shots. These moments do distract somewhat but are fleeting. The overall presentation looks superb and is highly immersive.

Anthropocene: The Human Epoch Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio is an impressive lossless sound mix which gets the job done with relative ease. Dialogue reproduction is exceptional. The sound is crisp, clear, and easy to understand from start to finish. The music is also beautifully rendered and gives the film a immersive soundstage during some key moments in the film.

Other than the score implementation, everything else about the surround implementation is flat and uninspired: this is no surprise as a documentary is rarely given as much attention-to-detail as a big Hollywood blockbuster. Nonetheless, the lossless fidelity of the track is impressive and viewers will find this to be a highly satisfactory experience. A 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track is also provided as an alternative track (as well as optional English subtitles).

Anthropocene: The Human Epoch Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Interview with Edward Norton (HD, 6:15) is a worthwhile clip with the acclaimed actor about the significance of human-kind's destruction of nature and our importance to help protect our Earth from corrupt leaders unconcerned with protecting our planet.

Anthropocene: The Human Epoch Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:10)

Anthropocene: The Human Epoch Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Anthropocene: The Human Epoch is an impressive documentary which demands the attention of the entire planet. Human beings share a lot of responsibility in protecting our planet and it's future: this visual documentary showcases how geology has changed over the globe due to humans worldwide. Stunning, nightmarish, and a reminder to take care of our planet, Anthropocene: The Human Epoch is certainly a thought-provoking experience that should not go ignored. Our planet needs us to stand up now (more than ever before).

The Blu-ray release features a stunning high-definition presentation, lossless audio, and a worthwhile interview with actor Edward Norton. This is a high-quality release of the documentary. Don't miss this one. Highly recommended.