Ralph Potts
08-26-08, 05:21 AM
<img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=117813&d=1219742228"hspace="12"align="left">
<b>The Review at a Glance: </b> (max score: 5 )
<b>Film:</b> <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109943&d=1210373647">
<b>Options:</b> <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109943&d=1210373647">
<b> Audio/Video total rating:</b>
<p> ( Max score: 100 )
<font color=teal><b><h2>83</h2></b></font>
<br><br><br>
<b>Studio and Year:</b> Blue Marvel - 2008
<b>MPAA Rating:</b> NR
<b>Feature running time:</b> 104 Minutes
<b>Genre:</b> Experiential HDTV
<b>Disc Format:</b> BD-25
<b>Encoding:</b> VC-1
<b>Video Aspect:</b> 1.78:1
<b>Resolution:</b> 1080p/24
<br>
<b>Audio Format(s):</b> Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, Stereo 2.0
<b>Directed by:</b> David Conover
<b>Executive Producer: Jeff Garrard</b>
<b>MSRP:</b> $24.99
<b>Region Code:</b> Region free
<b>Blu-ray Disc release Date:</b> August 12, 2008
<br><BR><BR><BR><BR>
<center><font color=Green><b><h2>"Nature’s events at Nature’s place"</h2></b></font></center>
<h4>Film Synopsis:</h4></b></font>Taking time to appreciate the natural world can literally transform one’s point of view. BluMarvel is pioneering a new form of experiential viewing that transports viewers to spectacular vantage points in nature via HD video without narration, fast edits, or fancy tricks. The experience is now available on “Coastal Dawns”, the first in a series of Blu-ray releases from BlueMarvel.</p>
<h4>My Take:</h4></b></font><p><i>Coastal Dawns</i> features two 50 minute programs, each showing nature’s transformation as dawn unfolds overlooking the coastal town of Camden, Maine, and the coast of Maui, Hawaii. These are both offered in full 1080p, and are produced and directed by David Conover who pioneered nature programming on Discovery HD’s “Sunrise Earth”. The disc provides two text overlay viewing options during playback. One provides viewing field guide notes and the other offers viewing of inspirational quotes. You can choose to view no text as well. Here are summaries of the two programs:</p><p><b>Hawaii day break:</b></p><p>Whitecapped waves crash on black sand beaches as lush green vegetation sways in the ocean breeze. Witness dawn unfold on the shores of Wainapanapa park preserve in Maui Hawaii. Fresh water pours from hidden caves as black noddy seabords greet the day from their Cliffside dwellings.</p><p><b>Maine Coast Sunrise</b></p><p>Take in the spectacular views from the Mt. Battie, overlooking the coastal village of Camden, Maine and Penobscot Bay. As dawn lights the sky, fall colors paint the surrounding hillsides and migrating waterfowl take flight.</p><p>This is the first of a series and reminds me very much of Sunrise Earth from Discovery HD Theater. The vista views look beautiful in high definition. Resolution is quite good with excellent detail, sharpness and depth. Colors are vibrant with vivid textures and natural rendering. Shadowy detail in the variable geography of the locations was quite good. This would be a good disc to relax to or use as a conversation piece running during gatherings where you wanted to show off the HD capability of your display. This looked great on my large front projection 1080p setup. The 448 kbps lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 sound created an enveloping and realistic atmosphere filled with the recorded sounds of the onscreen locales. This is not really my cup of tea but for those who enjoy Nature and shows like Sunrise Earth this is definitely worth consideration.</p><p>This disc can be purchased directly from Blue Marvel (www.bluemarvel.com) or from an authorized retailer such as Amazon.
