Happy Feet Two Blu-ray Review

The "Happy Feet Two" Blu-ray 3D video presentation is an absolute visual feast that leverages the strengths of modern digital CG animation to deliver a breathtakingly immersive experience. The film's native 3D 1080p MVC-encoded transfer, in a theatrically correct widescreen 2.35:1 format and region-free, produces stunning results. Depth and dimensionality are impeccable, as characters like the fluffy penguin chicks and the intricately detailed krill exhibit a solid sense of volume and occupation within their 3D space. Noteworthy is how the krill's antennae and eyes extend convincingly out of the frame while their surroundings recede, creating a dynamic interplay that achieves a wow effect. Overhead shots of penguin colonies and sequences of underwater exploration highlight the remarkable consistency in image depth, with minimal aliasing and ghosting issues observed.

Color reproduction and contrast are exemplary, presenting bold, vibrant palettes without bleed or clipping. Primary colors scorch the Antarctic backdrop with reds, greens, and blues rendered vividly and accurately. The pristine whites of the snow maintain their brilliance throughout, while deep blacks, showcased notably in underwater scenes and night sequences, add significant depth. Detailed textures such as feathers, water, and krill shells are meticulously resolved, offering a razor-sharp lifelike clarity that is visually arresting. Contrast settings deliver strong blacks despite typical 3D limitations, with only minor banding in some underwater scenes reported.

The 3D presentation is crafted with sophisticated design intentions, making full use of spatial elements to animate the screen astounding realism and captivating pop-out effects. Scenes such as The Mighty Sven's flights through the sky or the krill's ocean antics provide beautiful, immersive experiences that can significantly engage both young viewers and seasoned 3D enthusiasts. Minor artifacts like slight ghosting and occasional crosstalk serve as negligible detractions in an otherwise flawless display, making this Blu-ray an excellent test for the capabilities of any 3D-capable display system.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Happy Feet Two" is a masterclass in immersive audio engineering. The audio presentation works in concert with the film’s visuals to create an enveloping experience that is dynamic and precise. The surrounds are meticulously utilized to enhance the ambient sounds such as wind, snow, and ocean waves, ensuring the speakers are always engaged. Dialogue remains clear and natural, predominantly projected from the front array with occasional directional cues. Stereo effects are executed with precision, mirroring on-screen action effectively. The bass is tightly controlled, grounding the mix with sufficient depth, though not always reaching the lowest frequencies achievable by the best soundtracks. The score, from high-energy dance beats to gentler moments, fills the room completely, placing viewers at the heart of the action.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track continues to impress with deep, engaging sound that adds significant weight to every scene. Low-frequency effects (LFE) accompany rock anthems and action sequences, creating tangible vibrations that heighten immersion. The rear speakers are equally active, providing a sound field rich with warbling penguins, crashing waves, and shifting glaciers. Each element in the mix from dialogue to dynamic sound effects is handled with impeccable clarity and prioritization; even the faintest sounds are articulated with precision.

While some have noted that the track primarily utilizes front speakers, it exhibits extensive imaging and a warm presence that feels expansive. The dynamic range is clear and impressive, allowing for a nuanced representation of John Powell's orchestration. Song selections benefit from the high-resolution codec, filling the soundstage and subtly extending into side speakers. The low-end performance of this mix is noteworthy, delivering profound bass that enhances both music and action sequences with palpable weight. Overall, the track is highly satisfying and certain to entertain a wide audience.

The extras in the Blu-ray release of "Happy Feet Two" are diverse and rich, designed to enhance the viewing experience for both children and adults. The highlights include a Looney Tunes short, "I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat," presented in high-definition animation with original Mel Blanc voice recordings, which showcases superior 3D animation and impeccable audio quality. The Behind the Story section features insights from concept and storyboard artist Tim McEwen, who teaches viewers how to draw Erik and discusses character design. Music aficionados will appreciate the various sing-alongs and a segment where Pink discusses the new song she composed for the film. Lastly, the "Happy Feet Two Movie App" offers an interactive second-screen experience, bringing additional depth through games and behind-the-scenes content.

