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Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted 3D (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

7K views 31 replies 15 participants last post by  jamawass 
#1 ·


The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )

Film:


Extras:


Audio/3D Video total rating:

( Max score: 100 )
94





Studio and Year: DreamWorks - 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Feature running time: 93 minutes
Genre: Family

Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: MVC/AVC
Video Aspect: 1.78:1
Resolution: 1080p/24


Audio Format(s): English Dolby TrueHD 7.1, French/Spanish/English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett-Smith, David Schwimmer, Matin Short, Cedric The Entertainer, Jessica Chastain, Bryan Cranston, Frances McDormand, Sacha Baron Cohen,
Directed by: Eric Darnell, Conrad Vernon, Tom McGrath
Music by: Hans Zimmer
Written by: Eric Darnell & Noah Baumbach
Region Code: A,B,C

Blu-ray Disc release Date: October 16, 2012
"The world is sick. And we are the doctors"


Film Synopsis:


Your favorite characters are back in their most hilarious adventure yet! Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria are on the run through Europe in this wildly-entertaining and outrageous comedy critics call “charming and very funny!” (Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun-Times). With the fame-loving King Julian and take-charge Penguins, the whole crew joins the circus to escape Captain Dubois of Animal Control.



My Take:


Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman are back and still trying to work their way back to New York City their beloved Central Park zoo. Still in search of the penguins and monkeys they travel to Monte Carlo. After locating them in disguise in a casino, there is a bit of a mishap that unfortunately attracts the attention of pesky Animal Control Captain Chantel Dubois, who immediately measures Alex for a place on her wall of animal trophy heads. After narrowly escaping their only means of a clean getaway is a traveling circus train bound for other parts of Europe. Alex and company along with the penguins/monkeys manage to bluff their way into circus troupe in the hopes of somehow using it as a means to get back to America and New York. Without all the fine details quite worked out they quickly find themselves in the precarious position of becoming circus performers, all the while being pursued by Captain Dubois who won’t be denied her prize. To make matters worse the circus is in serious need of a makeover. Perhaps some new blood is just the ticket, or is it? It’s going to take more than luck to see Marty, Alex, Gloria, Melman and the gang through this one. Luckily they find that taking chances on new friends and maybe a career (?) takes them farther than they thought was possible.


Sequels to successful films can have a tough row to hoe. The original Madagascar was fresh, heartwarming, and of course funny. Trying to recreate those traits without making it feel like a simple rehashing of the original can be tricky. I liked Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa but didn’t find it as good as Madagascar. By that I mean it felt much like the first one but without the fresh feel. Luckily that isn’t the case with Madagascar 3: Europe’s most wanted. I think that it successfully achieves the heartwarming elements and slapstick of the original while adding more adventure, cleverly infused humor and a great cache of secondary characters that compliments the proceedings. In addition to the returning members of the cast the new characters are played perfectly by the actors lending them their voices. Frances McDormand is a hoot as Captain Dubois, Bryan Cranston is spot on as the gravelly Russian tiger Vitaly, and Jessica Chastain’s allure even manages to come through while portraying an animated Jaguar. Everything from the music to the incredible animation helps to drive the story and keep interest high. At 93 minutes Madagascar 3: Europe’s most wanted is paced just right and makes for pitch perfect family entertainment.


Parental Guide:


The rating is for mild action and rude humor.



AUDIO/VIDEO - By The Numbers:
REFERENCE = 92-100 / EXCELLENT = 83-91 / GOOD = 74-82 / AVERAGE = 65-73 / BELOW AVERAGE = under 65

**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**




Audio: 92

(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)

  • Dynamics:

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  • Clarity/Detail:

  • Dialogue Reproduction:


3D Presentation: 96

(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)

  • Depth (Onscreen):

  • Dimension (Beyond the screen):

  • Realism:

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Madascar3: Europe’s most wanted 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from Paramount featuring 1080p MVC encoded video and lossless Dolby TrueHD 7.1 channel sound that has an average bitrate of 4.4 Mbps.


This film is a native 3D film that positively translates to Blu-ray. Detail is well preserved as the image retains its high level of clarity as objects within the frame are delineated and sharp. Depth is excellent as evidenced by the notable separation of objects or characters layered in the near field/background which creates an involving sense of virtual space occupied by things of various sizes and shapes as well as their correlation to the camera’s perspective. There are a plethora of sequences that provide a gimmicky and fun reach out and touch sense of dimension. The chase scene in Monte Carlo starts things off but the stand outs are the London circus show (done to Katy Perry’s “Firework”) and the NY finale. Madagascar 3 makes definitive use of the 3D platform and emphasizes effects that are designed to elicit audience reaction via objects coming out of the screen etc. It definitely made the experience a bit more fun. Contrast is spot on, blacks are rich and colors are vivid and deeply saturated. The blend creates a visually dynamic effect. I didn’t notice any overtly distracting signs of ghosting/crosstalk. This is among the more active 3D presentations I have seen and is tailor made for fans of the format.


