Ice Road Truckers Season Five - DVD Review

***SYNOPSIS***

HISTORY continues its huge success story with SEASON FIVE of ICE ROAD TRUCKERS. For two months every year, truckers on the world’s most dangerous tundra make history by hauling vital equipment to remote outposts hundreds of miles north of civilization – over roads briefly built by frozen bodies of water. Hugh, Alex, Lisa and Jack race against time, the elements and each other to transport thousands of loads before the road literally disappears into the sea. This groundbreaking series continues to examine a time-honored profession that dates back almost a century, often through generations of families.

DISC ONE Pushing the Edge / Ice Road Rage / Wrong Turn & Burned / Fire on Ice

DISC TWO Under the Hammer / The Braking Point / A Banged-Up Job / Meltdown

DISC THREE Road to Nowhere / Rookie Rebellion / Hittin’ The Skids / No More Mr. Nice Guy

DISC FOUR Ice Rogue Trucker / The Heat Is On / Judgement Day / The Last Dash / Bonus





***VIDEO QUALITY***
Ice Road Truckers arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. A solid presentation that exhibits natural fleshtones and colors. Detail of the rigs and the dangerous and icy roads was very good. Contrast was consistently balanced with strong black levels. A nice standard def presentation 8/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Audio 2.0 track. Dialogue was crisp and clean and is the main component of this presentation. Sound effects are minimal but add a sense of the danger on the road when needed. Overall a good listen. 7/10



***SPECIAL FEATURES***

*Additional Footage

Billy The Exterminator Season 4 - DVD Review

***SYNOPSIS***

America’s favorite exterminators are back for more unexpected on-the-job adventures as they travel across the country in the fourth season of A&E’s hit real-life series, BILLY THE EXTERMINATOR. The all-new season sees Billy hit the road for the first time, in search of challenges that are bigger, better and badder than ever. Whether he’s going after giant pythons in the Florida Everglades, wrestling 10-foot gators in Texas, chasing a herd of razor-toothed javelina in Arizona, or fighting off an aerial attack by 30-pound geese in North Carolina, Billy comes to the rescue with humor, compassion… and a whole lot of attitude. Billy runs Vexcon, one of Louisiana’s busiest pest removal companies, with the help of his brother Ricky, whom he describes as “just as crazy as me,” his father Bill Sr., and his sassy mom Donnie, who runs the office.

DISC ONE When Gators Attack / Desert Destroyers / What Lurks Beneath / Furry Infestation / Aerial Attack / Bobcat Battle

DISC TWO Suck It Up / Dirty Rat / Good Morning Gators / Skunks On A Plane / Hoarder House Rats / Gators in Waiting





***VIDEO QUALITY***
Billy the Exterminator Season 4 arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Colors were natural and black levels were good. Fine detail of the vermon and snakes that are captured was strong with little scales of a snake easily visible. A nice overall presentation 8/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track. The dialogue and music is crisp and clean. Environmental effects were natural but kept to an expected bare minimum. 7/10



***SPECIAL FEATURES***

* Unaired Footage
* Best of Billy

Top Shot: The Gauntlet Season 3 - DVD Review

***SYNOPSIS***

HISTORY s hit competition show is back with a gauntlet of all new extreme challenges and eager marksmen ready for a shot at greatness. 16 competitors chosen from across the country vie for the $100,000 prize and the title of TOP SHOT. A national revolver champion, two homeland security agents, a former Navy SEAL, firearms instructors, a restaurant owner and a camp director must demonstrate their skill using the most diverse weapons, from state-of-the-art firearms to rocks. This season also stars some of the biggest weapons ever featured on TOP SHOT such as the Gatling and Hotchkiss Mountain Guns. Colby Donaldson returns as host for the competition that takes a page from history.


