It'll test your patience at times, but that certainly doesn't mean Jennifer Baichwal's Manufactured Landscapes (2006) isn't worth your time and attention. This slow-burning documentary combines striking images by Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky with footage shot at the original locations, creating what some might call a "moving exhibition". This series of photographs includes landscapes and people directly affected by industry---and though the initial idea came to Burtynsky in Pennsylvania over 20 years ago, it flourished more recently in enormous Chinese factories like the one above.

The latter environment sets the tone for Manufactured Landscapes; during the opening sequence, a camera pans across the massive factory floor for roughly eight minutes. The scope of the workers' production is fully realized but never explained in detail; more than anything else, it simply shows consumers how their consumables are made. Workers are lined up like cattle outside, disciplined by supervisors for letting faulty products slip through the cracks. Scavengers extract valuable metal fragments from discarded computer parts. A young woman assembles an electrical accessory at blistering speed, happily reporting that she'll make hundreds more in a standard work day.

It's not always the driving message, but Manufactured Landscapes reminds us that our actions directly influence the planet. Perhaps the best example of this is during the construction of China's Three Gorges Dam, a massive structure that required millions of citizens to move their homes; during the initial release of water, Earth's rotation was momentarily affected. Luckily, these points are driven home without heavy-handed scare tactics and overt preachiness: the documentary is nearly dialogue-free, save for select comments from Burtynsky and several of the Chinese locals.

Those relatively new to the genre may find that Manufactured Landscapes drags in several areas; all things considered, it does an exemplary job of presentation mundane subject matter in an effective manner. The on-location landscapes and stunning photographs have been mixed together with great care, often focusing on subjects and pulling back to reveal the environment that looms heavily over them. It's truly a unique experience---and though it may not be as effective during repeat viewings, Manufactured Landscapes is certainly worth wading through at least once.

Presented on DVD by Mongrel Media, Baichwal's film remains visually impressive on the small screen. The technical presentation is especially noteworthy, though the included bonus features truly make this a well-rounded disc.

Presented in its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio and 16x9 enhanced, it's no surprise that Manufactured Landscapes looks terrific from start to finish. Compositions are carefully composed, the color palette is striking and black levels are generally solid. Only a few of the darker sequences suffer from mild grain, but the film's atmosphere is properly maintained and should impress first-time viewers. No major digital problems were on display, rounding out the visual presentation nicely.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix (also available in 2.0) is equally impressive, utilizing rear channels for atmospheric effect. Occasional snippets of dialogue are generally anchored up front, but the wide soundstage suits the film's enveloping scope. Optional French subtitles are included during the main feature; though English captions aren't available, all Chinese dialogue includes burnt-in translations. An optional French menu interface is also selectable at the first menu screen.

The second highlight is a collection of Deleted Scenes (6 clips, 39:22 total), including "Diana Lu's Extended House Tour", "Karaoke Bar in Qiligang", "Extended Old Shanghai Walkabout", "Stone Cutter Interview", "TED Conference - Monterey, California" and "Wushan", presented with optional audio commentary by Jennifer Baichwal. The director does a fine job of explaining why some of these scenes were trimmed and cut, though they're almost equally interesting on their own.

Also included is a pair of Interviews conducted by Richard Goddard; the first is with Baichwal and Burtynsky (19:04), while the second features cinematographer and collaborator Peter Mettler (5:19). Both are fairly dry and some information is repeated from other bonus features, but they're still worth a look for fans of the film.

Closing things out is the film's Theatrical Trailer (2:02). All bonus features are presented in widescreen format, but only the still gallery is 16x9 enhanced. No optional subtitles or Closed Captions are included for these supplements.

Deliberate but not heavy-handed, Manufacted Landscapes is an eye-opening travelogue of global industrialization. Photographer Edward Burtynsky's images are detailed and memorable, reminding us that we affect the planet as much as the planet affects us. Mongrel Media's DVD presentation is a well-rounded effort, combining a terrific technical presentation with a solid assortment of bonus features. Though Manufactured Landscapes may only reach a select audience, those who enjoy forward-thinking documentaries shouldn't be disappointed in the least. Recommended.