BUENA VISTA has released “AFRICAN CATS” on blu-ray.  It might be easy to confuse this title with a typical DISNEY smile-inducing wildlife feature for the whole family, but it’s actually pretty grim in many scenes.

Compiled from footage shot over two years in the African savannah, “AFRICAN CATS” is a absorbing documentary following three different families. A Lion named “Fang,” defending his pride, makes up one tale, while a Lioness, “Layla,” and her baby cub make up the 2^nd tale. The third family revolves around Sita, a cheetah and her often adorable babies.  The trials and tribulations which these families must endure are likely to be too upsetting for some youngsters, so parents should see “AFRICAN CATS” first by themselves. But, for the most part, “AFRICAN CATS” is extremely moving and at times inspiring.  While most naturalists would argue even the most upsetting scenes of “AFRICAN CATS” are important to watch, to better appreciate nature as it really exists, this reviewer prefers journalists/documentary film-makers intercede when possible to save life, or minimize tragedy.

BUENA VISTA has provided the correct 1.78:1 aspect ratio for this AVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray release.  Colors are rich and appear completely natural. The brightly lit days of the Savannah are flawlessly rendered here, and detail is so impressive, as to rank this with the best looking documentaries available on blu-ray anywhere! While some of the night scenes are hindered by less than inky blacks, detail is still better than found on dvd in these scenes. For the most part, depth is terrific and barely any scene falls flat. Overall, “AFRICAN CATS” is a terrific looking blu-ray.

BUENA VISTA has provided a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. “AFRICAN CATS” depends on the narration, and Samuel L. Jackson’s voice is perfectly rendered and center channel focused. Still, even with the narration being a focal point, this mix can become excitedly immersive at times! Surrounds and bass enhance the cries of the wild, as well as their heavy foot movement, in many a scene. Ambient effects as well as some creative pans are well utilized at key moments. This is a surprisingly fun mix.

BUENA VISTA has thrown in a PIP option, allowing for featurettes and more to coincide with the feature film.

A Music video, previews for other BV releases and two short featurettes are also offered(all in HD!)