Ganges [Blu-ray]
Studio: BBC WarnerMPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Format: Color, Dubbed
Running Time: 150 minutes
DVD Release: July 1st 2008
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DVD Review
Filmed in stunning high definition and coming to DVD, HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc, Ganges is a sumptuous series that tells the story of the most extraordinary river in the world. The Ganges runs through the heart of India. For millions of Hindus it is India?s sacred river, but they share its banks and waters with a rich variety of wildlife. In a kaleidoscope of color and energy, this amazing series reveals how the Ganges has shaped the wildlife, culture and beliefs of India. The journey begins at the source of the river, high in the cold peaks of the Himalayas. It heads down past tigers, otters, peacocks and wild herds of elephants before reaching Varanasi, one of the oldest and most sacred cities in the world. Arriving at the delta, where the Ganges meets the sea, modern cities such as Calcutta join with the ancient swamps of the Sunderbans. This amazingly diverse wetland, rarely filmed before, is home to giant lizards, man-eating crocodiles and forests full of monkeys. Here the tiger is still king, and man is on the menu.
User Reviews
4-Star Blu-ray Video / 3-Star Nature Doc - Rating: 4/5
I recently got a 50" plasma (panasonic G10) and a blu-ray player (panasonic 60) and I wanted to test out all the blu-rays that supposedly had the best picture quality. These nature docs have been considered some of the best.
GALAPAGOS = 4-Star Blu-Ray Video / 2-Star Nature Doc
The video is good, but not great like a pristine movie transfer like Sin City or Kung-Fu Panda. I found this nature doc particularly boring. It has a few nice bits, but there's lots of repetition of shots, and wildlife just isn't as interesting as the other docs. I would only reccomend this if you're super super super interesting in learning about Galapagos.
GANGES = 4-Star Blu-ray Video / 3-Star Nature Doc
Video quality is about the same as Galapagos, good, but there's a lot better. This nature doc is a lot more interesting than Galapagos, more magic shots, better tid bits, a more emotional experience. This is worth checking out for the content.
PLANET EARTH = 4.5-Star Blu-ray Video / 4-Star Nature Doc
This is a fantastic video transfer, better than Galapagos and Ganges. By better, I mean, richer blacks, deeper colors, sharper detail. All around, a step up. This is a four disc experience. I think they put all their best content on the first disc. Seriously, the first disc was thrilling, the others were a huge step down, in terms of locations and wildlife. Maybe it's a weird personal preference thing, but I watched the first disc three times, but could barely get through the others. I would say disc one is a must see.
BARAKA = 5-Star Blu-ray Video / 5-Star Nature Doc
This wins the Super Shiny Titanium Standard Award for best video and best nature doc. It was shot on 70mm and transfered to, like, quad-HD digital. This is one of the very best blu-rays ever made. It holds up against all new releases, because the source was 70mm. And this nature doc seemed the most magical. If you want to get a good demo disc, to show to any audience, this is the one. And the Baraka experience sticks with you. I can see myself watching this quite a few times in the years ahead, just for the experience.
Ganges - Rating: 5/5
Excellent work, narration and packed with incredible information.
I learnt more about the Ganges from this film than any other source.
Great Work Tom Hugh-Jones
Ganges [Blu-ray]
Excellent documentary - Rating: 5/5
Excellent program covering the young Ganges (Himalayas) thru mature river and civilization - lots of people it supports in Northern India and up to Bay of Bengal - Via Sunderbans - Bengal Tigers. Photography top notch from BBC, narative also excellent.
Highlty recommend it.
1080i = terrible resolution - Rating: 2/5
I'm not reviewing the content of the movie since I turned it off after a few minutes. The resolution is terrible. What a waste. 1080i are you kidding me? I haven't even seen a 1080i television in years.
Excellent Addition To Any Nature Collection - Rating: 5/5
I have been interested in building my library since I bought Planet Earth a few years ago. I know I may never find anything that will match Planet Earth BBC (it's just that awesome!) but I was pleased with Ganges. I enjoyed seeing the different social groups and how they use the river in their farming and religious communities. If you enjoy seeing nature as it was meant to be seen (with the exception of in-person) then you will enjoy Ganges.
Bottom Line: Well worth the investment and something you will watch more than once as well as invite others to watch.
