Search - Macgillivray Freeman Films - The Big Picture Collection (Large Format) on DVD

This is Why I have a Home Theater System...

Doctorblaster | Quakertown, PA USA | 08/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"IMAX quality at its very best! These five masterpieces directed by MacGillivray are beautifully done documentaries that the whole family will certainly enjoy. The collection of DOLPHINS, THE LIVING SEA, THE MAGIC OF FLIGHT, STORMCHASERS, and THE DISCOVERERS provides something for everyone. If you enjoy nature, life and technology, you will love them all. Just as fabulous as each feature, each disc includes 'The Making of...' sequence that is as captivating than the feature itself! The many hours of filming to get the perfect shots are evident form the behind the scenes action. Many of the feature shots required technologic advances that had to be developed to capture the images. The commentary by Greg MacGillivray is both humorous and interesting. Other extras only add to the family value of this collection. I viewed this series on a 36 inch Sony 'WEGA' TV using the Onkyo DR-S2.0 DVD Receiver. DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound are both available on these discs. I have tried both and recommend the same, as there are differences in the audio. I have no particular preference as both are superior. The audio is simply spectacular with narrators like Selleck, Streep, Brosnan, and Holbrook. Especially spectacular is the music in The Living Sea that was provided by Sting. The music is worth playing alone!! The picture is 4:3 format with little artifact from the original film. While never being able to reproduce the Imax scale, these crisp, detailed images have more resoultion than you home screen can handle. A superior collection of extraordinary documentaries with many extras. Toddlers, teens, and adults will enjoy watching these discs and certainly these will be a treat on your home theater system."