7.3 | / 10 |
Users | 3.2 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.4 |
Traveling from wild coastlines to urban habitats, this fascinating BBC natural history series follows host and wildlife expert Iolo Williams as he explores the behavior of birds. Join Williams as he investigates how and why birds communicate, the breeding and nesting behavior of birds, the survival challenges that birds encounter, as well as an in-depth study revealing birds' ability to fly, the intricate design of their beaks and how their color and camouflage enables them to live in many different habitats. This ground breaking series reveals every aspect of their lives from surviving harsh winters to avoiding deadly predators.
Documentary | 100% |
Nature | 78% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
None
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
This is the harsh reality of life.
Like that of any creature, the life of the Welsh bird is a difficult one. Life is a game of survival, not one of luxury and easy living. Birds must work from
dawn and straight on through to dusk, be they searching for food and water for self-sustainment or nourishment for their young, in search of a
potential mate and trying to one-up competitors, on the hunt for a potential nesting site, on the lookout for nesting materials, grooming to ensure
proper flight capabilities, avoiding predators, beating the harsh elements, or fighting over man's rubbish. No, this is not an easy existence. A bird's
entire life, it would seem, revolves around survival and the preservation of the species. Whereas a man may be called "lazy" if eating and reproducing
and staying in shelter were the goals of his life, it's the only way of life a bird knows, a natural state that's far more complex, dangerous, and wondrous
than the man who merely glimpses birds and catches a note of song might ever imagine. Lifelong bird watcher Lilo Williams hosts this exceptional look
into the private life of Wales' avian inhabitants, and their secret lives just might surprise even the viewer who presumes to know everything about
birds.
Trying to remain a secret.
Secret Life of Birds represents probably the best-looking Mill Creek release to date, Documentary or otherwise. This image offers wonderful clarity, excellent stability, and a general crispness and level of definition that does the material proud. Fine detail is nearly exacting; though ultra-zoomed shots can be a little noisy, general photography appears crisp and perfectly defined. Viewers will enjoy the pinpoint detail which reveals not only bird fur and feathers, but the Welsh natural and urban landscapes. Slow-motion shots reveal in great detail bird beaks and feet. Even at distance -- overhead views of terrain or merely distant leaves, grasses, and structures -- the image remains crisp, sharp, and handsomely defined. Colors are exquisite and just as true and refined as the transfer's details. There's literally a rainbow of hues to enjoy, whether the diverse colorings on various species of birds or the lush Welsh green backdrops. Though slight banding does mar skies, the image is largely free of such unwanted defects. All in all, this is a very high quality transfer that serves the material wonderfully.
Secret Life of Birds flutters onto Blu-ray with but a Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack. This is a very basic presentation of simple material. Bird sounds come through clearly and distinctly, perhaps not with the accuracy of a summer's morning or evening but certainly with the clarity necessary to separate the sounds and identify the species through song. General ambience seeps into the presentation in the form of blowing winds or distant bird song. There's a fair drenching sensation when rain soaks the Welsh landscape in one segment. Lilo's narration plays easily and clearly, though occasional wind noise and the crunching sounds of his windbreaker sometimes get in the way. That's about all she wrote for this one. It's simple yet effective, and most listeners should be satisfied with the results.
Secret Life of Birds contains no bonus features.
Secret Life of Birds is an amazing; must-see; and now on Blu-ray must-own Documentary that's fit for the entire family, a treasure for birdwatchers and naturalists, and an informative little slice of real life for curious audiences. It's beautifully crafted, home to wonderful photography, and hosted by one of the best in the business. Mill Creek's Blu-ray release of Secret Life of Birds sadly features no bonus content, but the quality technical presentation and the wonderful feature make this a highly recommended release.
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