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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:

  • Low frequency extension:

  • Surround Sound presentation:

  • 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:

  • Clarity/Detail:

  • Color reproduction:


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:

  • Black level/Shadow detail:

  • Color reproduction:

  • 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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19
#3 ·
I saw the 2D version at the cinema and it was 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Has the 2D bluray been opened up or cropped?
 
#6 ·
I really enjoyed the trailer but was very disappointed when I saw the whole movie- I'd give it a rent first. Also, I think the bluray has either been cropped or opened up from 2.35:1 to 1.78:1. The Internet Movie Database (IMDB) shows it's 1.78:1 but it is been shown in 2.35:1 aspect ratio here in Europe at the cinema at the moment. I posted a question about this issue earlier but no replies yet.
 
#8 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by hsinnott  /t/1434060/madagascar-3-europes-most-wanted-3d-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_22501365


I really enjoyed the trailer but was very disappointed when I saw the whole movie- I'd give it a rent first. Also, I think the bluray has either been cropped or opened up from 2.35:1 to 1.78:1. The Internet Movie Database (IMDB) shows it's 1.78:1 but it is been shown in 2.35:1 aspect ratio here in Europe at the cinema at the moment. I posted a question about this issue earlier but no replies yet.

Yes I think I will rent first. Madagascar 1&2 and Open season 1&2 are animation films that I don't like.
 
#9 ·
thinking about getting the 2D version for the reference quality video but not sure if that alone is worth a blind buy


really comes with a wig?...guess if you have kids it's cool but otherwise not so much...animated movies like this barely ever go down in price so I'm wondering if $19.99 is the best we'll see for quite a long while
 
#11 ·
Ordered and shipped! Saw this with our 4-year-old and, 'course he loved it, but delighted with the 2D theater presentation my wife and I definitely were! Had seen the 3D trailer included as a bonus on our Puss N Boots Blu-ray 3D and it looked far-out! Then read the review on Blu-ray.com and it's confirmed the 3D is high quality! Can't wait to watch it again and enjoy that Matrix-helicopter nod in 3D at home!
Once I do I'll get back here and tell you what I think...
 
#12 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Taranteacher  /t/1434060/madagascar-3-europes-most-wanted-3d-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/0_20#post_22508830


Ordered and shipped! Saw this with our 4-year-old and, 'course he loved it, but delighted with the 2D theater presentation my wife and I definitely were! Had seen the 3D trailer included as a bonus on our Puss N Boots Blu-ray 3D and it looked far-out! Then read the review on Blu-ray.com and it's confirmed the 3D is high quality! Can't wait to watch it again and enjoy that Matrix-helicopter nod in 3D at home!
Once I do I'll get back here and tell you what I think...

Greetings,


I am relieved to know that Blu-ray.com confirmed that the quality of the 3D presentation is high..




Regards,
 
#14 ·
My personal take on this movie:

I found it more enjoyable than the first two in the series, but I especially liked the 3D in this movie.


IMO, the 3D in this movie is some of the most impressive yet. Some folks tend to consider pop out moments 'fun but cheesy' and in some cases like 'A Very Harold And Kumar Christmas', that's a very apt description, and in that case, it was deliberate on the director's part to the point that they even made fun of it ("What are you pointing at?"). AVHAKC previously held the title for greatest number of pop outs, but I think Madagascar 3 3D beats it, and in a good way.


My perception of Madagascar 3's 3D was different from AVHAKC (and just about any other 3D movie thus far). Although there are definitely quite a few deliberate, "Whoa!" pop out moments, what intrigued me as an avid 3D fan, is that the director appears to be one of the first to truly attempt to erase the screen plane. What I mean by this is that most 3D movies tend to use it for depth, and then they toss in the occasional pop out moments. The result is sort of like watching kids playing through an open window, where someone occasionally throws a ball through the window. You see in 3D but you are always apart from the action and not a part of their environment. Occasionally, something passes from their environment (their side of the window) to yours.


In Madagascar 3 though, the usage of pop out is so frequent (and to varying degrees of perceived distance) I get the impression that I AM in the environment. It shows in examples as simple and subtle as scenery that extends both in and out of the screen and objects and parts of characters doing the same thing and moving in and out of the screen plane. I loved it! More 3D needs to be made this way.


IMO, worth viewing for its entertainment factor, but definitely worth buying for 3D fans.



Max
 
#15 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by djbluemax1  /t/1434060/madagascar-3-europes-most-wanted-3d-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/0_20#post_22531506


My personal take on this movie:

I found it more enjoyable than the first two in the series, but I especially liked the 3D in this movie.

IMO, the 3D in this movie is some of the most impressive yet. Some folks tend to consider pop out moments 'fun but cheesy' and in some cases like 'A Very Harold And Kumar Christmas', that's a very apt description, and in that case, it was deliberate on the director's part to the point that they even made fun of it ("What are you pointing at?"). AVHAKC previously held the title for greatest number of pop outs, but I think Madagascar 3 3D beats it, and in a good way.

My perception of Madagascar 3's 3D was different from AVHAKC (and just about any other 3D movie thus far). Although there are definitely quite a few deliberate, "Whoa!" pop out moments, what intrigued me as an avid 3D fan, is that the director appears to be one of the first to truly attempt to erase the screen plane. What I mean by this is that most 3D movies tend to use it for depth, and then they toss in the occasional pop out moments. The result is sort of like watching kids playing through an open window, where someone occasionally throws a ball through the window. You see in 3D but you are always apart from the action and not a part of their environment. Occasionally, something passes from their environment (their side of the window) to yours.

In Madagascar 3 though, the usage of pop out is so frequent (and to varying degrees of perceived distance) I get the impression that I AM in the environment. It shows in examples as simple and subtle as scenery that extends both in and out of the screen and objects and parts of characters doing the same thing and moving in and out of the screen plane. I loved it! More 3D needs to be made this way.

IMO, worth viewing for its entertainment factor, but definitely worth buying for 3D fans.

Max

Greetings,


Great post djbluemax1...



Thanks for sharing your thoughts.


Regards,
 
#16 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ralph Potts  /t/1434060/madagascar-3-europes-most-wanted-3d-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_22531590

Quote:
Originally Posted by djbluemax1  /t/1434060/madagascar-3-europes-most-wanted-3d-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/0_20#post_22531506


My personal take on this movie:

I found it more enjoyable than the first two in the series, but I especially liked the 3D in this movie.

IMO, the 3D in this movie is some of the most impressive yet. Some folks tend to consider pop out moments 'fun but cheesy' and in some cases like 'A Very Harold And Kumar Christmas', that's a very apt description, and in that case, it was deliberate on the director's part to the point that they even made fun of it ("What are you pointing at?"). AVHAKC previously held the title for greatest number of pop outs, but I think Madagascar 3 3D beats it, and in a good way.

My perception of Madagascar 3's 3D was different from AVHAKC (and just about any other 3D movie thus far). Although there are definitely quite a few deliberate, "Whoa!" pop out moments, what intrigued me as an avid 3D fan, is that the director appears to be one of the first to truly attempt to erase the screen plane. What I mean by this is that most 3D movies tend to use it for depth, and then they toss in the occasional pop out moments. The result is sort of like watching kids playing through an open window, where someone occasionally throws a ball through the window. You see in 3D but you are always apart from the action and not a part of their environment. Occasionally, something passes from their environment (their side of the window) to yours.

In Madagascar 3 though, the usage of pop out is so frequent (and to varying degrees of perceived distance) I get the impression that I AM in the environment. It shows in examples as simple and subtle as scenery that extends both in and out of the screen and objects and parts of characters doing the same thing and moving in and out of the screen plane. I loved it! More 3D needs to be made this way.

IMO, worth viewing for its entertainment factor, but definitely worth buying for 3D fans.

Max

Greetings,


Great post djbluemax1...



Thanks for sharing your thoughts.


Regards,
Thanks for all the great reviews. There are some movies that I know I'll be picking up without a doubt, and some I have little interest in, but your reviews have helped with a lot of 'on-the-fence' decisions. Love reading your reviews Ralph, and hope to read many more.



Max
 
#19 ·
"Originally Posted by djbluemax1

My personal take on this movie:

I found it more enjoyable than the first two in the series, but I especially liked the 3D in this movie.

IMO, the 3D in this movie is some of the most impressive yet. Some folks tend to consider pop out moments 'fun but cheesy' and in some cases like 'A Very Harold And Kumar Christmas', that's a very apt description, and in that case, it was deliberate on the director's part to the point that they even made fun of it ("What are you pointing at?"). AVHAKC previously held the title for greatest number of pop outs, but I think Madagascar 3 3D beats it, and in a good way.

My perception of Madagascar 3's 3D was different from AVHAKC (and just about any other 3D movie thus far). Although there are definitely quite a few deliberate, "Whoa!" pop out moments, what intrigued me as an avid 3D fan, is that the director appears to be one of the first to truly attempt to erase the screen plane. What I mean by this is that most 3D movies tend to use it for depth, and then they toss in the occasional pop out moments. The result is sort of like watching kids playing through an open window, where someone occasionally throws a ball through the window. You see in 3D but you are always apart from the action and not a part of their environment. Occasionally, something passes from their environment (their side of the window) to yours.

In Madagascar 3 though, the usage of pop out is so frequent (and to varying degrees of perceived distance) I get the impression that I AM in the environment. It shows in examples as simple and subtle as scenery that extends both in and out of the screen and objects and parts of characters doing the same thing and moving in and out of the screen plane. I loved it! More 3D needs to be made this way.

IMO, worth viewing for its entertainment factor, but definitely worth buying for 3D fans.

Max

Greetings,

Great post djbluemax1...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Regards,

Thanks for all the great reviews. There are some movies that I know I'll be picking up without a doubt, and some I have little interest in, but your reviews have helped with a lot of 'on-the-fence' decisions. Love reading your reviews Ralph, and hope to read many more.

Max"


Couldn't've said it better myself, Max! This is exactly what I meant by the Blu-ray 3D trailer of Madagascar 3 included in the BR 3D of Puss 'N' Boots as being "far-out!" And, yes, thank you, Ralph! Unfortunately, my copy is suffering a shipping delay (to Mexico) ...
 
#22 ·
watched this on a panasonic 65gt50 plasma tv last night .i have a lot of 3d bluray movies and i have to say this is the best 3d bluray out there bar none. the pop out and depth are top notch and the movie is funny. if you have a 3d tv do yourself a favor and get this 3d bluray to show off with reference quality 3d.
 
#26 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by UGAd13  /t/1434060/madagascar-3-europes-most-wanted-3d-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/20_20#post_22793995


watched the 2D rental version over the weekend and... WOW. the PQ is definitely worthy of a 100. Even my wife noticed - it was that good! (She couldn't really notice a difference b/t Nemo on DVD vs BD)

Greetings,


Glad to hear you both enjoyed it!



Regards,
 
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