DVD
REVIEW:
MADAGASCAR ESCAPE 2 AFRICA
02/05/09
Toy Story 2 setup a precedence on how a sequel should be done.
The notion that it should be as good or better than its
original and should make movie goers talk about it became
a standard rule. Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and the DreamWorks
animation studios did just that in Madagascar Escape 2
Africa. A film that is better than its original in every
aspect and will have families laughing and highly entertained.
Madagascar Escape 2 Africa begins just
where the first one left off. We find Alex the Lion, Marty the
Zebra, Gloria the Hippopotamus and Melman the Giraffe trying
to get back to New York in an old crashed 2 engine plane. But
who is fixed and dared to pilot the airplane? you guest it.
Skipper, Kowalski, Private and Rico, the ingenious and
eccentric Penguins, accompanied by Phil and Mason
the chimps. Characters that were the bread and butter of the comedy
in the first Madagascar. Also we find Julien the King-Tailed
Lemur, who has decided to join the lost tourist New
Yorkers in their return home. All these favorite characters
make their appearance in the first five minutes of the film,
setting the tone for a movie full of adventure,
comedy and fun.
Writers and directors Eric
Darnell and Tom McGrath managed to create a story,
which is far superior than its predecessor, providing a simple, but
engaging story that goes deeper in the personality of
this zoo-raised friends. This time around the main story is
about
Alex the lion and his return to his mother land,
Africa. However in this story not only Alex gets to find things
about his roots, also Marty, Melman and Gloria get the
opportunity to get in touch with their races. The amazing
thing about this screenplay, was the ability of Eric
Darnell and Tom McGrath to create quality screen time for over
13 characters and still be able to keep the
story nicely flowing.
Once again, the funny scenes belong to
the Penguins. Skipper, Kowalski, Private and Rico. These
hilarious characters get plenty of exposure in the film to provide
the laughs that made them the fan favorites in the first Madagascar.
A character that gets more screen time this time is,
Julien the King-Tailed Lemur who made a big splash in
the prequel with his dancing and singing abilities (Remember
I like to move it, move it?). The only difference is
that this time Julien will be captivating audiences with
his whistling abilities.
The DVD is well presented
like is always the case with Paramount Home Entertainment's
DVD releases. The film is presented in a widescreen format
with an 1.85:1 aspect ratio, complenting the viewing
experience is a 5.1 Dolby Digital sound in English, French
and Spanish. In terms of the special features the DVD
includes, your standard "Filmmakers Commentary" and a
set of featurettes covering all aspects of the making of the
film. It also includes music videos starting our animals
heroes. As a part of this release Paramount Home
Entertainment is including an extra DVD, featuring two
all-new, never-before-seen animated adventures from
Nickelodeon’s brand new series, The Penguins of Madagascar.
The series stars four feathered family favorites and King
Julian back at the New York zoo. Overall the features are
good in this Move It! Move It! Double DVD Pack.
VIDEO:
1.85:1 16x9 Widescreen
1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
(The Penguins of Madagascar)
AUDIO:
English,
Spanish and French
5.1 (Dolby Digital).
Subtitles - English Spanish
French - Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
DISC 1:
Filmmaker
Commentary by Directors/ Co-Writers Eric Darnell and
Tom McGrath and Producers Mirelle Soria and Mark Swift
It's A Family Affair:
The Cast of ESCAPE 2 AFRICA: The cast talk about the
film (9:01)
The Making of ESCAPE
2 AFRICA: A short but interesting featurette, in
which the filmmakers talk about their approach for this
sequel (11:02)
Crash Landing:
Filmmakers talk about how the crash landing scene was
created. (3:39)
African Adventure
Filmmakers talk about their experience in an African
Adventure prior to making the film. (7:16)
Jambo Jambo: Swahili
Speak: Learn how to speak Swahili (1:42)
Test Flight of Air
Penguin Game
MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2
AFRICA Activision Game Trailer
Four MAD Music Videos
1. "The Traveling Song”
Sing Along
2. "Move It, Move It"
3. “Big and Chunky”
4. “She Loves Me”
DreamWorks Animation Video JukeBox
DISC 2:
THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR
1. “Popcorn Panic”
2. “Gone in a Flash”
The Bronx Zoo:
Madagascar
Alex’s Dance Off
The Heart of a Lion
DVD-Rom
1. MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2
AFRICA PC Flash Mini-Game
2. MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA Game Demo w/ Exclusive Cheat
Code
3. HP Printables
4. Weblinks
Penguin Easter Eggs
1. Move It, Move It
2. Hock Shop
3. Julien’s Birthday
4. Tug of War
5. Fully Armed
6. No Thanks, I’m Stuffed
RATING BREAK DOWN:
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VIDEO |
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AUDIO |
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