This week’s key DVD/Blu-ray releases have a distinct aquatic theme, with DreamWorks’ Penguins of Madagascar and Cartoon Saloon’s Song of the Sea hitting shelves and e-tailers March 17 (an appropriate St. Patty’s Day release for the latter feature, produced in Ireland).
Directed by Eric Darnell and Simon J. Smith, Penguins of Madagascar is the first dedicated feature for the black and white scene-stealers of DWA’s successful film franchise. The adventure kicks off when Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with undercover org The North Wind to help debonair agent Classified (Benedict Cumberbatch) stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine (John Malkovich) from enacting his nefarious schemes. The voice cast also features Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, Conrad Vernon and Christopher Knights as the penguins as well as Ken Jeong, Annet Mahendru, Peter Stormare, Danny Jacobs, Andy Richter and Werner Herzog. Penguins is available from 20th Century Fox Home Ent. on DVD ($29.98), Blu-ray ($36.99) and Blu-ray 3D ($48.99).
From Tomm Moore (The Secret of Kells), Song of the Sea uses exquisitely detailed 2D animation to reimagine the classic Irish folk legend of the Selkies. The high-concept design beautifully immerses viewers in the story of Saoirse, a little girl with the power to turn into a seal, who goes on an adventure with her brother to help save the spirit world and therefor other magical beings like her. Brendon Gleeson and Fionnula Flanagan lead the voice cast. Universal offers the film on DVD ($29.98) and Blu-ray ($34.98) with a small selection of bonus features.
Also out March 17:
Bleach Uncut Set 24 [VIZ, $44.82] Original, uncut versions of episodes 330-342.
Eggy [Phase 4 Films, $16.99] Sergio Manfio’s heroic Pet Pals face off with the evil Crow Witch in order to save the town of Puff.
Squidbillies Volume 6 [Warner, $17.99] Adult Swim’s red-neckiest cephalopods return for more ill-formed ideas, spontaneous violence and dysfunctional family fun.
Wolfy: The Incredible Secret [Random Media, $14.93] Directed by Eric Ormond for Prima Linea, the Cesar-winning feature follows a wolf and rabbit out to find the wolf’s mother who get caught up in a town’s famous carnivore food fest.
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