Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia [3D Blu-ray]

What can I say?  I love 3D!  From the moment I began watching 3D content in my home I quickly discovered that I needed more content.  I suspect that those of you just purchasing your first 3D hardware will acquire the same ferocious appetite.  That's why I became the HTF 3D ADDICT.  I personally love images that pop off the screen and come inches away from your face without becoming overly gimmicky.  However, I certainly appreciate the nature documentaries that offer beautiful depth and separation.  These are not necessarily reviews of the film themselves.  I am not going to concentrate on story or supplements -- you can find the 2D reviews elsewhere on this forum.  My job is to let you know exactly what kind of 3D experience to expect from the titles that are being released.   As I will be receiving a handful of new product from the studios expect to see more title coverage.

Dinosaurs:

Giants of Patgonia

Studio: Image

Product Release: March 1, 2011

Ratio: 1.78:1

Audio: English, French DTD-HD Master Audio 5.1

Running Time: 40 Minutes

Rating: NR

ON A SCALE 0-5

Overall 3D Presentation Rating: 5

3D Separation: 5

3D In Yo' Face Factor: 3

IMAX redeems itself with Dinosaurs and 3D

I am completely satisfied with some of the latest offerings

from IMAX that Image Entertainment is bringing to the 

home 3D market.

After all, some of Image's initial offerings were pretty lackluster,

to say the least.  Dinosaurs Alive!, among their first IMAX

offerings, was so boring and badly produced for 3D that I 

recommended enthusiasts keep their distance from it.  

Fortunately, IMAX and IMAGE are back with a vengeance

offering up some new, well produced 3D fare.  

Narrated by Donald Sutherland, Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia

is a fascinating film that focuses on the history, evolution 

and extinction of the dinosaurs.  The documentary mostly focuses

on the region of Patgonia located in southernmost portion of

South America.  Whereas 700 species of dinosaurs have been

found, 10% of them have been discovered in this Argentina 

region over the past 30 years.

We are introduced to Paleontologist Rodolfo Coria, who brings

us into the world of the largest known dinosaurs and some of

the great paleontological discoveries of modern time. Two of

the largest creatures to roam that landscape were the Argentinosaur

and Gigantosaur, remarkably recreated with CG technology to

lifesize proportions.

This IMAX feature is expertly produced, combining gorgeous

footage of the Patagonia landscape along with highly-convincing

computer generated renditions of monstrous dinosaurs that look

mostly realistic.  I say this because some footage looks more

believable than others.  At its best, the CG approaches the

complexities of what can be seen in Walking With Dinosaurs.  

It's convincing enough that big kids should have the biggest thrills,

though despite the initial warning given at the start of the film, I

never felt that the subject matter would be too intense for the

small ones.

The 3D presentation is top-shelf.  With a sharp sense of separation,

you find yourself in yet another IMAX picture window journey through

gorgeous landscapes that look amazing in its dimensionality.  With a

crisp, well detailed 1080p transfer, you can't help but sit back and be

drawn into the panorama that immerses you.  There are lots of

sequences involving various species of dinosaurs both on the ground 

and flying above.  You'll appreciate the 3D rendering that has these

creatures poking their noses out of the screen and hurdling small

rocks in your direction as a herd passes through .

Adding to the authenticity of the computer graphics is an

extremely active and effective soundtrack that takes 

advantage of every single channel with its clever directionality.

Throughout the film, effects emanate across the entire

soundstage with precise clarity.  From the booming grunts 

and growls of fierce meat-eating dinosaurs to the subtle 

flapping of wings belonging to a pterodactyl, sounds are

extremely well defined and skillfully placed.  To top it

off there's a booming LFE track that had my subwoofer

vibrating the floor with every stomp of the 8-ton prehistoric

creatures.

CONCLUSION

There are plenty of reasons to recommend this title

as a worthy purchase.  It makes for the perfect family

3D presentation with repeated viewings coming from

kids and preteens who won't get enough of the dinosaurs.

Image has also sensibly priced this disc at well under

$20 which is the perfect price for a feature running 40

minutes in length.

IMAX continues to be the leader in taking you

places and introducing you to strange life with

its mind-blowing detail and stunning photography.  

I am proud to write that Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia

stands as one of the best 3D titles in the Image library.

Equipment

LG 60PX950 THX Certified 3D display

Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray Player

Denon 3808CI Receiver

Atlantic Technology H-PAS AT-1 fronts, 4400 center; 4200 rear speakers

SV Sound Subwoofer