Dynasties (4K Blu-ray) (2019)

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General		Extras
Category	Documentary	None
Rating
Year Of Production	2019
Running Time	250
RSDL / Flipper	Dual Layered Dual Disc Set	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Ads Then Menu
Region Coding	4	Directed By	None Given
Studio Distributor	Roadshow Home Entertainment	Starring	David Attenborough
Case	Slip Case
RPI	$39.95	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 traveling these days but his dulcet tones and recognisable physical presence continue to grace our screens. This latest show, Dynasties is another BBC Earth production which has been 3 years in the making. This series focuses on family groups or dynasties in the animal kingdom. Filming teams followed specific family groups of five different species for 2 years or more, tracking their challenges, successes and the drama of their day to day lives. It could be argued that the drama is sometimes overdone in the voiceover and music but there is no doubt that these animals have it tough, dealing with predators, weather and human challenges. There are five episodes each of just over 50 minutes spread across two UHD discs. They are

• Chimpanzee - Follows a group of Chimpanzees led by older male David as they deal with fire, drought, famine and an internal challenger for David who attempts to take over the group.
• Emperor - Emperor penguins in Antarctica fighting the long winters, challenges of breeding in such a remote and bitter place, egg stealing and more.
• Lion - The last of the marsh pride who have featured in documentaries before, 2 lionesses left, no males. They face the challenge of trying to feed their offspring and getting them to adulthood.
  
• Painted Wolf - Formerly known as Cape Hunting Dogs, these animals in Zimbabwe are trying to co-exist with lions, hyenas and crocodiles whilst also engaging in an ongoing battle between two packs led by a mother and her daughter.
  
• Tiger - Follows a tigress and her cubs as they face various challenges during the first 2 years of the cubs lives.

Video

    The feature 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 (HDR10) and wide colour spectrum. It is does not include Dolby Vision but I cannot see how this would make a huge difference. As I mentioned above that the master of this show is 4K resulting in a stunning picture. The clarity, definition, texture and colour in this show are truly amazing. Some highlights include the facial detail on the chimps, a rain shower at 40:00 in episode 1, colour variation in the Antarctica ice and the beauty of the Tigers in the jungle. Landscape shots are invariably breathtaking with incredible colours of sunsets, waterways, jungles etc on display.

    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. Disappointingly the US version also includes an Atmos track which is not present here.

    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 with rolling thunder, many animals noises through the sound field, rain and the wonderful music all making for an immersive aural experience.

    Dialogue was very clear throughout and surround speakers were used constantly for ambiance, birds, animals sounds etc along with the marvelous music. The subwoofer also had a lot to do supporting the rolling thunder, storms and animal growling etc.

Audio Ratings Summary

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

Menu

    The menu includes footage and music.

    In the US version the Ultra HD set includes Blu-rays in HD of the show plus a 50 minute documentary, On Location and the addition of an Atmos soundtrack as I mentioned above. Clear win for the US release.

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

    The audio quality is excellent.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall