Wings 3D (3D/Blu-ray)

There is no shortage of real-life nature documentaries done brilliantly -- just watch the PBS series Nature. The difference with the enchanted kingdom is that you are starting with magnificent cinematography and mesmerizing subject matter, but now the addition is the stereoscopic photography. From the very first scene where you are literally drop into the forest floor from the treetop canopy down to the ground via the 3D camera rig, you are immediately IN the forest in a way that no 2D film has ever given us. I have shown this to friends and family and everyone from 10yr olds to teens (who I was sure would become bored what with no car chases or explosions) to their parents and grandparents, EVERYONE to a person couldn't stop talking about how much they loved this movie. Believe me, it is a must for anyone who has 3D capability. This will be the movie that everyone you show it too will thank you and energetically discuss it long afterward. It is a film that is spectacularly visually and sumptuous in a way that only Mother Nature can give. Short of going on a safari (and even if you did, you wouldn't get to see the animal kingdom in so much diversity and with such incredible intimacy).All of that being said, you will used this BluRay to show off the incredible immersiveness of the 3D technology; you will pull it out very time you want to WOW your friends with how incredible 3D really is when done well. BTW, this is NOT a computerized 3D "conversion;" it is shot with a two camera rig. There is a great Making Of as an extra that give you some idea of how difficult it was to get these magnificent shots lugging the doubly heavy 3d camera rig thru the jungle! The industry may totally abandon the 3D format at some point -- if you have 3D equipment, don't let this movie get away...it will be one that you will he happy you have in your library in the future.

I've been a huge fan of BBC Earth since the phenomenal Planet Earth series and the excellent follow-up Life. Enchanted Kingdom maintains the standard of excellence. If you have an Atmos 3D setup, this bluray is an easy choice as a showcase disc. My setup is 7.1.4 using the Yamaha RX-A3050.CINEMATOGRAPHY-Abundant use of slow-motion and time-lapse photography are the highlights. Slow-mo just makes everything look cool. Time-lapse makes plants' behavior look animal-like.-Picture quality is fantastic. Close-up shots of animals get you closer than if they were actually in your living room. You can see every hair on the monkey and every ripple of the lizard's skin.-Aerial wide-angle scenes are remarkable. If you ever wanted to peer over the edge of a massive waterfall, this is your chance.CONTENT-If you've seen a lot of nature shows, there isn't anything new or ground-breaking from a content standpoint.-Since this is a single film, you are getting a general overview of Africa. Don't expect in-depth introspection like you would with a multi-part series like Planet Earth.-The movie will relax you with beautiful scenes much more than it will thrill you with action.-Most everything is PG in content. This is generally a happy film with minimal graphic kills.-Minimal phony drama or staged scenes. Unlike most nature shows on TV these days, BBC Earth generally avoids this contrivance.3D-Excellent use of 3D in a natural way. It adds a lot of depth to the vast mountain shots. The underwater coral reef scenes allow you to see fish at multiple different depth levels. Monkey faces look amazingly life-like with the added depth.-The 3D is not in-your-face, gimmicky, or artificial-looking.ATMOS-The sonic bubble is certainly present and adds to the feeling of "being there". Insect sounds are all around you. Sounds will pan from side-to-side or back-to-front frequently.-There are a few moments of distinct overhead noise (like thunder). Don't expect a constant barrage though.SOUNDTRACK-The mostly African-themed music (think Lion King) is fantastic and adds much grandeur and spectacle to all the scenes. It's one of the special aspects of this film that set it apart from most nature movies.-The narration complements the movie very well without being overbearing.ENVIRONMENTAL PROPAGANDA-None included. Thank you BBC for not making me or my audience feel guilty to be a human like so many nature shows tend to do these days.-The only message at the end is to appreciate all the spectacular nature around you wherever you are. Very nice.CONCLUSIONBBC Earth produces another spectacular nature film while avoiding the annoyances present in many other nature shows. While there is nothing groundbreaking in the content, the extensive use of time-lapse and slow-mo coupled with an excellent soundtrack elevates each scene. What makes this film uniquely special is that it is fabulously presented in Atmos and 3D.

Could be longer. Great 3d visuals

3D is Excellent. Too many times you have to look through a hundred reviews to find a review about the 3D movie that supposedly the reviews are about. But Amazon mixes in reviews for DVD's, Instant Video, BluRays and would do VHS and Laserdisc too if they could.This is about the true 3D BluRay of Wings 3D. It is simply astounding. As one reviewer stated, the commentary was not overbearing and just enough to explain what is happening. The videography is breathtaking. With all the camera angles and all the cameras used, i would love to look at their cutting room floor. All filmed in 3D and it shows. The clarity is second to none and with your 3D glasses on, you are flying with all the birds. This is some of the best 3D out there. The depth, quality and detail is what makes this movie. I don't remember any pop outs that come out of the screen and if there were, it was not as memorable as the feeling of 'being there'. I love 3D where things sort of pop out of the screen for you to want to grab it. This movie though is real with no special effects, no special wow factors, just true nature, flying high in beautiful backdrops.If you like other BBC Nature series discs, this is a must to have. The 3D is breathtaking and you will not be disappointed.