Earthflight (Blu-ray) (2011)

This review is sponsored by

BUY IT

General		Extras
Category	Documentary	Main Menu Audio Gallery-Photo
Rating
Year Of Production	2011
Running Time	357:00
RSDL / Flipper	Dual Layered Dual Disc Set	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Menu
Region Coding	4	Directed By	None Given
Studio Distributor	Roadshow Home Entertainment	Starring	None Given
Case	Standard Blu-ray
RPI	?	Music	None Given

Video		Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame	None	English Linear PCM 48/16 2.0
Widescreen Aspect Ratio	1.78:1
16x9 Enhancement
Video Format	1080i
Original Aspect Ratio	1.78:1	Miscellaneous
Jacket Pictures	No
Subtitles	English	Smoking	No
		Annoying Product Placement	No
		Action In or After Credits	No

     I recently reviewed another documentary series from the BBC Natural History Unit which was shown locally on Channel Nine, Great Barrier Reef. Like that show, this one Earthflight, was shown locally in an altered format with the original voiceover being replaced by a local Channel 9 celebrity. In the case of this series the original commentator, David Tennant of Doctor Who fame was replaced by Charles Woolley. I did not catch any of this one on television so cannot comment on the comparison, however, I am certainly glad that this Blu-ray release retains the original commentator.

     This 2011 production was made over three years and features some of the most amazing footage I have seen of birds, better than anything even on previous BBC productions. They have used a variety of cameras and filming techniques to give the viewer as much as possible the sensation that they are actually flying, hunting and diving into water with the birds. In fact, the sixth episode of this six episode series focuses on how the series was filmed, which is fascinating. Each of the preceding episodes covers a region of the world and its bird life, their travels and survival techniques. Fly with a snow goose, hunt with an eagle and dive into the water with ficamera rids. The camera work and photography is truly amazing and needs to be seen to be believed. You would almost think it was impossible to film things such as is included in this series.

     Another magnificent wildlife series from the BBC, which will be enjoyed by the whole family.

Video

    The video quality is excellent despite only being 1080i.

     The feature is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio which is the original aspect ratio. It is 1080i encoded using AVC. According to the case some of the footage used was originally from standard definition sources, however, this is not obvious during the show.

     The picture was very clear and sharp throughout. The clarity was affected by some mild blur during pans, driven by the interlaced presentation. The colour was excellent, bursting off the screen with amazing vividness.

    There were no noticeable artefacts.

There are subtitles available in English which are clear and easy to read.

     There are no obvious layer changes during playback.

Video Ratings Summary

Sharpness
Shadow Detail
Colour
Grain/Pixelization
Film-To-Video Artefacts
Film Artefacts
Overall

Audio

    The audio quality is very good.

     This disc contains an English soundtrack in LPCM 2.0. Although front focused, the soundtrack was rich and full incorporating the sounds of nature and the surf well.

     Dialogue was clear and easy to hear and understand, although Tennant's accent caused some minor issues.

     The music by the Stephen Faux & Will Gregory is great, suiting the series well.

     The surround speakers were not used.

     The subwoofer supported the surf sounds.

Audio Ratings Summary

Dialogue
Audio Sync
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts
Surround Channel Use
Subwoofer
Overall

Menu

     The menu included music.

Picture Gallery (3:52)

     Stills set to music.

    This set is available in the same format in the UK.

     A magnificently shot BBC series which follows birds all over the world.

    The video quality is excellent. The audio quality is very good.

     One minor extra.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall