MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN DVD (2014)

SYNOPSIS: Mr. Peabody, the most accomplished dog in the world, and his mischievous boy Sherman, use their time machine - the WABAC - to go on the most outrageous adventures known to man or dog. But when Sherman takes the WABAC out for a joyride to impress his friend Penny, they accidentally rip a hole in the universe, wreaking havoc on the most important events in world history. Before they forever alter the past, present and future, Mr. Peabody must come to their rescue, ultimately facing the most daunting challenge of any era: figuring out how to be a parent. Together, the time traveling trio will make their mark on history

MOVIE REVIEW:

This generation of young people won’t really know the fact that Mr Peabody & Sherman actually originated far back in the 1960’s as part of The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. Never mind the whole history behind the characters; this reimagined full-length feature from DreamWorks is a sweet family animation nevertheless and I must add often pretty exhilarating.

Retaining the spirit of the original classic cartoons, Mr Peabody (Ty Burrell) is still the smartest being/dog in the universe. He is an accomplished inventor, scientist, musician and much more. Most important of all, a devoted father to his adopted son, Sherman (Max Charles). With the help of a time machine dubbed WABAC (Wavelength Acceleration Bi-directional A-Synchronous Controller), father and son often embarks on adventures that takes them back in time learning about history. But things went way wrong when Sherman and his classmate, Penny (Ariel Winter) took WABAC on a joyride and now Mr Peabody must find a way to repair history and save everyone.

The animation started off on a shaky note but the pacing soon picks up when Mr Peabody, Sherman and Penny wonder off to ancient Egypt and encounter King Tut. From this point on, the Rob Minkoff’s (The Lion King, Stuart Little) helmed feature becomes an action-packed romp filled with colourful characters and historical notes to guarantee a wild time. Ever think about meeting Leonardo da Vinci (voiced by Stanley Tucci) and Mona Lisa? Or hop into a Trojan horse? Even Abraham Lincoln and Albert Einstein (anyone here who can still remember Mel Brooks?) make their respective appearances.

It’s both incredibly witty and wacky for the most part and a flashback showing how Mr Peabody came to adopt Sherman provides a warm touching moment to the movie. Kids will love the excellent visuals and gags. The adults can rest assured the little ones are in good hands no doubt. While certainly not as perfect or polished as some of DreamWorks’ efforts, Mr Peabody & Sherman still deserved a recommendation. 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

A tour of the WABAC machine introduces audiences to the different functions and capabilities of the time machine.

Can many universes exist at the same time? Real physicists talk about the logic behind time travel in Time Travel: Mad Science

Gallery, Theatrical Trailer, Holiday Favorites (more trailers actually) and the World of DreamWorks Animation jukebox round up the extras. 

AUDIO/VISUAL:

The digital transfer is excellent and images are overall crisp, brimming with clarity. Sound effects are definitely immersive and dynamic.

MOVIE RATING:

DVD RATING :

Review by Linus Tee