Children and adults alike, should laugh out loud to the antics of one of the most amusing computer-animated characters created, Scratch, in the new FOX dvd release, "ICE AGE".  Scratch is a rodent from the "ICE AGE", half-squirrel and half rat.  This reviewer remembers laughing and being entertained in rare form upon first viewing the trailer to this film sometime ago, consisting of Scratch trying to take care of an acorn and creating an avalanche in the process! It's great animation, and witty! 

"ICE AGE" doesn't have a "big" plot, but the characters are so original and funny, that it really doesn't matter.  John Leguizamo is the voice of Sid, a Sloth, and his two friends, Manny the Mammoth(Ray Romano) and Diego the Sabre-toothed tiger(Dennis Leary). With the oncoming "ICE AGE", these friends band together and learn through some major ordeals about courage, integrity and friendship.  When Sid and Manny rescue a baby human, unsuccessfully kidnapped by the clan of tigers, with which Diego is part of, they decide to return him to his parents.  Diego, at first, goes along with sinister motives. He wants to steal the baby back again for his brethren, but, along the journey, he and his friends grow to care for the little tyke. 

The computer animation is incredible! What separates this from a film like "DINOSAUR," besides this not being boring as hell, is that this looks incredible from beginning to end! It's a journey worth taking for many reasons!  FOX has provided a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer with the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Colors are extremely rich, and the deep blacks and grays. As colorful and bright as the image is, there is no blooming. Although there were a few instances wherein the image fell flat, most of the film has the "pop off the screen" look, expected on blu-ray discs.

FOX has provided a DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 mix.  The overall breadth and fidelity of this soundmix is made evident in the opening sequence built around the credits, involving Scrat and how the ice age begins. Subtle effects are perfectly balanced with loud, sub-woofer effects, lending great impact and an overall immersive experience for the viewer. The dynamic range for this release ranks it up there with the best blu-rays out there from FOX.

Commentaries and deleted scenes are appreciated, but it's the short cartoon featuring Scrat, that provides the best suplementary material entertainment.