Washington the Beautiful in High Definition (2012)

I purchased This DVD because I love these kind of fly overs. Fantastic Blu-ray DVD. One other reason why I purchased it. I love the ride (Soarin) in Walt Disney World.The ride soars over California as if you were hang gliding. Washington The Beautiful Is almost like that ride. Yes, I also purchased the Blu-ray, (Over California).

While i agree with GMc regarding the quality of the blu-ray, the visuals are still stunning. However, in my opinion, the insipid and overblown narration are what detract from this otherwise enjoyable visual spectacle. On first listening I thought it was bad, and it just gets worse with each repeat viewing. Unfortunately, you can't mute the narration without muting the musical score (which is actually quite good) also. Just another of life's interminable dilemmas.

Buy Washington the Beautiful in High Definition (2012) Now

I once received a ten minute sample of this video at a broadcast electronics show when DVDs were first coming out. Yep, it's that old! I have been looking for it ever since because it impressed me so much.

Recently, I found it here on Blu-Ray HD! It was recorded in the old Japanese MUSE HD analog system. Don't let that stop you, it looks great. The narration is insightful and the sweeping scenery, incredible. It is all photographed from a helicopter, so it looks great on my projection system. A must buy demo disc.

Read Best Reviews of Washington the Beautiful in High Definition (2012) Here

This review is based on the Blu-ray of 'Washington the Beautiful'. I purchased this because I'm planning on relocating there. This film certainly didn't quell those desires. Featuring gorgeous majestic arial views of the Evergreen State, you will definitely be entranced by her beauty! And that really is about the only good thing I have to say about this disc. So if you're wondering whether or not this disc lives up to its promise of showing you beautiful Washington, rest assured in the knowledge that Yes, it does!

This issues I have with this disc are mostly on the technical side of things. However from a presentation standpoint, let's get one thing out of the way: The feature's narration is extremely, well... sappy! And boy does it lay it on thick! I'm guessing the producers wanted everything in the feature to keep inline with the theme of 'beauty', from the beautiful visuals, to the nice music, as well as trying to make the narration 'artsy' and colourful, and thus beautiful. Sadly it feels like the attempt at that was WAY overdone. If you don't groan at least a few times while watching this film, I would say you're not a human and should be inspected to make sure you're not one of them 'Terminator' machines everyone's talking about now. Here's a sampling of the overblown narraration, as spoken by a guy who sounds like he'd much rather be going over your investment options with you, speaking in a hushed assertive and wispy tone as he introduces the viewer to Seattle:

"A Spectral Spirit, borne of dreams and dreamers...

An unexpected forest, rooted in yesterday, rising into tommorrow...

Here in the Pacific Northwest, no land stands fallow; Upon all ground, something grows...

Upon THIS land... grows Seattle'."

Ugh! The entire feature is riddled with such silly mosaics of fancy excretions, and while you may not feel the effect seeing it written here, as you experience it in the film, it ultimitely winds up feeling... for lack of a better term, seriously ridiculous!

Let's move on, shall we?

Video quality for this Blu-ray is not great. Not terrible, just not great. I certainly would not call it "HD" in the traditional sense of the term. Images are grainly with digital noise and mild artifacts noticeable in the brighter areas, as well as an array of horizontal 'gridlines' that are also barely noticeable, but are definitely there. Plus it lacks a certain sharpness and smoothness (it wasn't shot at 60p, that's for sure). As a result there is no HD 'pop'. I also noticed that yellows and reds tend to be a bit oversaturated and most other colours seems slightly muted. Now granted I'm watching this at 720p and not 1080p, but even still.. it looks like the feature was shot on a Sony Cybershot! Yet if you're not watching it for the HD factor, you'll be okay. The beautiful vistas are still well represented here and will not dissapoint, it's just sad that the quality isn't as good as the subject matter.

On the Audio front, know that the feature is not in 5.1. Rather it uses PCM Stereo. But since it's mostly music and the narration (as well as a handful of sound effects that do actually sound quite nice) it shouldn't matter too much.

In the end I give this disc 3/5 Stars. The non-HD looking video quality and the nausea-inducing narration each take off one star. Otherwise, if you're looking for a wonderful view of Washington's beauty, this feature certainly provides it in breathtaking spades! Covering nearly all interesting areas from the coast to the Cascades to the eastern areas of the state, this film will wisk you through the state's diverse and complex good looks and will make you want to live there, if you don't already.

Want Washington the Beautiful in High Definition (2012) Discount?

I purchased this item accepting the fact that I would have to pay for a conversion to my blu ray player to enable it to play region 1 dvd's. Out of curiosity I tried it and it worked perfectly in my region 2 player. A stunning record of the magnificent scenery in Washington State. I would recommend it to anyone who has, or intends, to visit that part of the Pacific North West

Save 77% Off