Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Catherine Keener, Cloris Leachman, Clark Duke
Directors: Kirk De Micco, Chris Sanders
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Dreamworks Animation
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Run Time: 96 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
3D: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars
When I first saw the trailer for the “The Croods”, I wasn’t must interested in the film. After it was released though it started picking up some steal and grabbed my attention, especially the attention of my 16 month old daughter from the commercials. The film has a fantastic voice cast lead by Nicolas Cage and Ryan Reynolds. I love Nicolas Cage no matter what he does simply and he does a great job with this role. These characters may not be the prettiest creation to come out of Dreamworks but there is a great story here with great visuals. The film is funny, clever and definitely a blast for the whole family. I think it is save to say the Dreamworks Animation did it again! Another hit for sure! DUN DUN DAHHH!
Official Premise: Join the first modern family as they embark on the journey of a lifetime across a spectacular and unforgettable landscape. When their cave is destroyed, everything the Croods have ever known is rocked by seismic shifts and generational clashes as they discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures – and their world is changed forever. If they don’t evolve, they’ll be history!
Like past releases Dreamworks Animation really delivers in terms of quality for their films. This Deluxe Edition included Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet Digital Copy. I have to admit the 3D in the film is actually quite awesome! This is a kids film so you have to be expect a few in-your-face gags to entertain them. The colors are gorgeous and the depth is out-of-this world! The 1080p transfer really is sharp overall and works in either format to be honest. The 3D is preferred on my end since I love animated films in 3D. If that isn’t enough for you Dreamworks also packs a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. I was very impressed with surround audio since it worked very well with the action and the score.
In terms of special features, I wasn’t really blown away here at all. There is “The Croodaceous Creatures of Croods!”, which gives info about your favorite Croods creatures. “Be An Artist!” gives you the tools to draw Belt, Macawnivore and Mousephant. There is also a downloadable “The Croods Coloring & Storybook Builder App” for smartphone and tablets. This is becoming a trend with after “Epic” as well earlier this year. There is “Belt’s Cave Journal” and “World of DreamWorks Animation”, which is are music videos from your other DreamWorks Animation feature films. I know this is a kids film but I would have loved to seen much more focus on the actual production as well.