The Movie
Not content to give us 40 minutes of the great bird-lizards prancing around in three dimensions, Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia seeks to educate us in the history of the lost beasts and the circumstances of their demise once again, as only an IMAX movie can. This tack concentrates a specific area of Argentina, home of the oldest known dinos, with then-and-now glimpses of how the world has changed in the last 65 million years or so.
The movie is a combination of stylized visual storytelling, augmented by elaborate computer-generated images, non-actors pretending to be themselves on-camera, and some of the most awe-inspiring nature photography any of us have ever seen. (Like I said, it's IMAX, so hang on for a lot of helicopter shots.)
But the dinos are the real stars, brought back to life thanks to well-researched, cunningly executed animation. It's hard not to get a thrill witnessing these magnificent creatures in action, especially in 3D. (Viewers are warned up front about potential frights.) This single disc edition offers the feature in both 2D and 3D versions.
The Picture
The high standards of the IMAX theatrical exhibition serve this Blu-ray well. The 16:9 image is crazy-sharp and nutty-colorful, like a high-def window into faraway, gorgeous locales. The digital animation, for the dinosaurs and more, is exceptionally detailed, although I did not some ringing in soft glows. The 3D is effectively created, flaunting its different layers of focus even in mundane moments as when a paleontologist approaches from behind some bushes, in front of others. Expect to see a lot of snouts shoved right up into the camera, and our faces. The manipulation of scale is tremendous, too. This movie must have been something to see up on the big-big screen.
The Sound
The warning specifies "very large, very loud" critters and they ain't kidding. From the Giganotosaurus and Argentinosaurus on down, they are mightily represented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, not only in surround but backed by adequate bass to bring the awe, particularly in their footsteps. The rears are plenty active elsewhere, be it prehistoric fish swimming around us, a meteorite tumbling by, predators scurrying off behind us, pterodactyl fly-bys or even a 360-degree bug-a-saurus showing off for the speakers.
The Extras
"Lizard Kings" is a fun but science-filled companion program created specifically to tie into the 3D movie, 43 relatively light minutes in two-dimensional HD. The disc also supports BD-Live internet connectivity from appropriate players.
Final Thoughts
If you have the A/V gear to properly display Dinosaurs: Giants of the Patagonia, and you or someone you love is a paleontologist (or wannabe), go for it. And may I recommend serving a meat dish?
Product Details
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