ABC/Roadshow Entertainment .
R4 . COLOR . 53 mins .
G . PAL
Feature
Contract
The Australian Broadcasting Commission has showered us with numerous memorable documentaries showing us and the rest of the world what a diverse, fascinating and interesting continent is this place we call home, Australia. From some of the world’s most unusual wildlife, to the incredibly diverse and breathtaking landscapes, there is a something to interest every tourist and local alike. This sub one-hour documentary narrated by Leo McKern delivers proof that even the so-called ‘barren and boring’ bits are in fact as rich and as fascinating as some of the better known parks and regions.
Never smile at a crocodile.
The focus for this television special is undoubtedly the flora and fauna that live, breed and die by the seasons. From mudskippers that are abundant when the tide retreats, to the marsupial that live in rock ledges, gorges and forests that are scattered throughout the region, there are countless examples of how animals and plants can adapt to just about anything.
The Kimberley – Land of the Wandjina is also about people, especially the traditional owners of the region that are now almost gone. There is a look at their beliefs and place in the region’s history, as well as the documented evidence of their habitation for thousands of years.
Gorge-ous!!!
This DVD looks at the annual cycle that affects most of the top end of Australia, from the start of the rainy season through to the beginnings of the following rainy season. In between there are droughts, floods, fires, births and deaths. The annual dramas are as captivating as any soap opera and more real than just about anything being passed off as 'reality' television these days.
With excellent camerawork, stunning cinematography and a subject as beautiful as the Australian north-west, you should need no more encouragement to check this out. The ambitious price tag is likely to be the only deterrent.
Video
Audio
Extras
Contract
The first impressions of this transfer are quite favourable; however, closer inspection reveals a few flaws that, thankfully, won’t bother most viewers. The typical-of-TV full frame aspect ratio is not a surprise, and while colouring and contrast is mostly good, the scenic landscapes make up for much of the image’s shortcomings. There is no serious evidence of noise or colour bleeding, black levels are solid, shadow and night vision detail is acceptable, and only a few white specks mar what is otherwise a reasonably sharp image with little grain, and no compression problems.
The audio is a simple and mostly narrated (by Leo McKern) Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo track that makes a fair fist of it really. There is no surround action, but there is a constant ambience of buzzing flies and birdsong in the background to give the whole thing a fairly immersive feel. There is no great amount of separation, but the various sounds of nature such as thunder and waterfalls sounds loud, full and quite deep and resonant, all things considered.
Sadly, there are no extra features provided with this sub one-hour feature.
Doco lovers and those who are patriotic will appreciate this DVD for the way it presents one of the more diverse regions of our country, and one that little is known about. We have all heard of the Daintree, Kakadu and the Tasmanian forests, but few realise how much the Kimberley region has to offer.
Beyond Imagination - Pyramid. Colosseum. Pompeii "This triumvirate of features is a great addition to any collection and sure to offer something to adults, children and armchair historians everywhere…"
Empires - Islam: Empire of Faith "…forget the “Be Alert – Be Alarmed” campaign (or whatever the fridge magnet assault suggested) and try – “Be Informed”."