Microcosmos Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.5

Microcosmos Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 15, 2017

Before there were entire cable networks devoted to every corner of the natural world, there was 1996’s “Microcosmos.” What a kid could do now with a cell phone camera and some decent lighting took three years of production for directors Claude Nuridsany and Marie Perennou, who worked carefully to follow the lives of insects on their home turf, using special cinematography to detail every fluttering wing, crooked antennae, and wiggly body they could find. Using the footage to shape a highly artistic vision of, ahem, a bug’s life, the helmers achieve a cinematic miracle with “Microcosmos,” assembling a riveting, hypnotic valentine to the misunderstood members of Earth.

“Microcosmos” doesn’t have a plot. It’s more of a tour, initially descending from the heavens to a world that exists between blades of grass, spotlighting the daily lives of insects of all varieties. To achieve this miniature vision, the helmers use special equipment to zero in on the tiniest of details, hunting for unique behaviors, movements, and predatory instincts to share with viewers, generating an atmosphere of observance instead of straightforward education. “Microcosmos” doesn’t identify the stars, it exists with the insects, highlighting their wonderful oneness with the planet and periodic warfare with one another.

Microcosmos Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.66:1 aspect ratio) presentation deals with a particularly visual feature, as "Microcosmos" is built for the HD realm, offering viewers a chance to study amazing details on insects and forest locations. The BD handles such demands with care, providing a clear look at these amazing encounters. Textures are everywhere, picking up in slimy, crawly body parts and varied environments. Deep distances remain as well. Colors are sharp and deep, delivering bold greenery and more fantastical hues on the insect stars. Delineation is communicative. Source is in healthy shape, without damage. Grain is fine and filmic.

Microcosmos Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix also has a presentation challenge, as "Microcosmos" is built with intricate sound effects and careful scoring cues. The insect world comes alive here, as the track layers on creature movement and food consumption, with tiny legs and hands generating subtle buzzes and crunches. There's impressive precision and exciting movement at times, especially when flight is involved. Music retains defined instrumentation and position, always supporting the mood of the picture.

Microcosmos Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (40:49, SD) is a 1996 chat with directors Marie Perennou and Claude Nuridsany, who discuss their original intent for "Microcosmos," technical challenges, and share production stories.

• Making Of (42:18, SD) collects interviews from sound designer Laurent Quaglio, sound techs Philippe Barbeau and Bernard Leroux, composer Bruno Coulais, editors Marie-Josephe Yoyotte and Florence Ricard, and producer Jacques Perrin. Sadly, no actual BTS footage of cameras and locations is included, just talking heads.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:13, SD) is included.

Microcosmos Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Microcosmos" packs a lot of insects into its 75 minute run time, sold with a soothing score and some cheeky soundtrack cuts. The production doesn't push a homework assignment on viewers, it trusts in the power of cinema, inventively achieving a distinct look at these wonders of the world. Albeit slimy, somewhat creepy wonders.