Earth from Space Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.5

Earth from Space Blu-ray Movie Review

Hey, I can see an ecological disaster from here.

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 28, 2013

Earth is an extremely complex planet, and we don’t always have the best perspective when it comes to assessing its sophisticated performance. Up high in the sky is a network of satellites (some reaching up to 25,000 miles above Earth) tasked with studying the meteorological systems of the planet, helping to create useful graphics that provide a deeper understanding of routines and changes in the atmosphere. “Earth from Space” is a “Nova” episode that details the work of this eye-in-the-sky team as it isolates planetary habits and sudden changes, helping scientists understand significant threats facing the continents, while solving a few mysteries along the way.

There are actually 120 satellites currently orbiting Earth, each designed with a function that contributes to scientific analysis, breaking down a specific point of interest that’s eventually woven into a fabric of visual research that turns patterns into colorful, informative data. “Earth from Space” travels all over the planet to better understand the importance of such complex surveillance, isolating Hurricane Katrina as a moment of disaster that paved the way for a different level of weather analysis, using the ring of satellites to break down the particulars of the storm. “Earth from Space” also inspects a question of Antarctica and frigidity, displaying how the barren continent sustains its uninhabitable conditions, locked in a cycle of wind patterns that create a barrier around the borders.

Atmospheric nuances assume command of the program’s second half, exploring the microscopic vitals of water and lightning, and how these events help to spread life around the planet, despite their often violent nature.

Earth from Space Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation has moderate banding issues, popping up during heavy graphic movement. Colors are vibrant and secure, with deep blues and reds aiding the depiction of planetary activity and solar reaction, while blacks are generally pure to support deep space textures. Interview skintones are natural, while fine detail is satisfactory, offering crisp particulars on facial reactions and CGI.

Earth from Space Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix doesn't provide a flush of aural sensations one might expect from such a dynamic subject matter, instead keeping relatively sedate with a front stage presence that's reliable but rarely stimulating. Narration is full and pronounced, carrying the viewing experience with authority. Scoring is supportive without impeding on the primary informational push of the documentary, while atmospheric changes are sharply defined, creating a precise understanding of surroundings. No distortion was detected.

Earth from Space Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There's no supplementary material on this disc.

Earth from Space Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

At two hours in length, "Earth from Space" is specialized science for a specialized audience, taking its sweet time to study the subject in the full. Those without an appreciation for satellite tracking methods and results might find their patience tested by the show, though clearly the "Nova" team has assembled an exhaustive documentary on the need for such orbital examination, climaxing (as all these specials seem to do) with a damning message on man's irreversible environmental impact, now captured with greater precision than ever before.