6 | / 10 |
Users | 2.5 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.2 |
When a spirited young falcon named Kai learns of Zambezia, the fabulous city of birds, he leaves his remote country home against the wishes of his father. But when his dad is captured by an evil lizard who plans to attack the city, Kai must learn the importance of teamwork if he’s to rescue his father, save his new friends and help keep Zambezia lizard free.
Starring: Jeremy Suarez, Abigail Breslin, Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Nimoy, Samuel L. JacksonFamily | 100% |
Animation | 91% |
Adventure | 78% |
Comedy | 63% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 16-bit)
French: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 16-bit)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
English, English SDH, French, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
You're the hero now.
One glance at the movie release schedule shows that there's no dearth of digitally animated films. They come and go as commonly now as the
raunchy comedy, the slugfest action film, or the special effect summer spectacular. That means the novelty is wearing a bit thin and that it's
cheaper
than ever before
to put together a competent production that may not have the charm, technical merits, or story of the best from Pixar, DreamWorks, or Sony, but that at least delivers mild, satisfactory kid-centric entertainment at
something of a budget production price. The South African-made Adventures in Zambezia may very well epitomize the midlevel modern
digitally
animated film.
It borrows liberally from other, better films of the past few years, the animation is a tick or two below the current standard, and the plot is so cliché
it's
almost easy to predict specific dialogue, never mind broad plot points. Nevertheless, it's a serviceable little venture, hardly spectacular but a
worthwhile
watch that will satisfy the base cravings of the youngest viewers but probably put off adults who recognize the inherent flaws and budget constraints
evident in
nearly every frame and each syllable of dialogue.
Zambezia, here I come!
Adventures in Zambezia's Blu-ray presentation looks about as good as the source material allows. The film is something of a lower end production on the scale of modern digital films; it lacks the in-depth detailing and shows some smooth, listless main textures that fail to display perfect distinction in feathers, for example. It does captures some good terrain details, but objects like a wicker basket show only the basic shape with no tactile sense of realism to them. On the other hand, colors can be, and most often are, quite good. Whether dusty terrain or the explosion of brilliant colors seen in Zambezia -- all sorts of signage and multicolored birds light up the screen -- the palette often appears even and accurate, displaying even the most subtle shade with relative ease. On the downside, there are a few instance of readily evident banding to be seen around the screen, and a few elements show a slight shimmering effect. Otherwise, this is a technically proficient image; it's not up to the standards of the best animated films, but that's because the end product just doesn't have the technical muscle of the newest major releases.
Adventures in Zambezia arrives on Blu-ray with a balanced, sometimes exciting, and always nicely supportive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Sony's sound presentation plays with a positive, effortless presence, delivering notes easily around the stage with full support of the rear speakers. The front carries the majority of the load, leaving the back channels to fill in a few gaps and create a pleasing sense of immersion. Bass is well balanced and effective in every instance; whether daring action scenes or the heavy presence of a large waterfall, the subwoofer will shake and rumble quite a bit but never to the point of exaggerated annoyance. Ambient effects are delivered evenly and crisply; the stage doesn't always spring to effortless, 360-degree life, but there's a positive and enjoyable sense of spacing to the entire area, whether Kai's first home or the bustling Zambezia that, upon Kai's arrival, comes complete with background intercom announcements meant to replicate an airport environment. Dialogue is focused in the center and comes through clearly in every scene, even heavy action moments. Overall, this is another very strong soundtrack from Sony.
Adventures in Zambezia contains four featurettes and a music video.
Adventures in Zambezia isn't likely to insult its audience even considering the complete transparency of its story, but it's sure to leave all but the most unexposed audiences rather bored. It's suitably colorful, fast-moving, and sure-to-be fun for the youngest of audiences, but most viewers who have watched all the bigger, better movies that influenced this will likely walk away disappointed. Adventures in Zambezia is a decent enough copycat movie with zero imagination and only fair-for-its-time visuals. The end result is a lackluster movie on every front, one with a good heart and honest intent but with lackluster-at-best execution. Sony's Blu-ray release of Adventures in Zambezia features good video and high end audio. A few supplements are included. Wait for the bargain bin sale.
2012
2008
2005
2006
2013
2012
2013
2014
2006
2014
2010
2009
2010
2016
2003
2012
2014
2016
Ultimate Collector's Edition
2016
2011