DISC ONE The Gauntlet / Down and Dirty / Slug it Out / The Bulldog Gatling

DISC TWO Throwdown Showdown / Turn the Corner /Tricked Out

DISC THREE Ramp It Up / Stacked / Odd Man Out

DISC FOUR Wheel of Fire / Season 3 Finale / Season 3 Behind the Bullet / Bonus


***VIDEO QUALITY***

Top Shot: The Gauntlet arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The shot on location footage looks great with natural color reproduction and perfect skintones. Detail was sharp with clothing textures and the bright outdoor scenes coming across the best. There was some minor noise in the image from time to time but nothing to distract from an overall pleasing image. 8.5/10




***AUDIO QUALITY***

Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. A front heavy track with little in the way of stereo separation which is a disappointment due to the nature of the show. Would have been great to have an LFE channel for the big gun blasts but the presentation overall was crisp and clear just not a stunner. 7/10



***SPECIAL FEATURES***

* Contestant Biographies
* Behind The Bullet

Only In America with Larry The Cable Guy: Volume 2 - DVD Review

***SYNOPSIS***

HISTORY breaks comedic ground as Larry the Cable Guy takes a zany spin around the U.S. From the Oregon Trail to the Grand Canyon, from crossing the Delaware to searching for California s gold, Larry's signature persona delivers offbeat America, with stories of real history and loads of down-home fun. Larry "gits-r-done," as he visits iconic sites, engaging people along the way. Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy brings fun-loving "country" to an historic level.

DISC ONE Larry Deep Fries Everything / Larry Digs for Gold / Larry in Hillbilly Country / Larry is a Logger

DISC TWO Larry Goes North / Larry is the Sheriff / Larry Steps Into The Ring / Larry is Amish

DISC THREE Larry Beefs Up / Larry Cuts the Cheese / Larry & the Superpig



***VIDEO QUALITY***

Only In America arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The show airs in HD but this is a very nice standard def presentation. Color reproduction is solid with Larry's country boy wardrobe of flannel and camo shorts coming across well. Contrast and detail is above average. The show is shot on location at the various places the host visits and it looked very natural. 8/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. The fun country music cues are well represented and Larry's narration and the natural on location dialogue was consistently crisp and clean. 7/10

Top Shot: Reloaded Season 2 - DVD Review

***SYNOPSIS***

HISTORY’s explosive competition series targets another hit season.

Sixteen fearless marksmen take aim for the $100,000 prize and the title of “Top Shot.” The all-new cast of 14 men and 2 women face more intense challenges and surprising twists inspired by history. Trials include shooting from the back of a moving vehicle, shooting while hanging from a 125-foot crane or while being turned upside down.

You’ll see the iconic “Tommy Gun” and .44 Magnum — but not just firearms, the marksmen’s skills will also be tested with tomahawks, compound bows, and blow guns. High-speed HD cameras capture the skillful execution of each test in extreme slow motion. Survivor contestant Colby Donaldson returns as host of HISTORY’s first elimination series where every contender must possess speed, precision and skill. In the end, only one can be the “Top Shot.”

Includes all 13 episodes on 4 discs, plus over 85 minutes of exclusive bonus.

DISC ONE - Sharpshooter Surprise / Shoot or Be Shot / Uphill Battle / Compound Fracture

DISC TWO - Quickfire Face-off / Bury The Hatchet / Trick Shot Showdown II

DISC THREE - Catch .22 / The 1000 Yard Shot / The Shakedown / Down To The Wire

DISC FOUR - Season Two Finale / Behind the Bullet / Bonus


***VIDEO QUALITY***

Top Shot: Reloaded arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The shot on location footage looks great with natural color reproduction and skintones. Detail was sharp with clothing textures and natural outdoor scenes coming across the best. There was some noise in the image from time to time but nothing to distract from an overall pleasing image. 8/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***

Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. A front heavy track with little in the way of stereo separation which is a disappointment due to the nature of the show. Would have been great to have an LFE channel for the gun blasts but what is here is perfectly serviceable and clear just not thrilling. 6.5


***SPECIAL FEATURES***

* The Top Shot Experience
* Extended Team Selection
* Weapons Rundown
* Anatomy of a Shot

American Pickers: Volume Two - DVD Review

***SYNOPSIS***

In small towns, and along America’s back roads, treasures are waiting to be uncovered— valuable relics from our history that are hidden in junk piles, buried in barns and stacked in garages. It takes experts to find them – and turn rust to riches. AMERICAN PICKERS follows two of the most skilled “pickers”— Mike Wolfe, owner of Antique Archaeology, and his business partner, Frank Fritz— as they hunt down objects with historical, collectible and pop culture value that have been long forgotten by their owners. Along the way, they meet people whose own stories open a window into American lives and history. In this collection, Mike and Frank try to strike a deal with NASCAR Champion Ryan Newman, explore the appropriately named Pickens, South Carolina and try to buy a 300-pound boot.

