Since Arctic Tale was filmed over a vast amount of time with a variety of different film stocks it’s definitely a mixed bag when it comes to high-def clarity. As is to be expected when filming in an unforgiving and totally unpredictable environment like the Arctic, things are not going to appear as perfect as they do in films shot on a controlled sound stage, but considering the limits this transfer does at times surprise.
Much like March of the Penguins, Arctic Tale can be crystal clear at one moment then grainy and slightly fuzzy the next. Many of the polar bear shots are extremely zoomed in from a safe filming distance which accentuates film grain in some shots. Then the next moment you’ll be looking at a writhing lump of communal blubber lying on a piece of floating ice in the middle of the ocean. Each walrus is clear and defined right down to its warty, hairy skin. The walruses may be just a little too well-defined, given their unfortunate appearances.
Many of the overhead shots are pristine, like when a herd of white beluga whales are swimming through a channel in the ice. Their white bodies glisten in the dark blue water. Many of the underwater shots are comparable in nature and offer a high-def view of the unseen world.
Presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1, the soundtrack is just as mixed as the picture quality is. Being a documentary, all sounds were recorded on location. Some are muffled, some are clear, but that is to be expected. I did have a problem with the obviously enhanced “walrus farts,” which seemed to be the only sound to really use any of the other channels besides the front. The pop music presented in the film isn’t overbearing, but only uses the front channels. Queen Latifah’s narration is right up front and never deviates, blending nicely with the music and ambient sounds of the film.
The Special Features
"The Making of Arctic Tale" is an interesting look into the day-in, day-out, year after year struggle of the filmmakers to make this film. At first they just wanted to get some good footage of walruses and polar bears, but then found themselves making a feature-length film. After watching many nature documentaries I have come to the conclusion that filmmakers who make nature films are completely crazy as evidenced by one of the filmmakers staying on a deserted island with a hungry polar bear as his guide goes back to the mainland for supplies.
Article comments
1 - April Lorier
Wow, Aaron! You really covered all the bases in this review. Yes, this film is geared toward a younger audience, with Queen Latifah in the mix for a 'hipper' flavor. Don't get me wrong, I love her as an actress and singer, but I enjoy Morgan Freeman tremendously. Still, both films are great experiences in Nature, which is what I blog about every day. A well-done review, Aaron!