Film Synopsis (courtesy of IMDB):
When Scrat accidentally provokes a continental cataclysm with a storm, Manny is separated from Ellie and Peaches on an iceberg with Diego, Sid and Granny but he promises that he will find a way to return home. While crossing the ocean, they are captured by the cruel pirate Captain Gutt and his crew. However they escape and Manny plots a plan to steal Captain Gutt‘s ship and return to his homeland in a dangerous voyage through the sea. But the cruel pirates seek revenge against Manny and his family and friends.
My Take:
I have to admit, I love the Ice Age characters, especially Scrat. The entire crew remind me of the Looney Tunes gang. Ice Age Continental Drift opens to find the gang: Manny, Diego and Sid still enjoying life two million years ago. Manny and his wife Ellie are dealing with teenage daughter Peaches who has aspirations to fit in with the local teen crowd, who Manny doesn’t approve of. So we know from the get go that from the storyline this movie will suck.
While Scrat‘s acorn antics cause the usual laughter crack-up, Manny, Diego, Sid, including Manny’s beloved family… not so much. Maybe I’m just tired of the franchise, maybe the movie is just not that interesting. Like it predecessors, it keeps things simple and builds upon the already established connection we have with its characters.
Regardless, the 3D presentation is nothing short of amazing. Detail is well preserved as the image retains its high level of clarity as objects within the frame are delineated and sharp. Depth is evidenced by the notable separation of objects and or characters within the frame which serves to create a discerning sense of virtual space occupied by things of various sizes and shapes. There are a variety of sequences that provide a fun reach out and touch sense of dimensionality. The sonic presentation is nearly equally as engaging as the visuals.
The DTS–HD Master Audio soundtrack makes for a demo-quality home theatre experience. The active sound design truly benefits from the higher resolution that lossless audio offers. Dynamics are noteworthy as the elements contained within the recording have definitive energy and potent impact. Dialogue is crystal clear throughout just like any one of the previous Ice Age franchise. The mix creates an immersive surround sound experience that achieves excellent balance which correlates nicely with the events transpiring onscreen. LFE soundtrack is tight and engaging the room with butt-kicking low level bass.
If you’re a fan of the franchise, buy this movie. If you’re looking for an amazing 3D animation and want to be floored by the sound quality, buy this movie. If you’re looking for a good storyline… well, you’re expecting Citizen Kane from an animated movie?
Equipment used for this review:
Anthem MRX-700 Receiver
Darbee Darblet DVP-5000 Visual Presence Processor
Grandviewscreen 96” 21:9 matte-white 1.0-gain screen
Kimber Kable 19e HDMI Cables
PSB Century 300i (front and surround speakers)
PSB Image C5 (centre speaker)
PSB Subseries 300 (subwoofer)
Panasonic PT-AE8000U projector
Pioneer BDP-62FD Blu-ray Player
Vermouth Black Curse Speaker Wires
Viewing room is as per THX and SMPTE recommendation
with 45-degree Field of View
Audio: 9/10
3D Video: 9/10
Storyline: 5/10
Studio and Year: 20th Century Fox – 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Feature running time: 88 minutes
Genre: Family
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: MVC/AVC
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio, English/French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Starring: Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Keke Palmer, Jennifer Lopez, Peter Dinklage
Directed by: Steve Martino & Michael Thurmeier
Music by: John Powell
Written by: Michael Berg & Jason Fuchs
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: December 11, 2012
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