Ice Age (Single-Disc Edition)

In "Ice Age" (2002), the first of the superb three-part series, some traditions are established that hold true for later films in the series. Scrat, the saber-toothed squirrel, is wrestling with his prized acorn although in this outing some of his vignettes become brief interactions with the main characters. In later movies of the series he becomes more of an independent entity and even finds a soul mate. The stage is set for the later independently embedded cartoons in which the squirrel is constantly trying to conquer that iconic acorn, at battle with nature and his nut.At the beginning of this film there's a huge migration to warmer climes going on with lots of different species heading south. Manny, the mammoth (voice of Ray Romano) is going against the tide, headed in the other direction.This first film is noteworthy because of the presence of human beings, a sight of Stonehenge, and the very interesting episode with the prehistoric human cave drawings. Manny sees a mammoth family and becomes very lonesome about his own isolated plight without a mate.There is a great deal of story-building in this movie with many ideas planted for further chapters which will bring on the introduction of more characters, and mating instincts will flower.Manny meets Sid, the sloth, and immediately develops a dislike for the pushy Sid. Later they find a human baby, and both develop a love for the child. The baby is the catalyst for forming a new herd.Diego, the carnivorous saber-toothed tiger, is introduced as a predator, and he wants to grab the human baby for his tiger gang to devour.There's an inspired musical section with the extinct dodo birds who seemed too dumb to survive.For kids and adults watching there are of a lot of lessons to be learned. Manny saves Diego's life which transforms him into a loyal member of the new herd. He shows gratitude, and the baby helps to "humanize" him. The importance of friendship and loyalty, the need for belonging to a group, and the need for companionship-all of these come out of the dramatic action.In Blu-Ray this movie has stunning color and visual effects. There are a lot of scary adventures including cascading ice, molten lava, teetering icy crags. There's some bathroom humor that kids will probably get and titter over. Even though these are animals, the moviemakers have concentrated on characterization. They give human qualities to the animals (in fact they are almost ideal humans), and, of course, the animals speak English. It's full of vocal and sight gags. The movie is a treat for all.

Awesome

Great movie even a toddler can watch.

This one of the best animated movies of all time. Great voice cast and it so funny! I've watched it with my son countless times and I still enjoy it every time. It's the kind of movie you can watch on repeat.

My kids loves this so bought it for my grandbaby to

Great children’s movie and family

Funny, loved it.

These movies never get old…classics