In a thrilling new docu-drama series, that is at the cutting edge of technology and creativity, Nigel Marven heads back to prehistoric times to find some of the most magnificent creatures that have ever been on this Earth. With the aid of the award-winning animatronics and computer graphics teams who made Walking with Dinosaurs we are sent back to prehistory among some of the most amazing creatures that have ever existed. The creatures are brought back through time to the present day where they are looked after in Prehistoric Park, a place where Nigel and his expert, dedicated team care for them alongside animals from the present day. As he battles to secure their future we learn an enormous amount about these majestic creatures, and perhaps our modern world.
This is one of the first, if not the first title to come from the distribution deal between Fremantle and BCI. While I hadn't heard of Prehistoric Park before, I've obviously heard about the Walking With Dinosaurs series, and all the associated shows that came after it, and they're all top-notch productions.
This set includes all 6 episodes, the entire series, on 2 discs.
The episodes of Prehistoric Park are an Anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) presentation, and they look pretty good, though there are a few problems. The episodes look a little bit compressed, and there's some video noise in a few of the scenes as well. The CGI, of which there's obviously lots of, looks very soft, and a bit fake. both discs feature a "play all," but lack a chapter right after the show opening.
Audio
This set includes a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track, though the default is a stereo track (why do companies keep doing that?). The 5.1 track is really great; the bass gets a decent workout from the roars of the dinosaurs, and the rear speakers are used for some sound effects and ambient audio. There are English subtitles for the episodes.
Stats & Facts
Stats and facts appear while watching an episode. Just press "enter" on your remote to read them. I like and hate features like this at the same time. I like them because I think it's interesting to branch off to additional material, but I always look at the bonus material AFTER I watch the episodes, which means I'd have to re-watch the episodes in order to view a few screens of material. These should be available outside of the episodes as well..
Storyboards
Storyboards showcasing 12 scenes from the series, 6 on each disc.
Photo Gallery (11 photos)
11 "photos" from the series.
The Making of... (27:12)
Want to know the secrets of the series? Watch this informative "making of" featurette for a behind-the-scenes look at the series, including interviews with the producers, actors, experts, and special effects magicians.
Summary
I find the idea of docu-dramas very appealing; you're entertained, and walk away with a little bit of knowledge as well. The show gets a bit cheesy at times, but it's hard not to when you have a time-traveling zoologist who is transporting dinosaurs to the present so they can inhabit a park.
The bonus material is decent, though the "Stats & Facts" annoyed me because the material was only accessible while watching the episodes. I should note that BCI's involvement with this release was distribution-only - they didn't actually shoot the bonus material, work on the menus, or mess up the chapter placement. Licensed product can be touch on companies because they're the ones who get the fingers pointed at them even though they're acting as the messenger, bringing finished product to retail stores.
Prehistoric Park is an entertaining and informative series, and is worth buying if you're interested in dinosaurs.
