Ice Age: Collision Course 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Ice Age: Collision Course" is a visually stunning upgrade from its Blu-ray counterpart, delivering a marvel of high-definition expressiveness and detail that elevates the viewing experience substantially. With an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer framed at a cinematic 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the visual fidelity of this animated feature impresses with an almost tangible texture density. The fur on the myriad of creatures, notably the mammoths, is rendered with such lifelike finesse that one could almost reach out and touch it. This realism extends to the environments too, where intricate details like the scuffs on ice surfaces and the blemishes on character skins are depicted with precision, enhancing the film's visual storytelling.

The HDR enhancement aids in fleshing out a broader and more nuanced palette of colors, from the deep inky blacks of outer space to the vibrant greens and blues of the Earthly landscapes. Notably, the implementation of HDR10 enriches the screen with luminescent whites and dense black levels, creating a contrast that adds depth and dimensionality to the animation. This contrast is further highlighted in scenes filled with specular highlights, allowing for visibility of minute features and textures that would otherwise blend into the background. Colors are not just enhanced but are given life, making scenes more immersive – from electrifying purples and violets of meteorites and energy phenomena to the lush, varied greens of foliage.

Technically, "Ice Age: Collision Course" on 4K UHD shines as an exemplary demonstration of how animated films can benefit from the highest fidelity home video formats available. The sharper clarity, detail in both foreground and background elements, and the depth achieved through precise color grading and black levels contribute to a viewing experience that is not only a significant step up from its 1080p counterpart but also showcases how well animation can leap off the screen, making it a must-have for enthusiasts looking to experience this icy adventure in the best quality possible.

The Dolby Atmos track present in the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Ice Age: Collision Course" offers an enriching and immersive audio experience, though with some caveats. The Atmos mix is cleverly utilized to create a vibrant soundstage that combines atmospheric sounds, music, and discrete effects. This well-balanced approach enhances the viewer's immersion by accurately placing audio elements within the scenes. Vocals stand out with exceptional clarity, ensuring every nuance is captured, while the dynamic range provides a robust backdrop. However, while the soundtrack boasts excellent fidelity and sound separation, it achieves this without fully leveraging the potential of overhead channels throughout its entirety.

In terms of low-frequency effects, the mix delivers deep and powerful bass that adeptly supports on-screen action, particularly during sequences involving asteroids and calamities. Despite this, some may find the LFE to be less forceful than expected, lacking the room-shaking presence anticipated with events of such magnitude. Surround sound presentation excels, featuring precise movement and directionality that contributes to a fully engaging atmosphere. Side and rear channels are effectively utilized to envelop the listener, though overhead activities were observed to be sparing until the film’s climactic moments.

The assortment of available audio formats and language support underscores the release's effort to cater to a diverse audience. While the use of height channels could be perceived as underutilized for significant portions of the film, strategic moments—especially in space sequences and action-oriented scenes—showcase their value. The combination of crisp dialogues, well-managed dynamics, and the thoughtful infusion of ambient sounds and music tracks culminate in an exciting if slightly inconsistent Atmos experience.

The "Ice Age: Collision Course" 4K UHD Blu-ray extras deliver a comprehensive and entertaining suite that expands the film's universe for fans and newcomers alike. The highlights include "Scrat: Spaced Out," offering additional zany adventures of the beloved character, and "The Science of It All," where Neil deGrasse Tyson provides insightful commentary on the scientific elements featured in the film. Supplemental materials such as "The Story So Far" and "Mysteries of the Scratazons" add depth by exploring the storyline and speculative origins related to the Ice Age world, while "Star Signs of the Animal Kingdom" and "Scratasia: Scrat’s Solo Adventures" inject humor by focusing on character quirks and memorable moments. Alongside these, a Figaro sing-along, a still gallery, and trailers round out the disc's offerings, making it a packed collection for enthusiasts seeking to dive deeper into the Ice Age saga.

