A truly all-star cast returns to voice this second outing for the navigationally-challenged zoo crew and they should be thankful that they did. Better than the original film in every respect, Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa starts strongly, taking up where the last film left off with a bid to get back to the safety of the Manhattan zoo they call home, but crash-landing the animals in the heart of Africa instead.
Their subsequent adventure is far less copycat than before, the humour is more subtle, the characterisations more original and downright funny – the hippo Moto Moto is a real treat – and the treatment is less anthropomorphic overall, mitigating the usual inferiority of Dreamworks’ efforts when compared to Pixar.
The Blu-ray version has been graced with a few extras not seen on the DVD: nothing that looks very innovative, but there’s are clips dubbed ‘Filmmakers’ CommentarY’, ‘The Animators’ Corner’, a ‘Trivia Track’ and a bunch of high-definition versions of specific film clips.
Special features
DWA Jukebox, It’s A Family Affair: The Cast of Escape 2 Africa, The Making of Escape 2 Africa, The Bronx Zoo: Madagascar (with Pop Ups), Jambo Jambo: Swahili Speak, Alex’s Dance Off, Mad Music Videos, HP Printables, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Activision Game Trailer, Nick Interstitials (easter egg).
Specifications
Film rating: PG
Starring: Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen
Format: Blu-ray version reviewed, also available on DVD
Sound formats: Dolby Digital 5.1
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
BD live features?: No
Running time: 85 minutes
