National Parks Adventure 4K Ultra HD

"National Parks Adventure" is, according to critics, acclaimed filmmaker Greg MacGillivray's most visually ambitious giant-screen film to date––a film that offers not only a sweeping overview of the national parks' history, but is equal parts adrenaline-pumping odyssee and soulful reflections on what the wilderness means to us all. (Gary Reber

Special features include eight featurettes (HD 20:27), a GoUSA TV trailer, a National Parks Adventure Trailer, 4K trailers, and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 1.78:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD HDR10 picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, was photographed digitally using the IMAX 15/70 3D camera system and sourced from a 2K (not 4K) master Digital Intermediate format. As the 2K Digital Intermediate has been upconverted to 2160p, there is no real gain in native resolution. Originally filmed on Kodak film stock for and seen in IMAX® and Giant Screen theatres, the original aspect ratio was 1.44:1. Image quality is superb with a vibrant, fully saturated color palette. The colors dazzle! The time-lapse segments are fantastic. There are some inconsistencies in fleshtone rendering. The HDR contrast is spectacular, with an incredible range of deep blacks to brilliant white levels. Resolution is excellent with fine detail exhibited throughout. This is a visually engaging documentary that delivers a vibrant and colorful picture experience. Every frame loos terrific! (Gary Reber)

The 3D Blu-ray Disc delivers a terrific three-dimension picture, with the image quality attributes of the 4K Ultra HD edition essentially in tack. The color palette is vibrant and nicely saturated. Spatial dimensionality is spectacular, far enhancing the spectacular scale of the natural landscapes. Depth is impressive. This is a great visual experience that maintains all the naturalness and dimensionality of the real-world wonders. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack features a lively and diverse music score that effectively provides a sonic foundation from one transition to another. Atmospherics are nicely supportive and realistic during the live sequences. Over all of this is a narration by Robert Redford, who is presented forward front and center. Surround activity is heard in the music and sound effects, which often are enhanced with deep bass.

The Immersive Sound element consists of sound effects objects that are infrequently heard, mostly consisting of wind sounds, a brief helicopter, firecrackers, whooshes, crowd chatter, underwater sounds and a rocket blast. No music. The height aspects of this soundtrack are not really noticeably effective, leaving a lot of missed opportunity.

While the soundtrack is credited as Dolby Atmos, as with others, it is disappointing as the height layer really is not effectively used and infrequent. Still, the ear-level sonics are satisfying and effective. (Gary Reber