<br><b>AUDIO/VIDEO - By The Numbers:
</b><font color=DarkOrange><b>REFERENCE</b></font> = 92-100 / </b><font color=teal><b>EXCELLENT</b></font> = 83-91 / </b><font color=green><b>GOOD</b></font> = 74-82 / </b><font color=yellowgreen><b>AVERAGE</b></font> = 65-73 / </b><font color=red><b>BELOW AVERAGE</b></font> = under 65 </b>
<em>**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**</em>
<b>(Each rating is worth 5 points with a max of 4 per category)</b>
<font color=yellowgreen><b><h4>Audio: 73</h4></b></font>
<b><ul>
<li>Dynamics: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109942&d=1210373692"></li>
<li>Low frequency extension: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109943&d=1210373692"></li>
<li>Surround Sound presentation: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373699"></li>
<li>Clarity/Detail: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373699"></li></b></ul>
<font color=teal><b><h4>Video: 83</h4></b></font>
<b>(Each rating is worth 5 points with a max of 4 per category)</b>
<b><ul>
<li>Resolution/Clarity: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109946&d=1210373692"></li>
<li>Black level/Shadow detail: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109946&d=1210373692"></li>
<li>Color reproduction: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373692"></li>
<li>Compression: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109946&d=1210373692"</b></li></ul>
<h4><b>Bonus Features:</b></h4></font><p>None.</p>
<h4>Final Thoughts:</h4></b></font>
<p>I think that as high definition on optical disc format grows in popularity discs like this will be a great way to introduce viewers who are not necessarily into home theater to the format. Of course it can be appreciated by anyone who enjoys good high definition. Blue Marvel has done a very good job with this production. Shooting it on film and adding 5.1 channel audio play back were nice touches that enhanced the experience. If you think that this new genre of Experiential HDTV is for you then by all means pick this up. </p>
<img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109949&d=1210373731" align=left>
<br><br><br><br>
<br><b>Ralph Potts</b>
<em>AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews</em>
<br><br><b>Reference Review System:</b>
<strong>
JVC DLA-RS1x 1080p High Definition Front Projector
Carada Precision Brilliant White 96" Screen
Oppo 970HD universal disc DVD Player (480i HDMI)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Panasonic DMP-BD30 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Marantz DV7001 Universal Disc Player
Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor
Outlaw Audio Model 7700 seven channel amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 seven Channel amplifier
Canton "Ergo" Series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SV Sound PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Furman SPR-20i Stable Power Regulator
Wireworld, VizionWare, Audioquest, Best Deal Cables - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
</strong>
<b>The Review at a Glance: </b> (max score: 5 )
<b>Film:</b> <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109943&d=1210373647">
<b>Options:</b> <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109943&d=1210373647">
<b> Audio/Video total rating:</b>
<p> ( Max score: 100 )
<font color=teal><b><h2>83</h2></b></font>
<br><br><br>
<b>Studio and Year:</b> Blue Marvel - 2008
<b>MPAA Rating:</b> NR
<b>Feature running time:</b> 104 Minutes
<b>Genre:</b> Experiential HDTV
<b>Disc Format:</b> BD-25
<b>Encoding:</b> VC-1
<b>Video Aspect:</b> 1.78:1
<b>Resolution:</b> 1080p/24
<br>
<b>Audio Format(s):</b> Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, Stereo 2.0
<b>Directed by:</b> David Conover
<b>Executive Producer: Jeff Garrard</b>
<b>MSRP:</b> $24.99
<b>Region Code:</b> Region free
<b>Blu-ray Disc release Date:</b> August 12, 2008
<br><BR><BR><BR><BR>
<center><font color=Green><b><h2>"Nature’s events at Nature’s place"</h2></b></font></center>
<h4>Film Synopsis:</h4></b></font>Taking time to appreciate the natural world can literally transform one’s point of view. BluMarvel is pioneering a new form of experiential viewing that transports viewers to spectacular vantage points in nature via HD video without narration, fast edits, or fancy tricks. The experience is now available on “Coastal Dawns”, the first in a series of Blu-ray releases from BlueMarvel.</p>
