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PLEASE NOTE: Michael D's is currently in READ ONLY MODE. Anything submitted will simply not be written to the database.
Lots of stuff is still broken, but at least reviews can now be looked up and read.
Genghis Khan-Rider of the Apocalypse (2005)

Genghis Khan-Rider of the Apocalypse (2005)

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Released 1-Dec-2005

Cover Art

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Details At A Glance

General Extras
Category Docudrama None
Rating Rated E
Year Of Production 2005
Running Time 52:41 (Case: 50)
RSDL / Flipper No/No Cast & Crew
Start Up Menu
Region Coding 4 Directed By Edward Bazalgette
Studio
Distributor
SBS
Roadshow Home Entertainment
Starring Orgil Makhaan
Unubold Batbayar
Unurjargal Jigjidsuren
Erdenetsetseg Bazarragchaa
Ankhnyam Rachaa
Bayarkhuu Purvee
Kenneth Cranham
Alisdair Simpson
Case Amaray-Transparent-Secure Clip
RPI $19.95 Music Ty Unwin


Video Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame None English Dolby Digital 2.0 (224Kb/s)
Widescreen Aspect Ratio 1.78:1
16x9 Enhancement
16x9 Enhanced
Video Format 576i (PAL)
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

NOTE: The Profanity Filter is ON. Turn it off here.

Plot Synopsis

    Genghis Khan is one of the most famous names of history but also an historical character of which very little verifiable fact is actually known. This short docudrama sets out to redress that by recreating the important events and stages of his life using actors to play the various parts speaking native languages (with voiceover and subtitles). It is certainly a well put together show, however, it also seems to be over before it has begun as it is only one episode of less than an hour. You really feel like his story should have been told over a longer run time or a few episodes with more detail included. Regardless, it is still very interesting.

    Most of the events and details included here are from a book written by Genghis Khan's adopted son called The Secret History of the Mongols, which is one of the few histories available on the subject (but obviously it is probably biased towards Genghis Khan due to its author).

    The show covers his life from being born in the mid 12th century, through his childhood, the death of his father, his young marriage, being taken into slavery and then escaping and becoming a great warrior leader and finally Khan or king. The show also features some magnificent scenery, presumably in Mongolia. It was made for a German company and has been shown locally on SBS.

    A fascinating show but a little short and considering that it is the only thing on the disc, also not great value for money. If you are interested in the subject this disc is worth seeking out.

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Transfer Quality

Video

    The video quality is very good with no major issues to report.

    The feature is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio 16x9 enhanced which is probably the original aspect ratio.

    The picture was clear and sharp throughout, with no evidence of low level noise. Shadow detail was very good. There was some light grain throughout.

    The colour was wonderful, rich and solid throughout.

    The only noticeable artefact was a few small specks here and there such as at 47:55.

    There are subtitles in English for the hearing impaired. The English subtitles were clear and easy to read, in SBS yellow.
    

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

Audio

    The audio quality is very good.

    This DVD contains an English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo soundtrack encoded at 224 Kb/s.

    The voiceover was clear and easy to understand and there was no problem with audio sync.

    The score of this show by Erwin Keinnast features mostly Asian instrumentation and suits the material well.

    The surround speakers were not used.

    The subwoofer added bass to the music due to my amp's bass management.

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

Extras

    None.

R4 vs R1

NOTE: To view non-R4 releases, your equipment needs to be multi-zone compatible and usually also NTSC compatible.

    I cannot find any evidence of this show being available in other regions.

Summary

    An interesting and well made but short docudrama on the life of Genghis Khan.

    The video quality is very good.

    The audio quality is very good.

    No extras.

Ratings (out of 5)

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall

© Daniel Bruce (Do you need a bio break?)
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Review Equipment
DVDPioneer DV667A DVD-V DVD-A SACD, using Component output
DisplaySony FD Trinitron Wega KV-AR34M36 80cm. Calibrated with Digital Video Essentials (PAL). This display device is 16x9 capable. This display device has a maximum native resolution of 576i (PAL)/480i (NTSC).
Audio DecoderBuilt in to amplifier/receiver. Calibrated with Video Essentials.
AmplificationPioneer VSX-511
SpeakersBose 201 Direct Reflecting (Front), Phillips SB680V (Surround), Phillips MX731 (Center), Yamaha YST SW90 (Sub)

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