Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Born in China Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman September 4, 2017

No matter where and no matter when, life and the basics of how it's lived is a common, uniting theme throughout the world and amongst its many species. It's a simplistic truism, but rarely has it been made more lovingly clear than in Born in China, a fun and touching documentary about several creatures who call China home, depicting how they raise their young and fight to ensure a quality life for their offspring. Amidst a parade of cute and cuddly animals and fun hi-jinx is a tender tale that reminds audiences that man and animal share so much in common, not only the planet on which they live but the heart and base emotions that define who they are. It's gentle but meaningful family entertainment and a welcome reprieve from today's dour headlines and vacuous cinema, a reminder of what's good, but also true, about the world and the life cycle that really puts many things in a different perspective.

Born in China follows and celebrates several animal species as they nurture, play, hunt, and struggle through life. Chief amongst the creatures on which the film focuses is Dawa, a territorial snow leopard caring for two young baby cubs. She's a capable hunter, master of her domain, and more than capable of fending off intruders. But when her territory is challenged by newcomers that outnumber her abilities, she and her cubs are forced into exile and struggle to find food. Ya Ya is a giant panda and mother to Mei Mei, her beautiful offspring that is eager to learn about the world around him. His instinct to climb is countered by his mother's instinct to protect, but mother knows the time will come, sooner or later, when she must allow nature to take its course. Tao Tao is a golden snub-nose money who was once his family's pride and joy, but new arrivals push him to the wayside and into a group called "The Lost Boys" where he is forced to live on his own and watch his family from afar. The film also follows chiru through their journeys that see the male and females separate for a time.

The longer one watches Born in China, the more one will discover the common characteristics shared between man and animal. Nurturing their offspring, protecting their territory, teaching and caregiving: through the interactions with others of their kind, those commons characteristic are clear. While these animals may not verbalize their actions or feelings, the core essences are plain to see. It's clear that their worlds, their feelings, their wants, and their needs are really no different than those of man. They may be physically limited in some ways and more adept in others, but that shared language of nurturing speaks loudly and clearly in nearly very frame. Audiences will come to know, care for, and love these creatures. Beyond those shared bonds and the simple cute-and-cuddly essences is a reflection of life as man knows it, the beauties and the hardships alike that all contribute to the adventure through it and presented here with a narrative grace that does justice to the creatures' stories.

To be sure, some slick editing and narrative manipulation do add some drama to a few scenes, but beyond that is a core truth in access to the animals and spirit in life that courses throughout the film. It's well narrated by John Krasinski, who brings an appropriate voice to each animal, just the right tenor -- joy, curiosity, determination, fear, even dejection -- to each scene. But the film's emotions and heart speak for themselves. Each animal is not infused with a personality, they display their personalities. Certainly a bit of narrative push and pull guides views to the appropriate sentiment, but more critical, and much more profound, are the actions the animals take, particularly as they love and care for their offspring but also as they fight and hunt and do what they must to survive. The film reflects the core essences of life -- love and survival -- with remarkable and touching efficiency and clarity. It's an absorbing journey through cuddly creatures and breathtaking locations but, more, a very recognizable center that's more beautiful than any creature or landscape.

Born in China Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Born in China dazzles on Blu-ray. Though the image is plagued with some noise, and a bit heavy at times at that, it's otherwise gorgeously presented, offering impeccable clarity, detail, and color throughout. The image comes robustly sharp, delivering terrain and animals alike with incredible precision. Close-ups reveal every fine strand of fur and various bits of earth often stuck to it. Rocky formations, leaves, terrain, tree trunks, the entire spectrum of natural details shine from corner to corner. Colors are lush and full. Natural greens are particularly impressive, a counter to many of the earthy tones that define many of the scenes where rocky terrain and the snow leopards, for example, tend to blend together. Beyond the noise, there's nothing to detract from the image; it's a gorgeous presentation and a top example of the format's peak abilities.

Born in China Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Born in China was reportedly constructed with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack but arrives on Blu-ray with only a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Nevertheless, the track satisfies with a healthy sense of space and clarity of presentation. Music plays with total immersion, seamless width, and constant surround support; the listener will feel enveloped by the score, but never does it present with any sense of unbalance. Environmental details additionally prove wide and deep; whether rolling thunder, soaking rain, gentle breezes, or rustling grasses, the track defines its environments with positive detail. Narration enjoys strong focal positioning in the front-center. It's detailed and well prioritized.

Born in China Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Born in China contains a few supplements. DVD and Disney digital copies are included with purchase.

• Panda Suits & Bamboo Shoots (1080p, 6:27): A behind-the-scenes look at the process and challenges of filming wild pandas over the course of a year.
• Walking with Monkeys (1080p, 8:03): A piece similar to the one above, this time focusing on those who were charged with shooting the monkey sequences.
• Masters of Camouflage (1080p, 4:56): A quick look at "the film's biggest challenge," shooting snow leopard cubs in the wild.
• Wading Through Wetlands (1080p, 5:22): A peek inside the process of shooting the crane sequences.
• Music Video (1080p, 3:30): "Everything Everything" by American Authors.
• Disneynature: Get Inspired, Get Involved (1080p, 1:18): The Disney Conversation Fund asks audiences to get involved with saving at-risk wildlife.

Born in China Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Born in China is a wonderful documentary that's heartfelt, funny, and sometimes even sad as it journeys through the circle of life with animals who are not only full of personality but who reflect very relatable human characteristics in their stories to care for their young and traverse the best and most difficult life has to offer. It's beautifully photographed and put together, a complete picture that the entire family is sure to treasure, for a number of different reasons. Disney's Bu-ray is wonderful. Picture and sound qualities are excellent and the included supplements are worthwhile. Very highly recommended.