Engineering Connections-Series 2 (2009)

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General		Extras
Category	Documentary	Main Menu Audio
Rating
Year Of Production	2009
Running Time	300:21
RSDL / Flipper	Dual Layered Dual Disc Set	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Menu
Region Coding	1,2,3,4,5,6	Directed By	Mike Slee Nick Metcalfe Richard Hammond Tom Brisley
Studio Distributor	National Geographic Madman Entertainment	Starring	Richard Hammond
Case	Amaray-Transparent-Dual
RPI	$29.95	Music	Alasdair Reid

Video		Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame	None	English Dolby Digital 2.0 (224Kb/s)
Widescreen Aspect Ratio	1.78:1
16x9 Enhancement
Video Format	576i (PAL)
Original Aspect Ratio	1.78:1	Miscellaneous
Jacket Pictures	Yes
Subtitles	None	Smoking	No
		Annoying Product Placement	No
		Action In or After Credits	No

     Richard Hammond of Top Gear returns for a second season of this documentary series which was made for National Geographic Channel. It was recently shown locally on SBS. The basic concept is to investigate modern engineering achievements and look for links to older inventions and/or natural phenomenon. This makes for an interesting viewing experience for those who like to understand how things work. Some of the links are demonstrated with live action experiments which are reminiscent of challenges on Top Gear. Examples of these include building a polystyrene arch, dropping bricks on glass panes and going mountaineering. He makes for an enthusiastic and warm host and seems more comfortable and professional in this second season. The shows are better written and more consistent than the first season.

    This series is made up of six episodes each of about 50 minutes spread over two discs. The episodes are

1. Wembley Stadium - Fascinating episode which shows some of the amazing engineering in the design of the new Wembley.

2. Sydney Opera House - Looks at the many challenges involved in constructing such an iconic building.

3. HMS Illustrious - Richard investigates the incredible technology which makes up a modern aircraft carrier.

4. Guggenheim Bilbao - Look s at this impressive modernistic Spanish museum and its in built technology.

5. Millau Bridge - Richard visits the world's tallest road bridge

6. Hong Kong International Airport - This excellent airport is built on reclaimed land and features some wonderful engineering connections.

    An interesting and enjoyable series which really finds its feet in this second series.

Video

    The feature is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, 16x9 enhanced which I would guess is the original aspect ratio.

    The picture was quite sharp and clear without being really crisp. Shadow detail is good. There is also some light grain in some backgrounds plus some minor blocking especially in archive footage.

    The colour was very good with no issues.

    There were no other noticeable artefacts.

    There are no subtitles.

    There is no obvious layer change in the episodes.

Video Ratings Summary

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

Audio

    The audio quality is good.

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

    Dialogue was clear and easy to understand.

    The music used added tension and excitement to some of the stunts.

    The surround speakers were used for some atmosphere when played using PLII.

    The subwoofer added a little bass to the music.

Audio Ratings Summary

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

Menu

    The menu features music but was still. Episodes could be selected individually.

    This seems to be the first global release of this series on DVD. It is coded for all regions.

    The video quality is very good.

    The audio quality is good.

    No extras.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall