Out of Africa

ID: PA-HD80350

Price: 18,000 yen

Discs: 2

Sound: A-Mode / EFM

Running Time: 2:30

Released: Panasonic

From IMDb

Follows the life of Karen Blixen, who establishes a plantation in Africa. Her life is Complicated by a husband of

convenience (Bror Blixen), a true love (Denys), troubles on the plantation, schooling of the natives, war, and

catching VD from her husband.

The picture of this particular disc is very good. Colors are very well saturated, with an nicely lit picture. No dark transfer here, and the picture is smooth, but shows what appears to be film grain. One can only guess that the film used for Out of Africa was grainy to begin with, and it has been transferred here. Aspect ratio is 1:85:1.

This film is primarily shot outdoors in Africa, and the extensive footage as well as the set design are captured not only with this film, but also this MUSE disc. Compression artifacts are minimal but present, but do not distract from the movie at all.

Sound is primarily in the front soundstage, with only occasional surround effects present. Low end is at a minimum, and only for the musical score that is present. The music score is wonderful, and sets the stage very well.

Unfortunately as hard as I tried, I found the movie boring. It just never ‘picked up’ and was too slow for me to enjoy. The scenery on the other hand is magnificent, and must be seen to be appreciated. If you love Meryl Streep, this is one of two discs available in Hi-Vision (the other being Death Becomes Her). A beautiful looking disc, but boring on the subject end.