Starring
The Voices Of: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Dennis Leary, Goran Visnjic, and Jack
Black
Writers:
Michael Berg, Michael J. Wilson, and Peter Ackerman
Based
On A Story By: Michael J. Wilson
Directors:
Carlos Saldaha and Chris Wedge
Feature
length: 81 minutes
Extras:
Ice Age Activity Book
Languages:
English Stereo
Packaging:
Two-Disc Jewel Case Within A Glossy Slipcase
Sound:
Stereo Sound
Year
of Theatrical Release: 2002/VCD Release: 2002
Theatrical
Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox
Home
Video Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment Through Video Van
(In Malaysia Only)
MPAA
Rating: PG
Reviewer:
Mark A. Rivera
“Ice
Age” was a big hit earlier this year and pushed the envelope on the ever
expanding art of feature length computer generated animated films. Twenty
thousand years ago, at the dawn of the Ice Age, three completely mismatched
creatures were bought together by a twist of fate to return a Neanderthal baby
boy to his father. The trio is Sid (voice of John Leguizamo), a fast-talking and
comical sloth, Manfred (voice of Ray Romano), a moody wooly mammoth, and Diego
(voice of Dennis Leary), a sinister saber-toothed tiger. Confronting boiling
lava pits, treacherous ice tunnels, and squirrel-rat named Scrat who is
frantically trying to bury his beloved acorn, collectively they are the weirdest
heard to ever walk the prehistoric Earth.
“Ice
Age” is a panic and one of the best-animated films I have seen this year. The
film is on the same level of craftsmanship as some of last year’s CGI animated
features and with a touch of heart. The film is somewhat reminiscent of
“Dinosaur,” but is very different at the same time.
The
“Ice Age” VCD features the film presented in a panned and scanned (1.33:1)
aspect ratio with a clear digital quality English Stereo Soundtrack and no
foreign subtitles that obscure the scenes. Disc one (44:05) has an advertisement
for Fox Studios in Australia before the feature while disc two has the balance
of the feature (36:34), but unfortunately none of the extra features included on
the upcoming American Region One DVD release are included on the VCD. The
picture quality considering the limitations of MPEG-1 compression is excellent
with no color bleeding or artifacts. The images appear a shade lighter than the
DVD counterpart, but for someone with a laptop and a CD-ROM drive or as a
cheaper alternative to the NTSC VHS tape and the reliability and performance
that comes with longer lasting digital technology that is inherent to any disc
based technology whether it be the now defunct laserdisc format or DVD and VCD,
this is worth considering. Both Video-CDs are handsomely packaged with nice disc
surface cover art within a two-disc jewel case that is packaged with a glossy
slipcase that takes advantage of the insert cover art behind the plastic jewel
case cover to make it seem as if the characters are looking at you through a
hole in the ice.
A
24-page activity book is packaged within the slipcase as well and features hard
copy versions of some of the DVD-Video/ROM games and printable elements found on
the Region One DVD release. These include party games, instructions on how to
create “Ice Age” inspired finger puppets, ornaments, recipes for “Ice
Age” treats, and games within the book like “Spot the Differences,” “Nut
Hunt,” “Find Roshan,” coloring images, a drawing lesson, and more.
There’s even a “Freeze Your Week” planner within the back flap of the
booklet. This is a genuine VCD
legally distributed by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment with the
“Original Premiere 20th Century Fox VCD” logo visible on the
jewel case.
This
VCD is PAL formatted and while PCs and most DVD-Video players can play them
back, not all DVD players are backwardly compatible with VCD so check your
player’s documentation first before you buy. “Ice Age” is available on VCD
now and can be purchased directly online from www.eurekamovies.com.
©
Copyright 2002 By Mark A. Rivera
All Rights Reserved.