Nature: Jungle Eagle Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

Nature: Jungle Eagle Blu-ray Movie Review

A not-so-Angry Bird

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 25, 2011

The docile PBS program “Nature” takes a more summer blockbustery approach with its latest offering, “Jungle Eagle.” Attempting to sneak into the lair of the Harpy Eagle, the most powerful bird of prey in the world, producer/star Fergus Beeley aims to create a sense of excitement as he inches closer to one of the most enigmatic creatures of South America. This is no common dissection of feeding patterns and defense mechanisms. Instead, it’s a bit of an “Ocean’s Eleven” sequel, with Beeley and his crew attempting to infiltrate an impenetrable treetop fortress, planting cameras and carefully timing visits to avoid being torn to shreds by the very beast they’re seeking to observe. Beeley definitely deserves credit for building excitement, helping goose the educational aspects of an otherwise passive nature documentary.

In Venezuela, the Harpy Eagle rules the blue skies with a majestic presence, attempting to carry out its purpose while a host of local creatures make plans to feast on its young. For his latest documentary, Beeley travels into the heart of the jungle to pay a visit to a pair of eagles who’ve made a massive nest (roughly the size of a double bed) at the top of a Ceiba tree, craving a peek into their daily struggle of survival, determined to understand what makes this “eagle of all eagles” tick. Unexpectedly, the production stumbled upon a family moment, discovering a baby chick tucked carefully inside the nest, not yet ready to be introduced to the world. Recognizing the rarity of such a sighting, Beeley and his modest crew quickly set out to capture the chick and its protective parents on film, using hidden cameras to seize intimate moments and growing pains. For Beeley, this opportunity is like winning the PBS grant lottery, finally presented with a chance to watch an elusive bird grow from a trembling baby to a proud, curious adult.

Because nature isn’t truly nature unless it’s all captured on film.

Of course, with the daily schedule of an eagle, there’s not much ground to cover, leaving Beeley to manufacture much of the suspense, hosting the program with huckster quality, trying to fill 52 minutes with eagle minutiae, rehearsed banter, and his own history with the feathered star of the show. “Jungle Eagle” probes into the life of the Harpy, talking up its routine of nest protection and, of course, feeding habits. With a community of sloths and Capuchin monkeys nearby, the bird has a buffet of meaty prey to pick from, and Beeley is more than happy to include shots of the Harpy returning to its nest with a floppy dead thing (often shredded into a bloody mess) locked inside its deadly talons, keeping the circle of life quite vivid for viewers at home. But hey, baby’s gotta eat, leaving much of the program devoted to the hunting skills and appetites of the eagle, who’s always on the prowl for a snack to share between the three residents of the nest.

“Jungle Eagle” also takes time to inspect the neighborhood, monitoring behaviors from Aracari birds, who’ve bravely moved in nearby, essentially raising whatever equals a middle finger in the animal kingdom toward the Harpy. There are also visits from ants and flies, miniature irritants that swarm the Cebia tree, making comfort difficult for the birds. Beeley doesn’t stray too far from his subject, only concentrating on troublesome types or the ballsy birds who tempt fate by keeping so close to the Harpy. It’s not a full understanding of jungle protocol, but just enough to comprehend what the eagle is up against and what it views when it looks out into the world.

My favorite section of “Jungle Eagle” has to be Beeley’s insistence on closer camera placement, to really observe the chick in motion as it picks away at rotten monkey innards. To accomplish this intrusion, the production is forced to climb the Ceiba tree, walking right into the Harpy line of fire. Of course, to carry out this nutty task, the gang suits up in police riot gear, fearing the bird’s attack with its knowing talons could easily kill a human with one well-placed slash. Nobody seems particularly excited about the journey, but what Beeley wants Beeley gets. We soon witness a few hapless souls ascend into the eagle nest, clearly unnerved but resolute in their duty. Suddenly, “Jungle Eagle” is a Jerry Bruckheimer film, with unbelievable tension emerging from these trips into the tree. When the Harpy actually does make a few aggressive passes at the men, a second trip requires additional armor placement and increased nervousness, generating more excitement than “Nature” has even seen before. Will the eagle feast on a production assistant? Will Beeley attempt a climb to stand within striking distance of his subject? Will those damn Aracari grow a brain and get the hell out of the Ceiba tree? “Jungle Eagle” doesn’t have much to work with, but there’s a great deal of suspense to enjoy.

Nature: Jungle Eagle Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation is limited by Beeley's camera equipment, which ranges from blocky spy-cam footage to more powerful HD adventures into the expanse of the region. Clarity is acceptable without ever hitting awe-inspiring heights, offering a pleasing yet soft look at feather and facial detail, with a few close-ups seizing the textures these productions are known for. Banding is detected, along with some minor macroblocking. Colors retain their naturalistic splendor, with jungle greens making a hearty impression, while the eagle's grayish hue also gives off a little pop. Shadow detail is comfortable, keeping distances decipherable, while animal skin retains fine detail. The limits of the cinematography are easily perceived, but the majority of the program retains its crisp position.

Nature: Jungle Eagle Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 Dolby Digital sound mix keeps to a rather modest presentation, with limited aural elements to tinker with. Instead of a dimensional push, the disc offers a satisfactory frontal placement of narration, which sounds crisp but never deep. Accents are navigated well, and physical exertion is noted, with the humid surrounding taking a toll on Beeley and his sweating crew. Surrounds are limited, but there is an environment presence that keeps the track interesting, capturing the jungle chirps and leaf movement, while a rain sequence carries a bit of circular activity. Music is limited but satisfactory, never intruding on the action. Low-end activity wasn't detected. While never bold, the track sells the outdoor experience acceptably.

Nature: Jungle Eagle Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material on this disc.

Nature: Jungle Eagle Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Jungle Eagle" covers about a year in the life of the Harpy trio, with the final act devoted to the maturation of the chick, who's developed into a lean Harpy machine with some serious homesickness issues. Perhaps it's not the most informative nature documentary around, yet Beeley's enthusiasm instills the program with confidence, generating awareness for the Harpy and its way of life, permitting viewers a front row seat to a most elusive bird one would hate to meet up close.