DVD Review: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

By Nikhil Ramsubramaniam -

December 7, 2012 - 4:05 AM IST

MOVIE DETAILS

DVD Review: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

Cast: Voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen

Director: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, Conrad Vernon

Producer: Mark Swift, Mireille Soria

THE FILM

The Awesome Foursome of Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer), and Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith) return to entertain us yet again in Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted- the third installment of the successful Madagascar franchise.

The film begins with our four main protagonists stranded in Africa after being ditched by the Penguins and Monkeys who took off in their plane in the last part of this series. The team is still finding ways to get back to their home in New York City but for that they must first find the penguins who are having a blast gambling away to glory in the casinos of Monte Carlo. When they finally manage to nab the penguins and the monkeys, they encounter a ruthless Animal Control Chief Captain Chantel Dubois (Frances McDormand) who wants to get hold of the animals and especially Alex the Lion at any cost. Perpetually on the run from Dubois, Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria take refuge with a travelling circus in the hope that it will help them eventually get to their home in NYC. The circus troupe is headed by the grumpy Tiger Vitaly (Bryan Cranston), the funny sea lion Stefano (Martin Short) and the lovable jaguar Gia (Jessica Chastain). How our Awesome Foursome become a part of the circus troupe after the initial series of hiccups and do they manage to reach their home back in NYC forms the rest of this entertaining film.

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted is an entertaining joy-ride whether you are 6 or 60 years old. The film was released in 3D in cinema halls earlier this year and it sure has some real eye-popping 3D moments. The animation is top notch and every single frame of the film is a visual delight. However it's not just the animation but the story also which keeps you hooked on to the proceedings. There are portions when the film's pace dips but it soon picks up towards a colorful and hilarious climax.

The strength of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted lies in its ensemble cast of heavyweights who have given voice to the epic characters. Ben Stiller is outstanding yet again as Alex the Lion conveying the right emotions every time. Chris Rock as Marty the Zebra is a laugh-riot and has the funniest lines in the film. David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith have a few likeable moments as well. Bryan Cranston impresses thoroughly as the grumpy Tiger Vitaly and Jessica Chastain brings in a lot of compassion to the character of Gia the jaguar. However the one character that stays with you long after the film is over is that of the evil Animal Control Chief Dubois voiced by Frances McDwho is simply too good.

DURATION

The film's duration is 91 minutes

SPECIAL FEATURES

Big Top Cast- This section takes you behind the scenes at how the ensemble cast actually gave voice to the animated characters. It's a riot seeing the likes of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith and others at their animated best as they bring out the exact nuances required for their on-screen characters.

Deleted Scenes- This section features only 3 deleted scenes most of which are shown in their storyboard format with an explanation by the 3 directors on why the scene didn't make the final cut

Mad Music Mash-Up- It's the season of Mash-ups and the Madagascar team is also not far behind creating their own mash-up of some of their popular dance tracks including that cult song 'I like to Move It, Move It'

Commentary by directors Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, Conrad Vernon

TECHNICAL DETAILS

- Languages- English 5.1, Hindi 5.1, Hebrew 5.1, Hungarian 5.1

- Subtitles- English, Hindi, Hebrew, Hungarian

- Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation 1.78:1

PRICE

Rs. 599/=

CONCLUSION

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted should have been ideally seen in the theatres for its 3D experience. But for those who missed it, the DVD is worth a buy as the film is one helluva colourful and entertaining joy-ride that makes you feel like you've been a part of a carnival. Recommended!

Rating: * * * Â½