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Planet Earth: Oceania
DVD International // Unrated // September 18, 2001
List Price: $24.98 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
In today's world, everyone needs to have a little time to themselves, a little time of peace and quiet on their own. DVD International has sought to provide relaxation material on the DVD format, combining music and imagery in a way that's quite calming. Although I can't say I've found all their titles entirely effective ("Fireplace", which offered 60 minutes of... a fire in a fireplace), titles like "Aquaria" and "Planet Earth: Oceania" are entirely relaxing.
In the case of "Oceania", it's also quite fascinating at the same time. The program consists entirely of images taken from the Space Shuttle and the MIR Space Station. The first in a series, this title consists of images of many of the Earth's oceans, coastlines, rivers and islands from space. Helpful menus and subtitles provide more information on the image as well as what you're looking at at that particular moment.
Anyone looking for a little tranquility and the opportunity to view some of the world's bodies of water from miles above should certainly take a look. A very nicely produced program and well-designed DVD. For those who enjoy this program, DVD International's "Stargaze" is also recommended.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Planet Earth" is offered in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen, as well as pan & scan (although who would want to not see these images in their full widescreen glory?). The anamorphic widescreen edition, as expected, is extremely beautiful, with crisp, well-defined images. The video of various places around the globe, taken from various space stations, often looks incredible, as no pixelation or edge enhancement was spotted, nor were any other flaws that would cause concern. Colors could also look spectacular at various points throughout the show, as the colors that only space can manufacture were rendered beautifully, appearing crisp and without smearing or any other flaws. Simply lovely and a pleasure to watch.
SOUND: The soundtrack is Celtic Harp Music, provided by Lisa Lynne. The music is offered in Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 - the DTS soundtrack seemed to have only the slightest edge over its Dolby counterpart, with very minor additional detail and clarity. As one would expect, the music is presented in a rather restrained way, with the focus coming from the front three speakers, while the surrounds provide slight, gentle backing. Somewhat sleep-inducing, but the quality remained quite pleasant and the music was an enjoyable accompaniment to the imagery.
MENUS: Sleek and stylish animated menu with clips playing in the background.
EXTRAS: Trailers for "Earthlight", "Mars: The Red Planet", "Naxos Musical Journey", "Salute To Vienna", "Stargaze", "Video Essentials". DVD-ROM bonus material (Windows Only)
Final Thoughts: An effectively relaxing, but still quite interesting program, "Planet Earth: Oceania" is recommended.
In today's world, everyone needs to have a little time to themselves, a little time of peace and quiet on their own. DVD International has sought to provide relaxation material on the DVD format, combining music and imagery in a way that's quite calming. Although I can't say I've found all their titles entirely effective ("Fireplace", which offered 60 minutes of... a fire in a fireplace), titles like "Aquaria" and "Planet Earth: Oceania" are entirely relaxing.
In the case of "Oceania", it's also quite fascinating at the same time. The program consists entirely of images taken from the Space Shuttle and the MIR Space Station. The first in a series, this title consists of images of many of the Earth's oceans, coastlines, rivers and islands from space. Helpful menus and subtitles provide more information on the image as well as what you're looking at at that particular moment.
Anyone looking for a little tranquility and the opportunity to view some of the world's bodies of water from miles above should certainly take a look. A very nicely produced program and well-designed DVD. For those who enjoy this program, DVD International's "Stargaze" is also recommended.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Planet Earth" is offered in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen, as well as pan & scan (although who would want to not see these images in their full widescreen glory?). The anamorphic widescreen edition, as expected, is extremely beautiful, with crisp, well-defined images. The video of various places around the globe, taken from various space stations, often looks incredible, as no pixelation or edge enhancement was spotted, nor were any other flaws that would cause concern. Colors could also look spectacular at various points throughout the show, as the colors that only space can manufacture were rendered beautifully, appearing crisp and without smearing or any other flaws. Simply lovely and a pleasure to watch.
SOUND: The soundtrack is Celtic Harp Music, provided by Lisa Lynne. The music is offered in Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 - the DTS soundtrack seemed to have only the slightest edge over its Dolby counterpart, with very minor additional detail and clarity. As one would expect, the music is presented in a rather restrained way, with the focus coming from the front three speakers, while the surrounds provide slight, gentle backing. Somewhat sleep-inducing, but the quality remained quite pleasant and the music was an enjoyable accompaniment to the imagery.
MENUS: Sleek and stylish animated menu with clips playing in the background.
EXTRAS: Trailers for "Earthlight", "Mars: The Red Planet", "Naxos Musical Journey", "Salute To Vienna", "Stargaze", "Video Essentials". DVD-ROM bonus material (Windows Only)
Final Thoughts: An effectively relaxing, but still quite interesting program, "Planet Earth: Oceania" is recommended.
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