The film does have a fantastic look, arguably better than the competition from Pixar. The fish aren't built around being realistic, but human. The way they move (especially facial expressions) is jaw dropping, just centered on a shallow, albeit imaginative movie.
DreamWorks is filled with talented people who come up with some great ideas. "Antz" failed for the same reasons "Shark Tale" does. It just doesn't know whom it's trying to entertain. Something like "Toy Story" can walk that fine line between children and adult, keeping them both captivated the entire time. That's even something "Shrek" did well. Maybe they should just stick with their moneymaker. (** out of *****)
Though it may not be a movie you'll be putting in to actually watch all the way through, you're bound to pop this one for it's miraculous transfer. This is reference quality piece, of course taken right off the computer onto the disc. It has some very minor aliasing trouble early on when trying to pack in tons of detail into a lower resolution, but that's really it. Even with bright reds and blues, this sharp transfer doesn't show a single compression block. There's not a moment to be had where this picture doesn't make you think it's some sort of super-DVD. Just incredible. (*****)
Maybe it looks so good because there isn't much to listen to. Granted there's not very much action to be had (come to think of it, really only one scene), it should be obvious there is plenty of room for immersion. There's no moving water that surrounds the viewer, no bubbles, and zero movement. Everything stays squarely in the front speakers. You'll hear a few brief moments of separation and then there's nothing for another half-hour. To call it disappointing would be understating the facts since there is so much potential here. (**)
The same goes for the extras, offering nothing of value or anything related to the making of the film, instead focusing on selling you a movie you just bought. The only real extra is a commentary from the three directors, Bibo Bergeron, Vicky Jenson, and Rob Letterman. They take you through the process and point out references you may have missed.
"Club Oscar" starts off the special features set. This is a mildly amusing feature in which the cast (the animated kind) dance to a variety of music featured in the film including "You Can't Touch This." The kids can move on to learn the moves performed by the fish with a few instructional videos under "Get Your Groove On." Moving forward takes you to the rather pointless kids section of the disc. Your children can access a variety of brief comedic scenes (which they could easily do with the chapter stops), play the usual derivative (and simple) DVD games that couldn't possibly hole their attention, and play around with some DVD-ROM features.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
I was really disappointed with this film. They missed the mark in terms of making a film for the whole family. I was bored, as were many of the kids at the screening I was at. Some of the animation was good, but it was wasted on a dull plot and non-existent characters.
2 - Eric Olsen
thanks Matt, another very fine, thorough review. I basically agree with your assessment -- including about the amazing animation and weak plot -- but I do find myself liking the movie overall much better on DVD than in the theater. It seems to flow better and I found it funnier, but perhaps it's just familiarity talking. It's hard to beat that amazing look, also.