AMERICAN PICKERS VOLUME 2 includes eight fan-favorite episodes on two discs.

DISC ONE - Art of the Deal / Buddy’s Booby Trap / Gordon’s Gold Mine / Smooth Operators

DISC TWO - Getting the Boot / Easy Riders / Psychic Pickings / One Pony Town


***MOVIE REVIEW***

I have been a fan of the since its debut and this is another strong collection of episodes. Mike and Frank are a bit loud bit their enthusiasm is great. The best aspect of the show is meeting all the strange and enchanting characters they meet on their journey. Sometimes the people are the real treasure here. I have a minor problem with the show is that the pickers sometimes say they want the item for themselves and they turn around and sell it for 5x profit or more. As a viewer you really get the sense of being in the places they pick from and you can almost smell the old musty storage sheds that haven't been opened for 20 years. An overall enjoyable show to watch. 8.5/10



***VIDEO QUALITY***

American Pickers arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. I was pleased overall with the image on display here. Colors consist mostly of earth tones and browns due to the old dusty locations the pickers rummage through. Detail was quite good and helps in showing the items that Mike and Frankie are looking at. Black levels were consistent. There were some moments of noise but nothing to distract from the presentation. 7.5/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***

Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. The on location dialogue is crisp and clean. The theme music is upbeat with a country twang. Bass was nonexistent. The audio presentation was fine. 7/10

Gettysburg - Blu-ray Review

***SYNOPSIS***

From executive producers Tony Scott and Ridley Scott comes a special about the battle that changed the course of the Civil War and the future of the Nation.

“The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” Abraham Lincoln’s iconic Gettysburg Address frames this epic, feature-length HISTORY special, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. GETTYSBURG looks at this battle from a visceral new perspective, that of the everyday soldiers who fought there, in a confrontation that changed the fate of our nation. Stripping away the romanticized veneer of past treatments, this special conveys new information and honors the sacrifice of those, both North and South, who fought and died there. Raw, immersive and emotional, this groundbreaking event puts viewers inside the three-day battle where over 50,000 men paid the ultimate price.


***MOVIE REVIEW***

Well this was something different. Instead of doing the long 10 or so hour mini-series with tons of photos being filmed and narration of notes to loved ones this feature film length production from Ridley and Tony Scott goes for a more straight action focus. We do learn some interesting facts but is more on the weaponry and battle aspects and less worried about showing the inner conflict of the people involved in the tragedy that was the Civil War. The battle scenes were quite good backed by a well placed musical score. Well worth a rental and any Civil War will definitely want to add this to their collection. 7.5/10


***VIDEO QUALITY***

Gettysburg arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Anyone used to the Scott's visual style know what to expect with this. Desaturated image to represent a vintage sepia tone was an interesting choice and it works well. The image is crystal clear with fine detail about average. Black levels were quite deep with good shadow delineation. The only drawback is the CGI effects were so-so. 8.5/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***

Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. A very pleasing audio presentation that featured some rock solid bass. Surrounds were used to good effect creating a sense of space to the chaos of war happening in screen. Dialogue was consistently crisp and clean.


***SPECIAL FEATURES***

* DVD Copy of the film

Ancient Aliens: Season Two - DVD Review

***SYNOPSIS***

ANCIENT ALIENS returns in SEASON TWO to explore the controversial theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth for millions of years. From the age of dinosaurs to ancient Egypt, from early cave drawings to continued mass sightings in the United States, each episode in this new series gives historic depth to the questions, speculations, provocative controversies, firsthand accounts and grounded theories surrounding an age-old debate: Did intelligent life forms from outer space visit Earth thousands of years ago? Do they visit us now? HISTORY ignites this inquiry.

