Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		2.5
Audio		2.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		2.5

HDScape Sampler Blu-ray Movie Review

An interesting marketing ploy offers cheap entertainment on Blu-ray.

Reviewed by Dustin Somner July 22, 2009

If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself eyeing this release for the past year, tempted by the dirt-cheap retail price, but apprehensive by the word “sampler” in the title. Just like a pastry sample at your local coffee house, we’ve grown accustomed to the word implying a lack of substance, or simply representing an offering of something greater. In the case of the 2008 release of HDScape Sampler, we’re provided with an experience that feels 100% promotional, yet still justifies the relatively small price-point of four dollars.

"You looking at me?"

From the initial menu screen, you’re presented with the Blu-ray cover art for all eight HDScape releases from the DVD International Studio. You can choose to play them all in a repeating loop, or select each one individually. If you click on each title, you’ll have the option of viewing detailed technical specifications on each release prior to viewing a five minute sample of the full production. As helpful as that sounds, I noticed a number of discrepancies in the information provided, including an incorrect listing of 1080p for the resolution (each segment is actually presented in 1080i).

Regarding the individual productions themselves, there’s a pretty large variance in the experience offered by each release. I’ve reviewed several of the full-length features in the past (the full reviews will provide a more comprehensive analysis of the content), so I already had a good idea of what to expect from some of these segments. Judged solely by the five minute footage of the individual programs, my favorite two titles are Antarctica Dreaming and Visions of the Sea. Both entries in the HDScape line-up possess stunningly crisp video quality and appear to present a wide variety of environmental eye-candy. Antarctica Dreaming also has the distinct inclusion of a full-length narrative track to describe aspects of the frigid landscape. Unfortunately, the rest of the five-minute trailers are somewhat underwhelming, with notable low-budget entries such as Exotic Saltwater Aquarium and Fireplace: Visions of Tranquility. I suppose there may be aquarium enthusiasts out there that get hyped up at the idea of high-definition views of various residential sized aquariums, but I’m not one to share their excitement. Likewise, I’m sure we could find condo-dwellers living within the limits of big cities, yearning for the comfort of a fake fire on their wall during Christmas.

In the end, HDScape Sampler should be viewed primarily as a marketing ploy to help you decide if any of the entries in the series grab your interest. There’s nothing awe-inspiring about the eight segments offered on the disc, but at a paltry four dollars, I didn’t expect to be treated to a grand spectacle. I doubt many people will come away feeling ripped off, but I also can’t picture the typical audience walking away with a feeling of satisfaction.

HDScape Sampler Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in 1080i utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate that varies from segment to segment between 15-22Mbps), HDScape Sampler has a mixed bag visual presentation. Detail varies from segment to segment, appearing amazingly clear in Antarctica Dreaming or Visions of the Sea, and suffering from a hazy lack of definition during Serenity: Southern Seas or The Great Southwest. The same visual inconsistency is displayed in the boldness of the coloring and richness of the black levels, with the same programs exhibiting either impressive or underwhelming performance in almost every category. The only thing that did appear consistent about the video performance from sequence to sequence, was the lack of edge enhancement, artifacting or aliasing. If you're looking for something to show off your high-definition display, this probably won't be the best option, but at least it gives you a better idea of the visual quality you can expect from each full-length feature (which does match my experience with the titles I've reviewed thus far).

HDScape Sampler Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Similar to the video, the audio on each segment shifts substantially in quality and volume. TrueHD 5.1 audio is advertised for the entire disc, but in reality, we have three segments with TrueHD 5.1, three segments with Dolby Digital 5.1 and two segments with Dolby Digital 2.0. Considering some of the segments with lossy audio actually contain a lossless track on the full-release, I'm assuming the variance in the tracks reflects an oversight in the original production of the disc and I doubt the studio would feel compelled to correct mistakes on a disc that lacks sufficient profitability to make it worth their while. As you can imagine, the proficiency of the audio tracks on the various samples ranges from stellar (such as the guitar music on Visions of the Sea) to merely serviceable (The Great Southwest). There isn't much spatial separation in any of the offerings, but considering every segment is music driven (except Antarctica Dreaming), it's no real surprise.

HDScape Sampler Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Surprisingly, there's one supplement included on this release that you can't get on any other title in the HDScape library. It can be selected on the same menu as the other segments, and consists of five world-class musicians (a pianist and four string musicians) who perform the Shostokovich Piano Quintet OP.57 (opening portion). The segment is presented in TrueHD 5.1 with a camera that pans around the group grabbing occasional close-up shots. I'm not a huge fan of classical music, but this sounds outstanding with the volume turned high.

HDScape Sampler Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

HDScape Sampler certainly isn't a product I could recommend, but I'd also shy away from telling you it's a complete waste of time. Since its release back in March of 2008, the sampler has remained the lowest priced offering on the format, which is notable from that standpoint alone. There are plenty of worse ways to spend four dollars, and at least it offers a glimpse at the titles included in the HDScape Blu-ray series (for any interested parties).