Review | The White Lions (Blu-ray)

Jump to a section

Plot: What’s it about?Video: How does it look?Audio: How does it sound?Supplements: What are the extras?

Plot: What’s it about?

The inherent dangers of the savanna are immense, even for a capable animal like a lion. But when one of the lion’s most useful survival tools is taken, the dangers grow to all new levels. A lion’s golden brown color helps it to blend in with the savanna, giving them advantages in both hunting and self defense. But some tigers are born with white fur, which means their path to survival is that much steeper. The White Lions takes place in South Africa’s Kruger Park, home to a unique pride of lions with not just one, but two white cubs. The program follows the development of the pride and while the lions are within a sanctuary, there are still dangers all around. The cubs learn how to disguise their natural color, how to hunt, and how to survive the various threats. With rival lions, hyenas, and other predators all around them, the pride will have to be on guard in order to thrive, but can the young cubs keep up and survive?

While white lions are perhaps most famous as Las Vegas attractions, The White Lions shows us the natural world of their lives. The pros and cons of such a unique trait and how it impacts life on the savanna. While the program focuses on two cute white lion cubs, this is not one for the children in most cases. The White Lions observes the real life experience of this pride of lions, which includes death at frequent intervals. Whether hunting for food or fighting to protect their young, the pride engages in vicious combat often, with bloodshed and death common. At the time, this is by no means exploitative, but it just shows the natural dangers and uphill climb for survival in this environment. I found The White Lions to be a powerful, informative program that gives much insight about the lives of white lions. If you have an interest in wildlife programs or just find white lions fascinating, The White Lions is more than worth a look.

Video: How does it look?

The White Lions is presented in 1.78:1 widescreen. This program looks excellent, with lush visuals that really bring the savanna to life. The detail is great and depth is impressive, which is crucial in this nature programs. The colors are on the bland side due to the earthen tones of the savanna, but contrast is even and consistent. So in the end, this is a terrific looking program that offers some beautiful visuals to soak in.

Audio: How does it sound?

This Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is fine, but the material is basic in terms of audio needs. The natural sounds of the environment are well presented, while the narration is crisp and clean. The surrounds don’t get to do much, but such is the case with the kind of material. The basics are covered and that is enough for this release. This disc also includes described video soundtrack and English subtitles.