- Directors: Benjamin Renner, Guylo Homsy
- Actors : Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Dannhy DeVito
- Studio : Studio Distribution Services
- Country of Origin : USA
- Number of discs : 2
- Media Format : 4K
- Run time : 1 hour and 23 minutes
- Release date : February 27, 2024
Given the number
of highly acclaimed, allegorically significant, and creatively imagined animated
films there were released in 2023, Migration may seem underwhelming by
comparison. At the same time, sometimes it is enough to have a colorful (in
more than one way) and heartwarming tale with universally relatable themes. While
Migration may not have broken the mold, it does provide spectacle and
humor more than fitting for an enjoyable viewing experience for all ages.
The animated
film by Illumination follows a family of homebody mallard ducks who decide to
migrate for the first time, leaving their cozy pond in New England for a
vacation in Jamaica. Although the family patriarch Mack (Kumail Nanjiani) is an
over-protective parent content to stay in the safety of their home pond, he is
convinced to take the trip by his wife Pam (Elizabeth Banks) and their two
children, Dax and Gwen (Caspar Jennings and Tresi Gazal). Also joining them on
the journey is Mack’s Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito), a cranky old duck with even
more misgivings about the adventure than his nephew.
Although the
themes of the film ensure that their journey will find a happy resolution, this
does not mean the family of mallards don’t have obstacles along the way. One of
the biggest roadblocks on their journey is the result of a run-in with a chef
whose specialty is cooking duck. The family first encounter this villain while
attempting to free his caged scarlet macaw named Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key), only
to later accidentally infiltrate a duck farm where the chef buys the product
for his restaurant. While there is plenty of enjoyment to be found in this
sequence, avid animation fans may notice how similar this section of the film
is to the storyline of the recently released Aardman Animations sequel, Chicken
Run: Dawn of the Nugget.
Despite lacking
complete originality in the narrative, Migration has a colorful style
that feels entirely its own. While many other animated films this year went for
a painterly approach, Migration has a uniquely colorful approach more dedicated
to photo-realism. Even more impressive is the movement of the imagery.
Audiences are treated to the perspective of the birds as they soar through the
air, often frantically avoiding dangers encountered in the sky. While I missed
out on seeing this film in 3D, even the 2D viewing experience has a level of
immersion that often makes it feel as though the audience is taking the journey
alongside the family of ducks.
The colorful and
active visuals of Migration are even more remarkable when viewing the 4K
Ultra HD presentation, which also comes with a Blu-ray copy for comparison. And
ideal for families wanting to watch the film on the go is a digital code to
download or stream the film. Along with being four times as sharp, the brighter
and deeper colors of the 4K disc are enough reason for an upgrade. Additional
special features on the discs include 3 new mini-movies (short films), one of
which includes a memorable supporting character from Migration. The other
two shorts feature Illumination’s biggest money-makers, the Minions. Other
extras include featurettes about the voice cast, the film’s sound, and the
making of the film. There are also special features for the younger audience
members, including a drawing tutorial.
Entertainment Value:
7/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6.5/10
Historical
Significance: 3/10
Special Features: 7/10
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