Blu-ray Review: Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted - Page 2

Some will point to Madagascar 3 and say that the series truly has a heart and soul, that it's able to anthropomorphize the animals in brilliant ways, and not just the ones we've met before.  Those individuals would be correct.  One of the main plotlines this time out deals with the circus tiger, Vitaly (Bryan Cranston), who has lost the love of performing he once had.  Vitaly, at one point in time, could coat himself in olive oil and jump through a hoop the size of a wedding band (I told you not to worry about logic, right?).  A portion of the film deals with Alex helping the circus animals in general, and Vitaly in particular, return to top circus form.  Vitaly is given a back story, his issue is dealt with, and while his performance is physically impossible, the film treats it with respect.

By the time Madagascar 3 reaches its dizzying, Circque du Soleil-inspired conclusion, it will have won you over.  Some movies—even animated ones—are just downright funny and this is one of them.  I promise, not only will it keep your kids utterly entranced, it will keep you watching right along with them.

One of the ways the film accomplishes this is with its incredible array of rich, vibrant colors, and the great levels of detail.  This Blu-ray release looks absolutely spectacular.  I am not convinced that DreamWorks is yet quite up to Pixar's level of detail both in the fore- and back-ground, but they certainly seem to be closing in.  There are some close-ups of Captain DuBois here that look tremendous.  And, as for the Cirque du Soleil-inspired bit?  The colors there will truly 'wow' you (if the rest of the film hasn't already).  The DTS-HD 7.1 TrueHD track, too, is just outstanding.  Effects, particularly during that Monte Carlo car chase, whiz all around you, and even when they don't, there are little things happening to let you know that those speakers are still alive and kicking.  I could have done without some of the would-be 3D effects, it is obvious when things are included because the film was released in 3D, but that isn't an issue with the release.

Article Author: Josh Lasser

Josh Lasser, formerly known as "TV and Film Guy," and complete with a Masters Degree in Critical Studies in said areas, gives his opinions on TV, Film, and Entertainment in general. All of which he does in a shameless attempt to try to get paid to do the exact same thing. …

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