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Migration 4K Ultra HD Review

 


  • 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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