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Igor
By: M. Enois Duarte, 1.26.2009
The Movie Itself:
In the darkly animated flick, Igor, we are thrust into an imaginary world where mad science is a profitable career choice and where the infectious disease, malaria, is an appropriate name for the gloomiest of cities. As a reversal of the Frankenstein story (the Universal films, not the Shelley novel), the movie places attention on the unappreciated hunchbacks who are forced to assist the deranged scientists in their fiendish experiments. But lacking the magic of a Tim Burton film --- yet taking an obvious cue --- the gags are transparent and too self-aware to scare a laugh. The movie is ultimately pieced together much like one of the dead bodies brought back to life and lacks character. Despite its creative premise and enticing visuals, Igor is nowhere in the same league of storytelling talent as Pixar and DreamWorks. But it's not all that bad either.
In the kingdom of Malaria, a dark, ominous cloud has descended upon its citizens, shrouding it in perpetual nightfall. When the once-thriving farming village quickly plummets into poverty, King Malbert (Jay Leno) proposes a new economy based on inventions which can hold the world hostage and demand ransom money. Anyone born with a hunchback is automatically typecast as assistants of these inventors, named "Igor", and treated like slow-witted slaves. Each year, evil scientists compete to demonstrate their diabolical plan and be chosen to wreak havoc upon the world. But when the master of one particular Igor (John Cusack) is killed by a malfunctioning rocket, this intelligent hunchback enters the contest on his behalf. With the help of his other inventions, Scamper (Steve Buscemi) and Brain (Sean Hayes), Igor creates life in the gentle giant, Eva (Molly Shannon), all the while contending with the renowned Dr. Schadenfreude (Eddie Izzard).
Designed by the Paris-based Sparx Animation Studios, Igor displays some wonderfully animated characters and has the makings of a terrific kid-pic. But while the children may be entertained by the colorful misadventure of a lab assistant that aspires to be a mad scientist, parents will keep readjusting their seat waiting for the movie to be over. As the jokes are thrown in rapid succession, each is practically one misfire after another, with only a few sporadic hits. The "Brain Wash" sequence, à la Clockwork Orange, was inventive and genuinely funny. I really got a kick out Igor's creation coming out of the experience with dreams of being an actress. Other cultural references within the scene, like the nod to 1958's The Fly, come across as cutesy rather than clever.
The movie's saving grace, though, comes by way of the voice overs. Although the king looks more like the Mayor from The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jay Leno still offers a few giggles. Cusack is goofily funny with that teenage angst that only he can provide at his age. Hayes as the brainless robot was a joy, as well as Izzard's Dr. Schadenfreude looking like a cross between Liberace and a skinny Elton John. Even though his randy relationship with Jaclyn raised more eyebrows than laughs, it was fun listening to Jennifer Coolidge (Best in Show, Soul Men) with her feisty accent. Molly Shannon is standout as the spunky and imposing patchwork doll that prepares for an audition of Annie and destroys all while singing "Tomorrow". And Steve Buscemi is hilarious as the immortal rabbit with suicidal tendencies and who happens to be an existentialist.
While the Disneyfied plot is fairly predictable and doesn't exactly equate the inevitable moral at the end, the movie is sprinkled with some chuckles throughout. Enough, at least, to keep parents watching. Cultural references and jabs at classic black-and-white horror films may go over the heads of younger viewers, but the animated zaniness will maintain their attention span. Although I really expected something more like a "Million Hunchback March" or a revolution of lab assistants, the movie provides 90-min. of diversion that is easily approachable.
Rating: 6/10
 The Presentation:
Boasting a pristine AVC-encoded transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Igor looks exceptional on Blu-ray, to say the least. The animation is mostly drenched in darkness, with deep ebony blacks that add plenty of depth to the image. The color palette is incredibly vivid and lively for such a dark picture. Shadow delineation is excellent with objects discernible in any scene. As would be expected from a 3-D animated flick, the image exhibits remarkable detail and clarity, with a consistent three-dimensional depth from beginning to end. You can make out the individual hairs on Jaclyn's head, as well as the texture and stitching of Igor's clothing. While contrast was consistent throughout and unobtrusive, there was one slight problem towards the end. When sunlight befell Malaria, contrast suddenly peaked to blinding levels and glaring, blooming whites, diminishing detail in distant objects. Other than this high-contrasted ending, the video presentation is near-flawless with plenty of reference quality scenes.
Matching the picture quality by equal measure is the DTS-HD Master Audio track provided on this version of Igor. The mix is consistently lively and active with a musical score that also lends itself adequately to the rears. Dialogue is precise and never overwhelmed by the silly action on screen. The front soundstage is terrificly immersive, with imaging containing plenty of activity between the three channels and low frequency effects adding oomph to every thump, thud, and thwack. Dynamic range allows the action to spread itself throughout the entire room, with pans between channels being rendered accurately and smoothly. Even in quiet scenes, discrete sounds engulf the listening area with atmospheric effects in the surrounds for generating the ambiance of a mad scientist's laboratory. Overall, this is one great lossless soundtrack.
Rating: 9/10
The Extras:
The supplemental package on this Blu-ray edition of Igor mirrors that of its DVD counterpart released by MGM Home Entertainment, with one minor change. This lacks the "Be An Igor" featurette. Although offered in high definition, the features are pretty sparse.
- Audio Commentary
Your basic, run-of-the-mill voice over on casting, creative decisions and production, with director Anthony Leondis, writer Chris McKenna, and producer Max Howard.
- Alternate Opening Scene (3 min.)
A much better opening sequence introducing the Kingdom of Malaria via newsreel and voiced by what sounds like Al Brooks.
- Concept Art Galleries (6 min.)
A series of still photos which further explore the creative process in making Igor: "Characters", "Set & Production Design", "Story boards", and "Posters".
Rating: 3/10
Overall:
Although a fun way to kill time for younger viewers, the hyperactive visuals are fun and entertaining with a wonderful cast adding life to the 3-D characters. For adults, the humor is sporadic and, at times, stumbles upon itself but made enjoyable by Shannon and Buscemi. This Blu-ray presentation offers a spectacular picture and a wonderful aural experience for everyone to enjoy.
Rating: 6/10
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