6.9 | / 10 |
Users | 4.5 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.1 |
In this spectacular tale set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia, Maya, a clever and resourceful monkey, finds her world forever changed when she welcomes her son Kip into her colorful extended family. As Maya strives to keep Kip safe through unexpected and sometimes perilous adventures, amazing footage captures all the magical surprises of their magnificent world.
Narrator: Tina FeyDocumentary | 100% |
Nature | 86% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
Digital copy
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
With the latest Disneynature production, Monkey Kingdom, comes yet another Disneynature trade off. The feature-length documentary is undeniably precious, with a variety of cute, cuddly, grumpy, silly, personable animals sure to burrow their way into your children's imagination and memories. It's without a doubt the next proverbial "perfect for the whole family" doc. But with that fun, funny furriness tends to come a (slightly) overreaching anthropomorphisation that dabbles in a bit -- but just a bit -- too much feel-good guesswork. Does it matter? That depends on the temperature of your heart. Between all the pop songs, lighthearted jokes and kid-friendly characterizations there's plenty of educational value, particularly for young viewers. There's also a prevailing sense that we're not being given the clearest, most accurate glimpse into the lives of the film's toque macaques, proud mama Maya and little baby Kip. The verdict? My heart was warmed, my son was entranced, and Monkey Kingdom won us over quickly and decisively. It feels a bit manufactured, but never in a malicious, misleading manner.
Monkey Kingdom boasts a beautiful 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation. Colors are gorgeous, with striking blues and greens, lifelike hues, earthy forestscapes, and satisfying black levels. Detail is just as impressive, with refined definition and exceedingly well-resolved textures, particularly during close-ups of the macaques. Hair and fur, leaves and foliage, dirt and stones, branches and rock faces are crisp and revealing, without exception, and the only softness that appears is optical. Add to that a complete lack of artifacting, banding and other issues (minus the slightest hint of ringing) and you have a presentation every bit as stunning as the Disneynature cinematography.
Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is another excellent Disneynature offering. Tina Fey's narration is warm, nicely centered and doesn't drown out the natural soundscape. The rear speakers are active and engaging, immersing the listener in the rustling trees, crackling underbrush, rushing streams and gentle breeze of the Sri Lanka soundfield. LFE output is supportive and assertive, granting weight where weight is needed. Few scenes require low-end oomph, yet monitor lizard attacks, macaque battles and other high stakes sequences still take advantage of each channel. All told, Monkey Kingdom marks another lossless win for Disneynature's Blu-ray releases.
Monkey Kingdom isn't the most powerful Disneynature documentary, but families will find it cute, entertaining and a good deal of fun. Disney's Blu-ray release rounds out the experience with a high quality disc, outstanding AV presentation and all. The only knock against it is a small selection of special features, which isn't all that disappointing anyway. This one comes recommended.
DVD Packaging
2012
Disneynature
2014
DVD Packaging
2011
2016
Disneynature
2016
2014
Disneynature
2009
Disneynature
2011
Disneynature
2007
2017
2011
BBC / Narrated by David Attenborough
2009
2014
Disneynature
2008
BBC
2011
2013
2007
IMAX
2008
2008
IMAX
2012