Extras included in this disc:

• I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat: A CG-animated Looney Tunes short.
• How To Draw A Penguin: Tim McEwen on how to draw Erik.
• Running With Boadicea: A look at Boadicea's acrobatics.
• The Amazing Voices of Happy Feet 2: Inside the recording booth with the actors.
• Pink's New Song: Pink on her original song for the film.
• The Mighty Sven Sing-A-Long: Karaoke style sing-along.
• Bridge of Life Sing-A-Long: Karaoke style sing-along.
• Papa Oom Mow Sing-A-Long: Karaoke style sing-along.
• Helping Penguins & Pals: An overview of Antarctic wildlife.
• Happy Feet Two Movie App: Interactive second-screen content.

George Miller's follow-up to the Oscar-winning "Happy Feet" fails to recapture the magic of its predecessor. The structure of "Happy Feet Two" is marred by a scattershot approach to storytelling, resulting in a movie that feels overstuffed yet underdeveloped. The convoluted narrative incorporates numerous subplots and characters, diluting any central message or emotional core. While younger viewers might be entranced by the colorful visuals and energetic dance sequences, the film as a whole struggles to engage audiences with a coherent or compelling story. Despite its vivid animation and impressive 3D effects—which succeed in adding depth and excitement—the film's lack of a strong dramatic narrative ultimately renders it tedious and uninspiring for older viewers.

The film's plot is laden with themes such as environmental awareness and the perils of dogmatic belief, but Miller's execution lacks subtlety and coherence. Characters such as Mumble (Elijah Wood), his son Erik, and the charismatic puffin Sven (Hank Azaria) embark on disjointed adventures that feel more like disparate scenes stitched together rather than components of a unified narrative. Newcomers like the existential krills, Will (Brad Pitt) and Bill (Matt Damon), offer sporadic moments of humor and interest but fail to salvage the overall story from its chaotic presentation. Additionally, the inclusion of live-action human segments feels disconnected and further detracts from the immersion, offering little besides visual incongruity.

Ultimately, "Happy Feet Two" is less a cohesive film and more an amalgamation of visually striking yet narratively disjointed scenes. It suffers from an overabundance of musical numbers and peripheral characters, creating a cluttered experience that lacks the heart and focus needed to resonate with audiences. While it might captivate children with its dynamic visuals, the film misses the mark in delivering a thoughtfully engaging story, leaving it overshadowed by more refined animated features in the genre.

Happy Feet Two stumbles in its narrative execution, struggling to find a cohesive storyline or deliver an emotionally engaging experience. The film lacks the charm and memorability of its predecessor, and while there are fleeting moments of humor, such as the krill's existential musings, these are not enough to carry the film. However, despite its narrative shortcomings, Warner’s Blu-ray release impresses with its spectacular 3D presentation and state-of-the-art audio quality.

The 3D Blu-ray package of "Happy Feet Two" demonstrates a significant technical prowess. The stunning 3D visual quality immerses viewers in the icy realms of Antarctica, making each frame resonate with clarity and depth. Complementing the visual splendor is the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which ensures that every musical beat and environmental sound is rendered with precision, enhancing the immersive experience. Unfortunately, the bonus material included with the Blu-ray, while exclusive, offers little beyond the basics, underscoring the film's overall lack of depth.

In conclusion, while "Happy Feet Two" may flounder in its storytelling and character development, its Blu-ray release stands out for its extraordinary audiovisual quality. This 3D experience could offer enough entertainment to warrant a purchase for families looking for a visually rich adventure. However, for those who prioritize a compelling narrative, renting might be the more prudent option. Ultimately, "Happy Feet Two" on Blu-ray exemplifies how technical excellence can somewhat redeem a lackluster cinematic offering.