6.1 | / 10 |
Users | 1.5 | |
Reviewer | 2.0 | |
Overall | 1.9 |
Documentary | 100% |
Nature | 74% |
Other | 52% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
None
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 2.5 | |
Audio | 2.5 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 2.0 |
Can't get to France or Italy? Don't have enough money? Can't stand the invasive airport security measures? Don't speak the language? Been there, done that? Whatever the reason may be, travel abroad isn't exactly an easy -- or cheap -- thing, even now in the 21st century technological age of rapid mass transport. But the 21st century has also given rise to the mass infusion of high definition home video, a medium through which a decent television and a good disc can practically transport audiences to anywhere in the world for a incredibly low cost. Of course the right film must be chosen; there are the really involved and well-prduced discs, the throwaway moneymakers, and a whole bunch that fall somewhere in between. Beautiful Planet - France & Italy is one of those "tweeners," with a noticeable lean towards the bottom-end. Taking audiences to exotic and interesting locations but playing with robotic narration and rather unimpressive video quality, this film isn't much of an escape, let alone a substitute for the real thing. But it covers places and histories that aren't usually hit on the more generic "hot spot" videos. No Paris, no Venice, no Rome, this video focuses on smaller areas with richer histories and incredible stories to tell. If only those stories weren't told so dryly.
Built to last.
Beautiful Planet - France & Italy features a passable but hardly visually arresting Blu-ray transfer. Much of the image appears soft and flat, and it often fails to capture more than cursory details of even the roughest stone and brick architectural marvels. Surrounding vegetation -- generally clumps of leaves -- also appear mushy and undefined. But as the movie plays along, it sometimes finds sharper, more complex imagery away from the hazy, flat, and lifeless video that generally defines the presentation. Additionally, close-up static shots tend to hold up better than panning close, medium, or distance shots. Colors are neither flat nor vibrant, appearing rather uninspiring but steady. Skies often appear washed out, and the image suffers from evident, but not overwhelming, banding, blocking, aliasing, and edge enhancement. It's very hit-or-miss, with emphasis on the latter, but this is a serviceable presentation for educational purposes.
Beautiful Planet - France & Italy features a serviceable Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack. The uninspiring narration doesn't sound any better than it flows. It often plays with something of a sharp edge to it. Music remains largely focused straight up the middle of the soundstage, playing with adequate clarity and probably engineered with lower-grade equipment or even built-in television speakers in mind, considering that this disc will probably see quite a bit of service in educational circles and classroom settings. Music picks up a bit and even plays with a decent low end sensation in the Bordeaux segment, and to be sure, there are some lively stretches throughout, though nothing approaching a good, satisfying musical presentation. This one's not going to impress audiophiles, but it gets the job done for the intended purpose.
Beautiful Planet - France & Italy contains no bonus material.
Beautiful Planet - France & Italy has plenty of interesting places to "show," but the "tell" part of the program is liable to lull viewers into a deep sleep. The narration is forced, bland, and lifeless. It really ruins an otherwise good program. Also disappointing is that Mil Creek's Blu-ray features mediocre video and audio, and no extras are included. For general classroom time killing or dedicated fans of overseas travel, this video isn't terrible, but beware the narration.
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