Plot: What’s it about?
As time passes, we’re able to get a clearer picture of what life could have been like hundreds of millions of years in the past. In recent years, new discoveries have unlocked clues about new life that was unknown to that point. In Planet Dinosaur, we’re taken deep into the distant past and taken all over the globe, so see some of these newly uncovered species up close and personal. Based on extensive, real life studies, this tour of the past’s monsters is both educational and a blast to watch. In addition to in depth facts about the dinosaurs, you’ll watch them in action and given their violent natures, that ensures ample conflict. The past is brought to life via computer animation, as with some of the BBC’s other CGI dinosaurs productions, so the visuals really shine. If you’re after a trip into the land of the dinosaurs, Planet Dinosaur offers a prime ticket.
Video: How does it look?
Planet Dinosaur is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The episodes looks terrific, though I am sure it would be much more remarkable in HD. The visuals here still look good though, with a well detailed image and no real issues to contend with. The depth is good and fine detail is great, down the scales on the giant dinosaurs. The colors are often lush, but also skew toward earth tones, while contrast is stark and consistent. In the end, a more than capable visual treatment.
Audio: How does it sound?
The soundtrack here is passable, but doesn’t offer the kind of expansive presence you’d expect from dinosaur battles. Even so, the audio is clean and sounds fine, with no errors I could detect. The elements come across well enough, but there isn’t that kick you’d want to hear from the roars and howls of the beasts. The narration and music sound good, but otherwise, this track could have used a surround boost, to be sure. This disc also includes English subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes a behind the scenes featurette, How to Build a Dinosaur.
