Ice Age: The Meltdown

Video
Again providing an overly compressed screener copy from Fox, the DVD´s video is lacking. This is most noticeable when any sort of action or movement takes place; a great deal of pixilation and grain seems to take over the image which is extremely noticeable here. Still the image manages to be very bright and colorful in its anamorphic widescreen presentation. It looks good but it moves poorly.

Audio
The DVD is present in a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio mix. This a great sounding mix overall, though not entirely immersive. It provides crisp and clear front channels when working with the dialogue and it expands into the surrounds when pumping up the music or action scenes in the film. To say the least, the audio mix is solid, making for an enjoyable experience. French and Spanish Dolby surround mixes are also included, along English and Spanish subtitles.

Extras
Fox has provided a great assortment of extras that keep the family fun going on this release. The most noteworthy is another Scrat short entitled "No Time For Nuts." It´s a clever and hilarious romp through time as Scrat finds himself going through the years just to get his nut.

Next up are a pair of audio commentaries, the first from director Carlos Sandahna and the other with the film´s cast and crew. Another funny piece is the inclusion of "Crash and Eddie Stunts" which is series of stunts from the notorious duo. "Animation Director's" Chair is interesting and enjoyable display of the film´s storyboard to final product.
"Meet Crash and Eddie" and "Meet Ellie" are very quick EPK style informational videos that place a spotlight on the new additions. "Lost Historical Films" are some very entertaining mock-umentaries on the film´s characters and even provides a good portion of facts about the animals upon which they´re based.

Also included are "Scrat's Pirahna Smackdown Sound Effects Lab," "Outtake Prank," "Silly Sid," "Musical Montage," "Sid's Sing-A-Long," "Marketing the Meltdown," "Ice Age Arcade," DVD Rom Features and Fox Promos

Film Value
I wouldn´t call "Ice Age: The Meltdown" a better film that the original but I would place it on par with it. It offers up a nice mix of laughs, light drama and tension to make the whole thing work. It´s a charming movie that fits nicely into the pantheon of 3D animated films. It´s not exactly a diamond in the rough, but it´s darn near close. Plus there´s a lot more Scrat this time around with many funny moments abound.

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