The soundtrack for this film is not the type that contains powerful low frequency transients or extended dynamics. Its strengths lie in its attention to detail, music and entertaining use of the surround platform, all of which is readily handled by this terrific Dolby TrueHD 7.1 channel mix. Hans Zimmer’s music sounds great and features articulated instrumentation that smoothly integrates with the vocal performances and sound effects. Dialogue is definitively reproduced with excellent clarity and room penetration through the center channel. Off camera directional cues and panning sequences are spot on which help create a believable and stable sound stage. The surrounds are actively engaged either in support of the music or to handle the films room traversing sounds. Low frequency effects are not subterranean but there is ample bass response present where appropriate. I was impressed with the amount of subtle nuance that is clearly audible even during active sequences. I found this to be a balanced and pleasing surround mix that accented this entertaining animated family film.


2D Video Quality:

Video: 100

(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)

  • Resolution/Clarity:

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  • Fleshtones:

  • Compression:


Madagascar 3: Europe’s most wanted comes to Blu-ray Disc from Paramount featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 28 Mbps.


This is a pristine and reference quality high definition presentation from Paramount. The video quality is superlative in its depiction of the film’s animated subjects. Detail and definition is impeccably rendered as images have a luminous and sparkling clarity that is appreciably dimensional. Fine degrees of subtle delineation and texture are clearly discernible. Colors are richly saturated, vibrant and beautifully rendered. Primary colors are particularly vivid and exhibit visibly delineated stages that bring out subtle degrees of separation. Contrast is spot on, blacks are rich with deep highlights and grays exhibit multi-layered stages that enhance dimension. It looks gorgeous on my big screen.


Bonus Features:


  • Disc 1:

  • Madagascar 3: Europe’s most wanted – 3D Blu-ray


  • Disc 2:

  • Madagascar 3: Europe’s most wanted - 2D Blu-ray (plus bonus features)

  • Audio commentary with directors Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and Conrad Vernon

  • (HD)*Exclusive* Pop-up Trivia Track

  • (HD)*Exclusive* Get them to the train – Interactive search game

  • (HD)*Exclusive* The animator’s corner – Interactive in-movie experience with storyboards, and commentary by the cast and crew

  • (HD) Big top cast – 13 minute featurette

  • (HD) Ringmasters – 15 minute documentary on a day in the life of the film’s directors

  • (HD) Madagascar 3 roundtable – A discussion between Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock and David Schwimmer – 3 minutes

  • (HD) 3 deleted scenes with director introduction

  • (HD) Mad music mash-up

  • Bonus DVD

  • Digital Copy

  • Ultraviolet Digital Copy




Final Thoughts:

Madagascar 3: Europe’s most wanted is a fun family movie that is reminiscent of the original and rejoins the audience with these lovable characters as well as a few new ones that are sure to bring a smile to your face. Paramount and DreamWorks has brought it to Blu-ray Disc in this three disc package that boasts exemplary high definition audio/video and an entertaining 3D presentation that enhances the experience. Add to that a complimentary assortment of bonus supplements including Blu-ray Disc exclusives and you have a rewarding offering that the whole family can enjoy.












Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews





Reference Review System:



JVC DLA-RS55 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector

Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16x9 Screen

Onkyo PR-SC5508 THX Ultra 2 Audio/Video Processor

Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier

Oppo BDP-93 Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)

Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)

Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)

Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)

System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control

Canton "Ergo" Series speakers

Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers

SV Sound PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)

APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector

Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
 
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#28 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Toe  /t/1434060/madagascar-3-europes-most-wanted-3d-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/20_20#post_22800535


I just recently watched the 3d version finally and WOW what a 3d transfer! Have also watched it in 2d which was jaw dropping as well. Either way you watch, this one is sure to please!

Greetings,





Regards,
 
#30 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Franin  /t/1434060/madagascar-3-europes-most-wanted-3d-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/20_20#post_22809669


With the positive review behind this I decided to get it today. Will be watching with the kids tonight.

Greetings,


Great! Be sure to post back with your thoughts Frank...



Regards,
 
#32 ·
Another spot on review, Ralph. Watched this in 3D in the theaters and enjoyed it tremendously. My wife and one of my other kids hadn't watched it so rented the 2D this weekend. Everyone had so much fun and is it just me or is the London Circus scene to Kate Perry's "Firework" one of the most memorable animated scenes ever?I was just blown away when I saw it in the theater and it made up for whatever shortcomings I perceived in the movie.
 
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