• Login

    • BLU-RAY REVIEW

    Beasts Of The Southern Wild

    Featured In Issue 174, February 2013

    Picture3.5
    Sound4
    WSR Score4
    Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
    (Studio/Distributor):
    20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
    (Catalog Number):
    2282478
    (MPAA Rating):
    PG-13
    (Rating Reason):
    Thematic material including child imperilment, some disturbing images, language and brief sexuality
    (Retail Price):
    $39.99
    (Disc Type):
    Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
    (Widescreen Edition):
    Yes
    (Full Screen Edition):
    No
    (Running Time In Minutes):
    93
    (Color Type):
    Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access):
    Yes
    (Closed Captioned):
    Yes
    (Regional Coding):
    A
    (Theatrical Year):
    2012
    (Theatrical Release):
    Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release):
    No
    (Disc Release Date):
    12/04/12
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):
    No
    (Director):
    Benh Zeitlin
    (Screenplay/Written By):
    (Story):
    (Music):
    (Director Of Photography):
    (Production Designer):
    (Visual Effects):
    (Costume Designer):
    (Editor):
    (Supervising Sound Editors):
    (Re-Recording Mixers):
    (Executive Producers):
    (Co-Producers):
    (Producers):
    (Academy Awards):
    (Principal Photography):
    (Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
    (Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
    (Disc Soundtrack):
    Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS HD Lossless 5.1
    (Theatrical Sound):
    (Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
    (DTS Bit Rate):
    (Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
    (Additional Languages):
    (French Language):
    (Spanish Language):
    (Chinese Language):
    (Subtitles):
    (Cantonese Language):
    (Mandarin Language):
    (Japanese Language):
    (Italian Language):
    (German Language):
    (Portuguese Language):

    In "Beasts Of The Southern Wild," a six-year-old child (Wallis) is faced with both her hot-tempered father's (Henry) fading health and melting ice-caps that flood her ramshackle bayou community and unleash ancient prehoristic Auroch beasts—the harbingers of death. For survival she must learn the ways of courage and love. Based on the stage pay "Juicy And Delicious" written by Lucy Alibar. (Gary Reber)

    Special features include 10 deleted scenes with commentary by Director Benh Zeitlin (HD 14:00); auditions (HD 15:15); a making-of featurette (HD 22:27); three additional featurettes: "Glory At Sea" (HD 25:44), "Music" (HD 03:06), and "The Aurochs" (HD 03:18); the theatrical trailer; upfront previews; and a digital copy.

    The 1080p AVC picture was shot in 16 mm and exhibits a gritty, textured appearance that reflects the low-budget graphic life of the bayou. Grain is prevalent throughout, and the imagery is generally soft. When detail is evident, the picture instantly looks better. Still, this is a mediocre presentation, with a natural color palette that never exaggerates and intensifies the harsh realities of the life depicted. (Gary Reber)

    The DTS-HD Mater Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack beautifully complements the reality storytelling with both subtle nuanced atmospherics and energized special effects during the more intense, dramatic scenes. Gusts of wind, and intense thunder from the glacier breakups to the Aurochs' approach fill the soundfield, especially directed to the surround channels. Deep, powerful bass to sub-25 Hz frequencies supports the more dramatic scenes. The sound of Aurochs' roots and grunts is convincingly real. Every scene sounds natural, with ambiance that perfectly depicts the soundscapes. The Creole-tinged music score is nicely recorded and presented, to enhance the strong emotional thematic thread of the storytelling. In particular, the orchestral strings express excellent timbre. This is a well-conceived soundtrack that sounds dynamic and nuanced, with natural dialogue throughout. (Gary Reber)

    Reason #132 Why Readers Love Widescreen Review:

    As an owner of Whole House Audio & Video Inc. (WHAV), I need to stay informed on the latest DVD and DVHS releases and keep an objective opinion on how well they perform. Of all the magazines and periodicals we receive, I constantly find myself reading WIDESCREEN REVIEW over all the others combined. The articles are well-written, thought-out, and accurate. I also find the Editors Couch and the equipment reviews very useful and informative. Thanks for producing a quality magazine without all the BS you find in most other publications.

    Christopher L Boyer
    26864 Mandelieu Drive, Murrieta, CA 92562 • Phone: 951 676 4914 • Fax: 951 693 2960
    Copyright © Information • All Rights Reserved • www.widescreenreview.com • Web Site Established In 1995 • Privacy Policy • Partners