Dinosaurs: Giants Of Patagonia 3D (IMAX)

Dinosaurs: Giants Of Patagonia 3D is the IMAX 3-D production that focuses on the history, evolution, and extinction of the dinosaurs. In larger-than-life fashion, explore a subject matter whose mystique and appeal are unquestioned. Dinosaurs are amongst the most fascinating animals to have ever walked the Earth. We are captivated by their enormous size and intrigued by the fact that they disappeared millions of years ago. Take an unprecedented and unique journey into the world of the largest known dinosaurs and, in the process, explore some of the great paleontological discoveries of modern time. Done in close collaboration with the foremost scientists of the domain, the film shows never-before-seen computer-generated footage of the Giganotosaurus and the Argentinosaurus, to name a few. Narrated by Donald Sutherland and Professor Rodolfo Coria. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurette Lizard Kings (HD 43:18), trailers, and BD-Live functionality.

While produced for exhibition in IMAX 3D, the 1.78:1 1080p MVC 3-D picture often disappoints, just as Image's previous Dinosaurs Alive! 3D does. While Image Entertainment worked with Big Picture to optimize the 3-D image for home viewing, something is terribly amiss, as this presentation is, at times, also too unstable and distracting to watch. Viewers will be distracted by annoying "ghosting" or "double images" throughout, though more faintly here. Still, such ghosting should be unacceptable on a 3-D Blu-ray release. Something is amiss because the opening and end animation and credit roll is rock solid and pristine and exhibits excellent 3D, as well as a few scenes. Of course, when the artifacts are not distracting, the 3D is imaginatively realistic. Depth is realistic, as is perspective. The various CGI dinosaurs exhibit seemingly natural shapes and movements that, at times, protrude out of the screen. The 3-D presentation is overall darker but similar to the 2-D presentation, which is far superior in allowing one to appreciate the superb dinosaur animation. Detailing is solid throughout both presentations, revealing textures, even at a distance. Colors are naturally hued, with warm browns and orange tints. Black levels are nicely balanced. Fleshtones of scientists appear naturally rendered. While generally undistinguished, the picture exhibits reasonable quality, but not reference quality. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack delivers a powerfully low-frequency presence, to track the movements of the dinosaurs. The .1 LFE channel is active and deep in this respect, as well as providing support for atmospheric sound effects and the orchestral music score. The music is widely spaced across the soundstage and extends strongly into the surrounds. Sound effects, such as a comet hurling toward Earth and dinosaur rumble, are effectively directionalized. Donald Sutherland's narration is nicely forward, balanced against the other sound elements. This is an effectively supportive soundtrack. (Gary Reber)