7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Documentary | 100% |
Nature | 75% |
Family | 36% |
Other | 24% |
Biography | 15% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080i
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
English
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
With the tradition of a wedding comes the honeymoon, a special time where a couple is provided a chance for intimacy after the ceremonial whirlwind. It’s a period of closeness in the midst of an exotic location, demanding the twosome engage in all sorts of relaxation and mild adventuring, solidifying the union with an once-in-a-lifetime shot at glorious recreation. For wolf biologist Isaac Babcock and his new wife Bjornen, sealant for their matrimonial bliss wasn’t cured under a Hawaiian sun, but in the harsh conditions of the wild, with the two embarking on a journey into the restless lands of Idaho to experience nature up close as a couple. Though far from a customary romantic ideal, the commitment to extended study carried an unforgettable stretch of time where the newlyweds found a chance to bond while together out in the middle of nowhere, strengthening their communication and survival skills as a singular unit, out to grasp the movement of life in a land few dare to traverse in our digital age. Who needs a soft bed, rolling waves, and mixed drinks when there are wolves, birds, elks, and otters to study while enduring crippling atmospheric changes, taxing terrain, and swarms of bugs? Ahh, romance.
The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation sustains a satisfactory HD viewing experience. While camera equipment limitations are easily detected, there's a comfortable balance of crisp detail emerging from beauty shots of nature in motion to slightly softer sequences of Isaac and Bjornen sharing time in front of the camera, often in confessional mode. Transitions between shots aren't jarring, leaving the presentation with a stable exploration of the area, providing textures to the woodsy surroundings and animal fur, with a good portion of the program shot from a distance to preserve creature care. Colors are stable and communicative, reaching with a bright palette of foresty greens and clear blue skies, while skintones remain healthy and natural, also displaying signs of wear and tear as the months go by. Crush is detected with the rare interior expedition, and stock footage looks poor, suffering from macroblocking issues.
The 5.1 Dolby Digital sound mix doesn't offer a thunderous circular sensation, but the surrounds are used tastefully, carrying a sensation of blowing wind and chirping distances, bringing depth to the track. Primary concern is placed on the tag-team narration, which sounds deep and rich, carrying satisfactory emotional weight without any interference from the supportive scoring cues, which also sustain a pleasant flow. There's not much in the way of sonic force here, with low-end nonexistent and directional activity quiet. It's more stable than demonstrative, keeping the listener engaged.
There is no supplementary material on this disc.
Encapsulating a year of activity is a difficult endeavor (especially under an hour), leaving "River of No Return" a little spotty with the details, losing a feel for the explorers' true mindset during seasonal changes and assorted survival challenges. While it lacks substance, the documentary contains a sensational sense of surroundings, providing viewers with an appreciation for the land's natural beauty. One doesn't finish "River of No Return" with a feel of educational exhaustion, but there's satisfaction to be had after four seasons of travel with two people who've clearly cherished the opportunity for discovery they've been offered.
2000
Under Antarctic Ice / Encountering Sea Monsters
2003-2005
2004
2008
2008
Victoria Falls / Drakensberg: Barrier of Spears
2009
Kilauea: Mountain of Fire / Violent Hawaii
2009
Victoria Falls / Drakensberg: Barrier of Spears
2009
Kilauea: Mountain of Fire / Violent Hawaii
2009
2010
2010
2010
2010
2010
2010
2011
2011
2011
Bears of the Last Frontier: City of Bears / Bears of the Last Frontier: The Road North / Bears of the Last Frontier: Arctic Wanderers
2011
2011
2011
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2013
2013
2013
2013
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
2016
The Story of Cats: Asia to Africa / The Story of Cats: Into the Americas
2016
2018
Super Cats: Extreme Lives / Super Cats: Cats in Every Corner / Super Cats: Science and Secrets
2018
(Still not reliable for this title)
Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild: The Complete Three-Part Documentary Series
2013
2004
2011
2011
2013
IMAX
2007
IMAX
2007
The Original UK Series
2011
BBC
2011
2011
2010
2009
2015
+ Photo Booklet
2012