Africa: The Serengeti (IMAX) [Blu-ray] (1994)
![Africa: The Serengeti (IMAX) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SQF7m9LiL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
This spectacular IMAX documentary has been meticulously transferred to provide one of the most stunning DVDs available, with image quality so vivid that it seems almost three-dimensional. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the images themselves are amazing, consisting of some of the finest nature cinematography you’re ever likely to see, following a year of seasonal change in the “circle of life” of East Africa’s Serengeti plain. Photographed entirely on location in Kenya and Tanzania, the 40-minute film chronicles a natural phenomenon that few humans are privileged to witness in their lifetime: the annual great migration, during which over two million wildebeests, zebras, and antelope travel 500 miles across the plain to ensure their survival. It’s an awesome display of natural wonders, and of course there’s danger as well as beauty, with lions, crocodiles, and cheetahs among the predators of migrating wildlife. The images range from wondrous to horrifying to hilarious, for (more…)
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Tagged with: 1994 • Africa • Bluray • IMAX • Serengeti
Filed under: Blu-ray Movies
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3.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing by 2009 standards
Not bad, but the video quality is disappointing by 2009 standards. Some of the scenes are OK, but most are not up to Blu-Ray quality.
This documentary of the vast Serengeti which spans from Tanzania to Kenya is a visual feast, and follows the incredible migration of the million wildebeest and several thousand zebra that journey from the dust of the southern drought to the vegetation in the northern regions. Along the way they pass by many predators, with some of the herd falling prey to them. We also see many diverse species of the area, among them a baboon community, the majestic beauty of a herd of elephants, and many scenes of maternal love that are endearing, even with the ungainly and massive black rhino.
We see a hungry cheetah dash after a gazelle, the lions at play and as rulers of the plains, visit with the handsome Masai tribe, and view the incredible vistas from a hot air balloon. The most memorable scene in the film is on the wildebeest’s return to the south, where they must get across a river flooded by the rain. The crocodiles lie in wait for this event, and many from the herd also perish from exhaustion. The size and scope of this river crossing makes it an image one will never forget. The cinematography by Andrew Kitzanuk is spectacular, and makes this one of the best documentaries I have seen for sheer viewing spectacle on the subject of African wildlife.
Written, directed and produced by George Cassey, the emphasis is on the poetry of the land, rather than a long list of facts and figures. Narrated by James Earl Jones, his sonorous voice is always easy on the ears, as he says things like “Life streams across a land suspended in time.” Also nice to listen to is the lovely score by Hans Zimmer and George Cadebe, which includes some haunting vocals.
Recommended viewing for any animal and nature enthusiast, the total running time is 39 minutes.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Falls short for Blu-ray nature documentary
I bought this Blu-ray product along with several other nature-type documentaries such as Mysteries of the Nile, Ganges, galapagos, Living Sea, and Planet Earth.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Africa story
I bought this for my father in-law. We went to Africa this past summer. So I knew that he would really enjoy this. I know that he watches it on a regular basis.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Africa: The Serengeti (IMAX) – Blu-ray Info
Version: U.S.A / Region A, B, C
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
MPEG-2 BD-25 / 1080p24
Running time: 0:39:22
Feature size: 13,49 GB
Disc size: 14,24 GB…
1.0 out of 5 stars
Buyer beware…
If you own BBC Planet Earth in Blu-Ray and purchase this, YOU WILL BE VERY SORRY. First the quality is not good when you compare it to Planet Earth.
5.0 out of 5 stars
“There is a place on Earth where it is still the morning of life and great herds run free”
XXXXX
The title of this review is what the narrator says at the beginning and end of this fantastic documentary (first shown in IMAX theatres) that profiles a place…
5.0 out of 5 stars
BEAUTIFUL
The is why you buy blu-ray disk and Plasma TV. The images are off the charts if you are into nature and nature shows this is a must for your collections. AWESOME!!!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow!
This was a great video if you believe in the Circle of Life. I watched it 3 times in one sitting because I wanted to see more.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Africa: The Serengeti (IMAX) [Blu-ray]
The DVD was really good. Great color ect. I have a rather large TV and it showed well, but I was constantly thinking how much better it would be at the IMAX theater.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Rated NOT
This is not a comment on video quality nor producer’s skill. Just a warning. Often folks buy animal stories – and now videos – for young kids.