Chimpanzee Blu-ray review

Actors: Tim Allen

Directors: Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield

Producers: Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield, Alix Tidmarsh, Connie Nartonis Thompson, Don Hahn

Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Region: Region A/1 (Read more about DVD/Blu-ray formats.)

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: G (General Audience)

Studio: Walt Disney Video

Release Date: August 21, 2012

Run Time: 78 minutes

            All nature films and television programs are quite spectacular these days, mostly because of the advances in the equipment used to capture the images. High definition nature programs truly became a phenomenon with the success of the “Planet Earth” series, which Disney released as a family-friendly film. Ever since Earth there have been a stream of additional nature films from the studio, including Oceans, African Cats and now Chimpanzee; the most intimately remarkable of them all. 

            While all nature films and programs now have remarkable images, Chimpanzee stands out with a remarkable story. This is the kind of thing that can’t be planned, and it is miraculous to have happened at all, not to mention on camera. The story follows a young chimp lovingly nicknamed Oscar. When this little chimp is orphaned at a young age, he is forced to look for a new mother in the pack to take care of him. This leads to an unexpected partnership which must be seen to be believed. It is a heartwarming story that is perfect for the whole family, only further enhanced by the spectacular high definition presentation of Blu-ray.

            The 2-Disc Combo Pack includes both a Blu-ray and DVD copy of the film. The DVD has three featurettes about nature conservation and Disney’s involvement. These three are all included on the Blu-ray, as well as interesting special features. There is a great making-of featurette, which shows the obstacles faced along the way. Some of these were shown in the credits, but there is much more that was not shown. There is also a music video and a making-of feature for the music video.