DISC ONE Mysterious Places / Gods & Aliens / Underwater Worlds / Underground Aliens

DISC TWO Aliens and the Third Reich / Alien Tech / Angels and Aliens / Unexplained Structures

DISC THREE Alien Devastations / Alien Contacts



***VIDEO QUALITY***
arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer utilizing the codec in the original aspect ratio of . A sort of mash up of newly shot footage, interviews and vintage stock footage the image overall was okay of inconsistent. Color reproduction was good with newly shot segments exhibit strong detail. Stock footage though was quite soft as well as graphics on the screen. 6.5/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track. E.T.'s pal Peter Coyote and his narration are the star here. Dialogue was crisp and clean with his wonderful voice adding to the images on screen. Music cues came across well with good stereo separation. A solid presentation. 7/10

Underwater Universe: Season 1 - DVD Review

***SYNOPSIS***

Five deadly forces, four turbulent episodes, one powerful surge of entertainment. Welcome to the ocean’s dark side. Building on HISTORY’s successful Underwater Universe special, this new limited series goes deep to explore undersea forces that have brought terror and destruction to our planet throughout history. Beneath the surface of our oceans, tides and currents, predators, lethal pressure and killer shockwaves create ongoing and ominous threats. CGI animation, heart-stopping cinematography and submersible expedition footage shed new light on hard science, dramatic historical stories and riveting first-person accounts.

DISC ONE Killer Shockwaves / Predators of the Deep / Fatal Pressure / Tides and Currents Of Death

DISC TWO Bonus HISTORY Special Underwater Universe



***VIDEO QUALITY***
Underwater Universe arrives on DVD with a 480i in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. A quality presentation with some beautiful color reproduction. Detail was solid as well save for a few instances of softness. Would love to see this underwater life in an HD Blu-ray presentation. 7/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. A solid aural presentation that features crystal clear narration and dialogue reproduction. There some instances of muffled sounds due to natural weather effects or outdoor surroundings. 7/10

The Third Reich: Rise & Fall - DVD Review

***SYNOPSIS***

In History Channels two-part, four-hour Special Presentation: THIRD REICH, rare and never-before-seen amateur footage tells the epic story of the Third Reich as it's never been told before: through the eyes of the people who lived it.

THIRD REICH: THE RISE
A unique perspective on the rise of Nazi Germany and how millions of people were so vulnerable to fascism, told through rare and never-before-seen amateur films shot by the Germans who were there.

THIRD REICH: THE FALL
How did the Germans experience the Allied victory in WWII? Rarely-and never-before-seen amateur films recount the catastrophic downfall of the Third Reich through the eyes of the people who lived it: the Germans themselves.


***MOVIE REVIEW***

If you have even a casual interest in what happened in the era that Adolf Hitler made life on Earth a living hell for so many then you owe it to yourself to watch this amazing documentary. The story starts with a young Hitler and examines how he became to be evil personified and rose to power in Germany. Never before seen amateur footage captured during this horrific era sheds a new light and look at the Nazi Party. There are interesting German newsreel recordings as well, that help transport the viewer into the events that shaped the world and also spawned the "Greatest Generation". It is jaw dropping to see tens of thousands of Nazi stormtroopers goose-steeping in unison.

The holocaust is looked at in haunting detail and some of the footage is disturbing but necessary to learn from. What is different from past documentaries is the life for Germans that just wanted to remain peaceful and never supported Hitler and his Nazi regime, but still had to deal with the consequences left after the War had ended and they were left to pick up the pieces. The narration that leads you throughout is excellent. I was stunned by some of the things I saw as I watched this series and now a have a better understanding from all parties involved. I highly recommend you take the time to watch this. 9/10



***VIDEO QUALITY***
Third Reich arrives on DVD with a 480i transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.78:1. There are a variety of sources that were used to bring this story to life. A majority of footage was shot on cameras by amateurs and in black & white. Black levels were remarkably strong for this vintage. The brief scenes of color contain deep reds of the Nazi banners, and earthy browns on clothing. Detail was okay while there was inherent softness in the image due to the source and not the transfer. Overall this is a good presentation. 7/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. Dialogue reproduction is key here and it was consistently crisp and clean in regards to the narration. Music cues have a decent heft to them that adds to the foreboding theme. Complements the on screen material well. 7/10

