Plot: What’s it about?
The world of dinosaurs is an exciting one, filled with awe inspiring creatures that never fail to capture the imagination. But how do we know so much about these dinosaurs and their lives? That knowledge comes from the hard work of paleontologists like Mike Novacek and Mark Norrell. In this movie, we follow these two and their team of grad students as they show us how they bring the extinct to life, if only in the form of information. The entire process is covered here, from the research to the discovery to how to handle the finds. As we watch the science unfold, we are also treated to CGI segments that bring the dinosaurs to life in living color, quite a sight. So we learn and we’re entertained, a win/win situation all around.
I was a maniac for dinosaurs as a kid, but even as an adult, my interest remains steadfast. So of course, I couldn’t wait to check out Dinosaurs Alive. The piece runs only forty minutes in duration, but a lot of insight is packed in those minutes. The CGI dinosaurs are what were most promoted, but the core of Dinosaurs Alive is the paleontologists involved. In addition to interviews with some of the field’s best and brightest, we also have on site and in lab footage, to see the nuts & bolts of the profession. The fun quotient might not be sky high, but the educational value is substantial. Of course, we also have some CGI dinosaurs on showcase and while not cutting edge, the visuals are passable. Dinosaurs Alive will entertain young adults more than children, but for anyone with an interest in the subject, it is worth a look.
Video: How does it look?
Dinosaurs Alive is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. No 3-D version has been included (the film was screened in both formats), but we do have a great looking presentation. The image is clean as a whistle, with rock solid detail that reminds us we’re in the high definition realm. The visuals are most remarkable during the dinosaur segments of course, but the entire movie looks terrific here.
Audio: How does it sound?
This might be a documentary, but the included DTS HD 5.1 option sounds great. The bulk of the movie is dialogue driven, but some presence creeps in from time to time. And since the vocals all come through crisp and clear, there is no reason to lodge any complaints. In the CGI sequences, the surrounds open up a little and all the dinosaur sounds roar across the speakers. So in the end, a much better than expected soundtrack. This disc also includes Spanish and French language tracks.
Supplements: What are the extras?
A solid half hour featurette starts off the extras, joined by video profiles of featured dinosaurs, a quiz, and a trailer for Dinosaurs Alive.
