Mummies: Secret of the Pharaohs Blu-ray

Mummies: Secret of the Pharaohs

 (2007)

Documentary | History



In mind-blowing IMAX detail, unravel the enshrouded human time capsules that have become the most fascinating mystery of our time - Egypt's mummies. Probe ancient tombs to uncover these carefully hidden phenomena, and experience the dramatic adventure of their excavations. Follow top scientists as they embark on a modern-day forensic investigation of the mummies, extracting clues from our past that could have an enormous impact on medical science in our future.

For more details about Mummies: Secret of the Pharaohs on Blu-ray, see the Mummies: Secret of the Pharaohs Blu-ray Review

Mummies: Secret of the Pharaohs Blu-ray, Video Quality

 


As a sticker on the packaging proudly displays, the 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer of Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs is based on an 8K scan of the original 65mm production elements. Like most IMAX films that have been given a quality transfer, Secrets of the Pharaohs is tack-sharp, displaying all the clarity and depth characteristic of large-format cinematography. Some of the wide, desert dune shots are incredibly dimensional—you may want to dust the area in front of your TV for sand—and close-ups allow impressive amounts of detail. There’s one shot of a scurrying beetle where you can almost make out individual grains of sand as the insect makes tiny tracks across the screen. Colors are warm, bold, and expectedly sun- soaked. Much of the film’s look is found in the contrast between the blue of the desert sky and the yellow sweeping sands below. The only misstep here—and this is a directorial choice, not a transfer issue—is that the film’s visual idea of the afterlife is to harshly oversaturate green and blue tones. Thankfully, this only happens during one short scene. Black levels are strong and stable throughout, contrast is great, and the film’s fine grain structure is only barely visible, never apparent at all from standard viewing distances. There are no banding, macroblocking, or any other transfer issues to report. I did notice a few extremely intermittent specks on the print, and some of the aerial shots are susceptible to flickering brightness levels, but otherwise Secrets of the Pharaohs looks superb.

Mummies: Secret of the Pharaohs Blu-ray, Audio Quality

 


Arriving on Blu-ray with DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround tracks in English, French, and Spanish, Secrets of the Pharaohs is well equipped in the audio department. The most striking part of the presentation is composer Sam Cardon’s Middle East-inspired score, which combines regional instruments with Western elements and arrangements. The music is nicely spread across all the channels, with the deep whomp of tabla drums showing off a satisfying low end and finger cymbals chiming clearly in the rears. The surround speakers are engaged throughout, broadcasting battle sounds, the clinking clamor of construction, and wind whipping violently over the desert. There are even a few moments of surprisingly enveloping sound design, like a rare Egyptian thunderstorm and the collapse of an ancient tomb. My only complaint is that Christopher Lee’s narration sounds frequently too low, not in terms of volume, but in the register of his voice. All the other dialogue, though, cuts cleanly through the mix.