<h4>My Take:</h4></b></font><p><i>Coastal Dawns</i> features two 50 minute programs, each showing nature’s transformation as dawn unfolds overlooking the coastal town of Camden, Maine, and the coast of Maui, Hawaii. These are both offered in full 1080p, and are produced and directed by David Conover who pioneered nature programming on Discovery HD’s “Sunrise Earth”. The disc provides two text overlay viewing options during playback. One provides viewing field guide notes and the other offers viewing of inspirational quotes. You can choose to view no text as well. Here are summaries of the two programs:</p><p><b>Hawaii day break:</b></p><p>Whitecapped waves crash on black sand beaches as lush green vegetation sways in the ocean breeze. Witness dawn unfold on the shores of Wainapanapa park preserve in Maui Hawaii. Fresh water pours from hidden caves as black noddy seabords greet the day from their Cliffside dwellings.</p><p><b>Maine Coast Sunrise</b></p><p>Take in the spectacular views from the Mt. Battie, overlooking the coastal village of Camden, Maine and Penobscot Bay. As dawn lights the sky, fall colors paint the surrounding hillsides and migrating waterfowl take flight.</p><p>This is the first of a series and reminds me very much of Sunrise Earth from Discovery HD Theater. The vista views look beautiful in high definition. Resolution is quite good with excellent detail, sharpness and depth. Colors are vibrant with vivid textures and natural rendering. Shadowy detail in the variable geography of the locations was quite good. This would be a good disc to relax to or use as a conversation piece running during gatherings where you wanted to show off the HD capability of your display. This looked great on my large front projection 1080p setup. The 448 kbps lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 sound created an enveloping and realistic atmosphere filled with the recorded sounds of the onscreen locales. This is not really my cup of tea but for those who enjoy Nature and shows like Sunrise Earth this is definitely worth consideration.</p><p>This disc can be purchased directly from Blue Marvel (www.bluemarvel.com) or from an authorized retailer such as Amazon.
<br><b>AUDIO/VIDEO - By The Numbers:
</b><font color=DarkOrange><b>REFERENCE</b></font> = 92-100 / </b><font color=teal><b>EXCELLENT</b></font> = 83-91 / </b><font color=green><b>GOOD</b></font> = 74-82 / </b><font color=yellowgreen><b>AVERAGE</b></font> = 65-73 / </b><font color=red><b>BELOW AVERAGE</b></font> = under 65 </b>
<em>**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**</em>
<b>(Each rating is worth 5 points with a max of 4 per category)</b>
<font color=yellowgreen><b><h4>Audio: 73</h4></b></font>
<b><ul>
<li>Dynamics: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109942&d=1210373692"></li>
<li>Low frequency extension: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109943&d=1210373692"></li>
<li>Surround Sound presentation: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373699"></li>
<li>Clarity/Detail: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373699"></li></b></ul>
<font color=teal><b><h4>Video: 83</h4></b></font>
<b>(Each rating is worth 5 points with a max of 4 per category)</b>
<b><ul>
<li>Resolution/Clarity: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109946&d=1210373692"></li>
<li>Black level/Shadow detail: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109946&d=1210373692"></li>
<li>Color reproduction: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109947&d=1210373692"></li>
<li>Compression: <img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109946&d=1210373692"</b></li></ul>
<h4><b>Bonus Features:</b></h4></font><p>None.</p>
<h4>Final Thoughts:</h4></b></font>
<p>I think that as high definition on optical disc format grows in popularity discs like this will be a great way to introduce viewers who are not necessarily into home theater to the format. Of course it can be appreciated by anyone who enjoys good high definition. Blue Marvel has done a very good job with this production. Shooting it on film and adding 5.1 channel audio play back were nice touches that enhanced the experience. If you think that this new genre of Experiential HDTV is for you then by all means pick this up. </p>
<img src="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109949&d=1210373731" align=left>
<br><br><br><br>
<br><b>Ralph Potts</b>
<em>AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews</em>
<br><br><b>Reference Review System:</b>
<strong>
JVC DLA-RS1x 1080p High Definition Front Projector
Carada Precision Brilliant White 96" Screen
Oppo 970HD universal disc DVD Player (480i HDMI)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Panasonic DMP-BD30 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Marantz DV7001 Universal Disc Player
Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor
Outlaw Audio Model 7700 seven channel amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 seven Channel amplifier
Canton "Ergo" Series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SV Sound PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Furman SPR-20i Stable Power Regulator
Wireworld, VizionWare, Audioquest, Best Deal Cables - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
</strong>