Blue Planet II (4K Blu-ray) (2017)

This review is sponsored by

BUY IT

General		Extras
Category	Documentary	None
Rating
Year Of Production	2017
Running Time	360
RSDL / Flipper	No/No Multi Disc Set (3)	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Menu
Region Coding	4	Directed By	None Given
Studio Distributor	Roadshow Home Entertainment	Starring	David Attenborough
Case	?
RPI	$29.95	Music	None Given

Video		Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame	None	English DTS HD Master Audio 5.1
Widescreen Aspect Ratio	1.78:1
16x9 Enhancement
Video Format	2160p
Original Aspect Ratio	1.78:1	Miscellaneous
Jacket Pictures	No
Subtitles	English for the Hearing Impaired	Smoking	No
		Annoying Product Placement	No
		Action In or After Credits	No

    David Attenborough just keeps on churning out these natural history shows for British television. He does less travelling these days but his dulcet tones and recognisable physical presence continue to grace our screens. He narrated the first Blue Planet series back in 2001 and now in 2017/18 is the front man for this newest BBC production, Blue Planet II. The real star here though is the incredible photography of our incredible natural marine world. This series like the previous one focuses on life in the oceans around the planet. Structurally it is similar to the original series with 7 episodes focused on topics like the open ocean, the deep, coral reefs, green seas and coastlines. The big difference here is the incredible progress that has been made in underwater photography and access resulting in some truly amazing footage, up close with an incredible array of creatures. Back in 2001 the original series was lauded for its incredible footage but it cannot hold a candle to what is shown in this series especially when enjoyed in native 4K as it was shot.

    Highlights are constant as you watch this series. The incredible footage of storm waves at sea, cuttlefish changing colour, octopuses with incredible colour variation, magnificent whales, leatherback turtles, just the incredible shots of icebergs or green tropical inlets even without the creatures inhabiting them. This show is more like a highlights reel of incredible sights and sounds of the sea rather than a scientific documentary, except for the last episode which takes a more documentary style on as it discusses some of issues facing the oceans and the people who are investigating those issues or trying to improve them. In the first 6 episodes the focus is on specific vignettes from around the globe that suit the themes of the particular episode, featuring a wide array of fish, sharks , dolphins, whales, penguins, sea lions, incredibly colourful jumping crabs and more. The second episode focuses on the deepest parts of the ocean.

    The sound design and music also add significantly to this production bringing the undersea world to life for the audience. The episodes are spread over 3 UHD discs.

    Highly Recommended especially as a 4K show off disc.

Video

    The series is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio which is the original aspect ratio in 2160p. It is encoded in HEVC and incorporates High Dynamic Range and a wider colour spectrum. It does not include Dolby Vision but I cannot see how this would make a huge difference. As I mentioned above the master of this show is 4K resulting in a stunning picture. The clarity, definition and colour in this show is truly amazing with virtually every scene having eye-popping images such as the octopuses in Episode 3 or the incredible waves in Episode 1. It is impossible to describe how incredible some of the visuals are, you need to see it on a great 4K screen to believe how good something like this can look. Another highlight was droplets of water shining in the sun. I know that sounds ridiculous but they are really eye catching. Black levels are incredible.

    The colour is incredible, the wide variety of blues and greens in the ocean are breathtaking, the clarity of tidal pools, the power and glory of massive storm waves with their greys and dark blue/blacks. The deep ocean episode is also regularly stunning with amazing colours on display. I did notice one or two spots of banding but these may be source related.

    There are subtitles available in English for the Hearing Impaired which are clear and easy to read.

Video Ratings Summary

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

Audio

    The audio quality is excellent, really a great counterpoint to the amazing visuals.

    Some may complain that this disc only contains an English soundtrack in DTS HD-MA 5.1 but it sounds phenomenal. It grabs your attention from the opening credits of the first episode as a wave crashes underneath the swelling music and then holds you entranced in combination with the visuals, especially if you enjoy a great home speaker system. The underwater sounds are so amazing and they draw you into the underwater world.

    Dialogue was very clear throughout and surround speakers were used constantly for ambiance, underwater sounds and sounds of the ocean, along with the marvellous music. The subwoofer also had a lot to do supporting the crashing waves, sounds of the deep and whale song etc.

Audio Ratings Summary

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

Menu

    The menu includes footage and music.

    In the UK version the Ultra HD set includes and extra 10 minute making of featurette for every episode, which we are missing here (It is however worth noting that in the UHD sets overseas these extras are only in SDR HD on a Blu-ray disc).

    The video quality is stunning even compared to other UHD discs.

    The audio quality is excellent.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall