Sequels are tricky creatures. When you’re following up a film that not only scored big at the box office but had audiences completely entertained, you’re asking for trouble. You have to exceed all expectations or audiences will think you’re just cashing in on what once worked. But Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is a great example of a sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but actually improves on what made the original Madagascar so successful.
Pros:
– One of the rare sequels that’s as good as or better than the original
– Gorgeous animation compliments the entertaining story
– Loaded with bonus material (including a batch of extras just for kids)
Cons:
– None worth noting
Description:
– Featuring the voices of Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer and Chris Rock
– Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath
– Rated PG for some mild crude humor
– DVD Release Date: February 6, 2009
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa DVD Review – Move It, Move Edition
The Story:
Former Central Park Zoo residents Alex, Melman, Marty, and Gloria return for another adventure in the wild in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. Now, can you guess where they wind up this time? Obviously, our favorite animal gang – joined by King Julien, Maurice, and those pesky, perky penguins – ends up in Africa. Although they were trying to get home to Central Park, winding up in Africa turns out to be a life-changing experience for the escapees from the zoo as they all discover their roots after crashing land in the heart of Africa.
The Bonus Features:
Disc 1 – Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
There’s an incredible amount of goodies to work your way through on this DVD. Directors Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath are joined by producers Mireille Soria and Mark Swift for a commentary track that’s dry but informative. The best of extras is the ‘Making of Escape 2 Africa’ featurette which explores the hows and whys of putting together this sequel. There’s also an entertaining bit on the voice cast and a piece on the research done in Africa to make sure this film looked authentic. If you’re ready for some toe-tapping, check out the MAD Music Videos (including Move It, Move It) which are a lot of fun for all ages. Kids will get a kick out of the ‘Test Flight of Air Penguin’ game.
Disc 2 – The Penguins of Madagascar
This disc is just for the young ones, and they’ll have a great time watching the new animated penguin adventures as well as checking out all the special material. Kids can learn how to dance like Alex the lion and get some interesting insight into real lions in Africa. Insert the disc into your computer to access more fun material for kids.
The Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Move It Move It DVD pack is a great addition to any DVD collection and will provide kids with hours of entertainment.
