Happy Feet (Full Screen Edition)

There are two new animated sequences on the DVD, which aren’t incorporated into the film. One’s a half-minute hackysack-themed bit, but the other is a good-looking, two-minute scene featuring the late Steve Irwin as an albatross, who, with Mumble, encounters a blue whale. “Dance Like a Penguin: Stomp to the Beat” is hosted by Savion Glover, whose dancing was motion-captured for the film, but other than a couple basic tips, it’s pretty much a demonstration rather than a lesson. In addition to the two music videos (Gia’s “Hit Me Up” and Prince’s “The Song of the Heart”), “I Love to Singa” is an appropriately matched 1936 Merrie Melodies cartoon in which a young owl ruffles feathers by wanting to sing jazz for his classical-music-loving family. –David Horiuchi

Happy Feet (DVD) (FS)

Except musically challenged Mumble (voiced by Elijah Wood–Lord of the Rings films). In frozen Antarctica, where penguins sing to woo a mate, Mumble’s talent is dancing: When his fellow penguins start to croon, Mumble’s feet want to move. Even worse, Gloria (voiced by Brittany Murphy), the object of Mumble’s affection, only wants to hear a song from Mumble’s heart. But when encroaching fishermen threaten the penguins, the colony is saved by Mumble’s valor, and Gloria’s heart is won by his dancing, Happy Feet. Directed by George Miller (Babe), choreographed by Tony winner Savion Glover and featuring the voices of Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Robin Williams and crocodile hunter Steve Irwin.

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It’s a gorgeously rendered marvel that pulls out all the stops to wow its viewers, but in spite of its crowd-pleasing ploys, it holds onto its integrity with a smart and surprisingly deep story. –The A.V. Club, Tasha Robinson

In a year rich with animation options, Happy Feet stands head and shoulders above its competition. –Peter Debruge, Miami Herald

Visually dazzling, with a thoughtful storyline and catchy musical numbers, Happy Feet marks a successful animated debut from the makers of Babe. –Rotten Tomatoes