Extras included in this disc:

• Ice Age: The Story So Far: Recap of events from previous films leading up to this sequel.
• Scrat: Spaced Out: Extended adventure featuring Scrat.
• Scratasia: Scrat’s Solo Adventures: Compilation of Scrat's funniest moments.
• Mysteries of the Scratazons: Exploration of the obelisk's origins.
• Star Signs of the Animal Kingdom: Imaginative interpretations of character-specific constellations.
• The Science of It All: DeGrasse Tyson Debunks: Neil deGrasse Tyson analyzes the film's scientific accuracy.
• Figaro Sing-A-Long: Buck's musical reading of the prophecy.
• Gallery: Concept art for the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional material for the movie.

"Ice Age: Collision Course" marks the fifth installment in the long-running franchise, presenting a blend of familiar humor and new space-bound mishaps, primarily triggered by Scrat's enduring quest for his elusive acorn. This chapter sees the return of favorite characters—Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd, as they face a cosmic threat with the potential to end their world, a premise that intriguingly combines wit with the dangers looming from above. Despite the introduction of novel characters and scenarios, especially the amusing premise involving Scrat causing a potential apocalypse through his space adventures, the movie struggles to maintain the comedic and engaging spirit that initially defined the series. Notably, Neil deGrasse Tyson's participation adds a delightful twist, his voice performances bringing a unique blend of humor and intelligence to the unfolding chaos.

The narrative attempts to evolve by intertwining personal growth themes among the core characters with the overarching danger posed by an asteroid. However, these subplots, including Manny and Ellie addressing Peaches' wedding and Diego contemplating family life, seem rehashed and fail to contribute fresh humor or existential depth to the saga. The film introduces a smorgasbord of new characters in its attempt to keep the franchise agile—yet ends up feeling overstretched and lacks the original allure found in earlier entries. These elements combine in a narrative that occasionally sparks with clever ideas but more often treads on the familiar terrain of its predecessors.

Technically, "Ice Age: Collision Course" benefits from its 4K UHD presentation, where visual splendor is undeniably accentuated—the vivid colors and detailed animation stand out, showcasing the capabilities of the format. However, this technical excellence cannot fully compensate for the movie's failure to innovate on its humor or story. While younger audiences might find enjoyment in its lively pace and visual comedy, long-time fans might view it as evidence of a franchise skating on increasingly thin ice. The series, while still able to deliver moments of amusement and spectacle, seems to be at a crossroads, needing a more substantial reinvention if it wishes to avoid descending into the realm of forgettable sequel territory.

"Ice Age: Collision Course," the fifth entry into the Ice Age saga, delivers an experience that strongly divides its audience: children are likely to enjoy the vibrant animation and the antics of Scrat, yet adults may find the plot formulaic and less engaging than previous installments. Despite the mixed feelings towards the storyline and its execution, which appears to be edging the franchise closer to redundancy, the technical presentation of this release on 4K UHD Blu-ray by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is undeniably exceptional. The package showcases a splendid Ultra HD quality, complemented by high-definition video clarity and a robust Dolby Atmos surround sound mix that enhances the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the release includes a satisfactory collection of extras across both the 4K and Blu-ray discs, albeit requiring a disc change to access them.

While "Ice Age: Collision Course" may not stand as the strongest chapter in the series, appreciators of high-quality home cinema and fans with compatible viewing setups will find the technical merits of this release compelling. The upgrade from standard Blu-ray to a 4K presentation brings a noticeable enhancement in video and audio fidelity, making it a recommended choice for those invested in the format's potential. However, it's important to note the absence of a 3D version may disappoint some enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Ice Age: Collision Course" on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers an exceptional visual and auditory home viewing experience that is arguably the release's strongest selling point. While the movie itself might not capture the hearts of all audiences equally—leaning heavily towards younger viewers—the technical aspects of this ultra-high-definition presentation make it a worthy addition for collectors and fans of the franchise. Its combination of sparkling video quality, immersive Dolby Atmos audio, and an engaging suite of extras somewhat compensates for the film's narrative shortcomings.