DVD Corner

Dinosaur 13 Blu-ray Review

“Dinosaur 13” is a must see documentary.

In South Dakota, 1990, a group of paleontologists (led by Peter Larson) discovered the fossils of a nearly complete T-Rex which would later be named Sue. For the team, this would not only be the discovery of a lifetime, but an absolute dream come true. Having struck a deal with the landowner (Maurice), Larson and company were set to excavate the bones and eventually have them on display in the Black Hills Museum. Unfortunately, this plan soon fell apart. After the FBI seized Sue because it was “stolen from federal land,” Peter and company soon found themselves the target of lawsuits, land ownership issues, and court cases. What will happen to the paleontologists and where will Sue wind up? That is what this documentary explores. Note: The documentary is largely comprised of stills, interviews, archival video camera footage, and newly shot footage of locations.

While fairly straight forward in structure, “Dinosaur 13” is undoubtedly a fascinating documentary. It also happens to be one of the most heartbreaking true life stories I have seen as of late. To say it’s a disheartening story about injustice, land issues, law, greed, dinosaur bones, shattered dreams, and the little guy being crushed by the big guy is an understatement.

Now, I could go into more detail about what happened to Peter Larson and Sue, but I’m trying not to reveal all that much here as I don’t want to spoil everything that happens in case viewers aren’t aware of the full story. Truth be told, the documentary is better seen knowing as little as possible as it makes the real life story all the more shocking and emotional.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.40:1 1080p. How does it look? The documentary is expertly shot by Thomas Petersen and the picture quality is pristine.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Like any docu, the audio varies in quality, but the newly recorded interviews and the memorable score sound superb here.

Extras:
* Digital HD copy.
* Lionsgate trailers.
* 3 deleted scenes.
* “How To Build A Dinosaur”- A nearly 2 minute short that shows a dinosaur being constructed.
* “Complete Auction Of Sue”- Self-explanatory.
* “Fossil Whales Of Peru”- A 5 minute plus documentary.
* “The Continuing Story Of Sue”- A featurette on Sue and the Field Museum.

Overall Thoughts: “Dinosaur 13” is a story that absolutely needed to be told on film. Recommended.

April 22, 2015 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Dinosaur 13 Blu-ray Review, Dinosaur 13 Documentary