Gangland: The Final Season - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS***

They rob, kill, and terrorize, and they ve left their violent mark on our nation s history. Delve deep into the rich and often brutal bloodlines of gangs across America, from Ohio to Arizona, New Jersey to South Dakota, as GANGLAND returns in its seventh and final season to paint a violently accurate and compelling portrait of gang life. Exclusive interviews, rarely seen footage, and unique access to the lives of gangsters provide a solid insight into why gangs exist, how they operate, their increasingly destructive methods, and the alarming rate at which they re spreading to suburban and rural areas. Included this season is a provocative 75th episode that revisits the most notorious characters in the history of the series, hosted by rappers Ice-T and Snoop Dog.

GANGLAND: THE FINAL SEASON contains the following 15 episodes -

Mile High Killers/ Public Enemy Number One/ Most Notorious/ Vendetta of Blood/ A Killer's Revenge/ Wild Boyz/ Better off Dead/ Capitol Killers/ Clash of the Crips/ Army of Hate/ The Filthy Few/ Shoot to Kill/ Road Warriors/ Valley of Death/ Death Before Dishonor


***MOVIE REVIEW***

This captivating documentary series comes to a close with a strong final season that focuses for the most part on the Latino and Hispanic gangs that are the majority in several cities. We are treated to some startling details in regards to gang life and gang warfare. There are some well chosen special such as Ice-T and the legendary Snoop Dogg. There are some episodes that fall a little flat but as a whole this is a fitting cap to the series. I hope in the future they will bring the concept back and explore it further, possibly in different countries even. 8/10




***VIDEO QUALITY***
Gangland arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080i transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Due to using various sources of video footage this isn't the most eye pleasing reality series but it is a nice, more consistent upgrade over the broadcast presentation. There is a hefty amount of stock footage which looks soft and grainy but never was it unwatchable. Newly filmed interview segments and on location scenes were very vibrant with good color saturation. Fine detail was above average in these instances as well. Overall a transfer that while good is sometimes hindered by its source. 7/10




***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. Like previous seasons of the show this is a straightforward track that has crisp dialogue reproduction and some pretty good dynamics coming from gun blasts and other sound effects. Bass was solid when the score comes into play. 7/10***SPECIAL FEATURES***

Ice Road Truckers: The Complete Season Four - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS***

The Ice Road Truckers return to Alaska, hauling their biggest loads ever across the most dangerous terrain they've faced. But this year, trucking critically needed cargo north to the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay is just the beginning.

In season four, the drivers will tackle frozen rivers and swamps out beyond the Dalton Highway, hauling supplies to some of the most remote towns of the great white north. Reigning king, Jack Jesse, looks to defend his title, and Lisa Kelly, one of the only woman truckers on the haul road, fights to prove herself in the male-dominated profession. Rookie Ray Veilleux, who recently lost his business in the lower 48, has come north to run the road and keep his struggling family afloat. And in a decades-long rivalry, veteran drivers Hugh Rowland and Alex Debogorski are back racing neck and neck. The stakes are high as the dash for cash continues.

Experience all 16 episodes of this landmark series on 4 Blu-ray Discs.

DISC ONE - Breaking Through / The Polar Bear Returns / Facing Down The Blow / Monster Storm Over Atigun

DISC TWO - Trapped on Thin Ice / Danger at 55 Below / Avalanche! / Lisa s Monster Megahaul

DISC THREE - Blood on the Dalton / The Ace vs. The Ice / A Rookie s Nightmare / The Dalton Strikes Back

DISC FOUR - Convoy to Hell / A Legend Meets His End / Deadly Melt / New King of the Dalton / Bonus


***MOVIE REVIEW***

I've been a fan of the show since late season two but have always found myself missing some episodes when they aired. The opportunity to sit and watch the complete fourth season the last few nights has been a real treat. The Carlile trucking crew is filled with a hard working group of real men and a strong willed young woman that brave the dangerous roads and intense weather of Alaska to haul their cargo safely and on time. The natural landscape is beautiful and haunting and you can feel the treachery of the conditions and fears the truckers face come through. A reality show that is worth your time. 9/10

