- Joined
- Jul 3, 1997
- Messages
- 66,561
- Real Name
- Ronald Epstein
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 fixates
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