Africa: The Serengeti (1994)

This spectacular IMAX documentary has been meticulously transferred to provide one of the most stunning DVDs available, with image quality so vivid that it seems almost three-dimensional. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the images themselves are amazing, consisting of some of the finest nature cinematography you're ever likely to see, following a year of seasonal change in the "circle of life" of East Africa's Serengeti plain. Photographed entirely on location in Kenya and Tanzania, the 40-minute film chronicles a natural phenomenon that few humans are privileged to witness in their lifetime: the annual great migration, during which over two million wildebeests, zebras, and antelope travel 500 miles across the plain to ensure their survival. It's an awesome display of natural wonders, and of course there's danger as well as beauty, with lions, crocodiles, and cheetahs among the predators of migrating wildlife. The images range from wondrous to horrifying to hilarious, forming a portrait of life and death that remains powerful even after repeated viewings. The DVD is truly intended for a global audience, with eight optional audio tracks in English (narrated by James Earl Jones), Bavarian, French, Castilian, Catalan, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

SUPERB

This is a fantastic armchair look at the Serengetti, a place I'll never see on my own and can only rely on professional cinematographers to make it live. It appeals to all ages and the photography is so vivid, it seems like the animals can come directly through the screen. James Early Jones is the perfect narrator. September 17, 2008

Africa: The Serengeti (IMAX) [Blu-ray]

The DVD was really good. Great color ect. I have a rather large TV and it showed well, but I was constantly thinking how much better it would be at the IMAX theater. I guess once you have watched a movie or show at the IMAX then it spoils their videos for home use a little. All in all thought, it was worth the watch.
September 7, 2008

Rated NOT

This is not a comment on video quality nor producer's skill. Just a warning. Often folks buy animal stories - and now videos - for young kids. Indeed, one great naturalist recently bemoaned that in a test of identification, most young children cannot identify real animals - only the cartoons. This kind of video would seem like a natural remedy.

But somehow the psyche of the producer is fixed on the 'cycle of life' (translation: one animal ripping another animal's throat out). We have to make a distinction between real educational value (How much land does a carnivore require? What is the ecology mix here? What weather or land qualities are at play?) vs. an animal snuff movie.

I am not sure this video has made that leap of insight.

Not for tots. August 24, 2008

A great buy!

This is one great DVD and very well narrated by the Darth Vader guy of Star Wars - James Earl Jones. He spoke so clear I didn't opt to use the subtitles. Very well photographed in the IMAX large format film and the sound is very good both in 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS although the latter is a bit louder. I recommend this DVD to all. April 17, 2008

Amazing Documentary!

I watch many blu-ray disks and documentary, must admit this one was probably the third best documentary in blu-ray beside planet earth and Galapagos. Is kinda short, but boy it has some of the best scene; especially at the end. Will really make your remember that scene 4ever. The video transfer is great, consider 14 years old. Audio is not HD or 5.1 but has so many language. No extra as usual for most documentary. This is must rent probably worth buy since is pretty cheap. March 18, 2008

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