***VIDEO QUALITY***
Ice Road Truckers arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080i transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. A solid presentation that is best with natural colors and fleshtones. Detail of the rigs and the treacherous roads was very good. Contrast is a tad too hot for my liking resulting in sometimes average black levels. A nice equal and step up in some scenes from the original HD broadcast. 7.5/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. Dialogue was crisp and clean and is the main component of this presentation. Sound effects are minimal but add a sense of the danger on the road when needed. Overall a good listen. 7/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES***

*Additional Footage - Included here are mostly extra interview segments recorded with the truckers crew.

How the Earth Was Made: Complete Season Two - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS***

Spectacular on-location shooting, evidence from geologists in the field, and clear, dramatic graphics combine in SEASON TWO of this stunning series from HISTORY to show how immensely powerful, and at times violent, forces of geology have formed our planet.

This season, HOW THE EARTH WAS MADE goes back in history from 4.5 billion years ago to today peeling back layers of rock, filling up river canyons, parting the oceans, and leveling mountains and volcanoes to investigate the origins of some of the most well-known locations and geological phenomena in the world. With rocks as their clues and volcanoes, ice sheets and colliding continents as their suspects, scientists launch a forensic investigation that will help viewers visualize how the Earth has evolved and formed over millions of years.

Experience all 13 episodes of this landmark series on 3 Blu-ray Discs.

Episodes include:
*Grand Canyon
*Vesuvius
*Birth of the Earth
*Sahara Yosemite
*The Rockies
*Ring of Fire
*Everest
*Death Valley
*Mt. St. Helens
*Earth s Deadliest Eruption
*America's Ice Age
*America's Gold



***MOVIE REVIEW***

This season starts with a bang with my favorite natural landmark , the Grand Canyon. Words cannot describe the feeling you get when you first lay eyes on it in person. The facts and theories presented here on how it was formed through millions of years is fascinating with gorgeous on location footage. The 12 episodes that follow are fun and informative while showcasing the natural beauty of our home planet. If you enjoyed the first season this is a definite must own. 9/10


***VIDEO QUALITY***
How the Earth Was Made arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080i transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Any new on location footage or interviews that were shot in HD are simply gorgeous. Colors were very natural and the desert vistas of the Grand Canyon highlight some wonderful sun drenched hues. Black levels were consistently strong. There are some CG graphics used for some scenes and they come across very well. Archival footage is implemented into each episode and as would be expected shows some softness. Overall this is a very pleasing presentation. 8.5/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. Due to the show consisting mostly of narration and talking head interviews dialogue is key here and it was crisp and clean. When called upon dynamics were solid with good panning effects from the front channels. 7/10

The Universe: The Complete Season Five - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS***

The History Channel's hit series is back for another season of otherworldly thrills as astronomers explain the mysteries of the universe, brought to life by dazzling computer-generated graphics that send viewers on a wild ride through outer space. The experts explore death stars that are poised to explode, the importance of Earth's moon, the composition of planetary rings and how to destroy a galaxy.


***MOVIE REVIEW***

While fans of the series may start to get the feeling that they may be running out of ideas for episodes this is still a fascinating journey through our universe and all the possibilities it holds. The strongest episode of the season is "Dark Fate of the Sun". It explores the very real fact that one day five billion years from now, the sun will evolve into a red giant and then destroy planet Earth if it is still around at that point. It is a dark look at a very far off future. 9/10


***VIDEO QUALITY***
The Universe: The Complete Season Five arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. A remarkably crisp transfer with beautiful color saturation. Blacks were inky and deep that made me feel as though I was in the outer reaches of space. Interviews with scientists and theorists exhibit some nice fine details in clothing and faces. Another gorgeous presentation for the series. 9.5/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. Taking place mostly in space this track performs well with a constant but never overbearing amount of panning and space effects. They are complemented by strong bass performance. The talking head interviews and narration were crisp and clear. A really fun presentation. 8/10