Madagascar 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

Madagascar 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Justin Dekker September 3, 2025

DreamWorks' 2005 animated film 'Madagascar' arrives on 4k UHD disc courtesy of Universal. The wildly successful film stars the voice talents of Ben Stiller (Alex), Chris Rock (Marty), Jada Pinkett Smith (Gloria), and David Schwimmer (Melman),going on to spawn several sequels, multiple television series, and even a stage play. Most, but not all, of the legacy features are brought forward onto the 4K disc, but now new on-disc supplemental features have been added. A Blu-ray disc identical to the 2008 release, an embossed slipcover, and a Digital Code redeemable through Movies Anywhere are also included.

For an appreciation of the feature film, please follow this link .

Madagascar 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The review of the Blu-ray disc was quite positive, and justifiably so. It looked great then, and still does. Upscaled to 4K for this release, gains over the 1080p presentation are more modest than some may have hoped, but it's to be expected. As the animation style creates an image that isn't as detailed as other films of the era, and after, there isn't much in terms of fine detail improvement to be found. Alex's mane is slightly better defined, and so is Marty's hide. Moss-covered rocks offer slightly more surface texture, as does the boat anchor that drops on the beach when the penguins arrive in Madagascar. Colors appear to have slightly better saturation, but primaries don't present with substantially greater pop than before. Blacks are also a bit inkier, with whites more brilliant. The image has very pleasing depth, giving the characters and their environment satisfying dimensionality. There are improvements to be found here in every category, to be sure, but they are incremental rather than quantum.

Please note the screenshots are sourced from the included 1080p disc.

Madagascar 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The addition of a Dolby Atmos track is most welcome, but those looking for something as bombastic as the mayhem and antics that sometimes take over the story will instead be surprised at how restrained the whole affair is. The track does open up the sound stage a bit, though the greatest gains here are more subtle than overt. There is a substantial but balanced LFE presence adding depth to sound effects such as the collapse of the wooden Statue of Liberty, which they intended to ignite to signal potential rescuers. It also adds the needed depth to the moments when the score comes to the forefront. The track is frequently but intermittently immersive, carefully choosing its moments to surround the viewer in the film's world and then receding to let the focus return to the dialogue and the on-screen action. But when so leveraged, surrounds add enjoyable ambient environmental sounds to place the audience in the midst of locations like the crowded lemur village. Here, too, such elements are more reserved and never dominate or overwhelm, tending to suggest more than overshadow. Heights are used in support of both music and effects, such as adding realism to the helicopters during the escape sequence. Directionality is spot-on, allowing viewers to track footsteps and other sound elements through the sound field, and move quite fluidly. Dialogue is clean and clear, always intelligible even when the four principal characters excitedly talk over each other. Music is handled well, and strings are crisp and precise. The sonic highlight, it should come as no surprise, is still the track most associated with the film - the relentlessly thumping earworm that is "I Like To Move It, Move It".

Madagascar 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The following legacy features have been brought forward onto the 4K disc:

• 'Penguins in a Christmas Caper'

• Mad Mishaps

• Meet the Wild Cast

• Behind the Crates

• The Tech of 'Madagascar'

• Penguin Chat

• Enchanted Island

• 'I Like to Move It, Move It' Music Video

• Filmmaker's Commentary

The full complement of legacy features can be found on the included 1080p disc. You can read more details about these features and the ones found only on the Blu-ray disc here.

Madagascar 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

As animated family fare goes, Madagascar is tough to beat. The voice cast is top-notch, inhabiting their characters with unique personalities, sass, excellent comedic timing, and heart. While there are jokes and gags that may hit harder with adults than with younger viewers, there's little in the film that would be considered risqué. Long overdue on 4K, the Dolby Vision 2160p presentation delivers modest improvements over the very strong Blu-ray release, though, that said, this is still the best the film has looked, and, thanks to the Dolby Atmos track, it's the best it's sounded as well. To those who have yet to add a copy to their collections or ardent fans keen on an upgrade, Madagascar 4K comes recommended.