Synopsis

As rising temperatures melt the glaciers, Manny, Sid, and Diego learn that their valley is threatened by a catastrophic flood. While the animals race toward higher ground, Manny struggles with the possibility that he may be the last mammoth alive. The journey introduces Ellie and her possum brothers, while Scrat continues his increasingly hazardous pursuit of the perfect acorn.

Factoids & Trivia

• Blue Sky Studios began developing a sequel while the original Ice Age was still in theaters. The project was initially known as Ice Age 2 and was later marketed as Ice Age 2: The Meltdown in several territories.

• For its North American release, the number 2 was removed from the title, resulting in Ice Age: The Meltdown. Some international markets and promotional materials continued to use the longer title.

• The returning characters were remodeled for the sequel. Particular attention was given to making their eyes and facial expressions appear more lively and expressive.

• The film's score was composed by John Powell. Its musical material includes a new version of "Food Glorious Food" from Oliver!, as well as Aram Khachaturian's "Adagio from Spartacus" during Scrat's heavenly vision.

• The Meltdown opened in the United States on March 31, 2006. It became the highest-grossing animated film worldwide that year, earning more than $667 million globally.

• The film was promoted through an extensive Fox crossover campaign, including a special appearance by Scrat in a 3D segment of Family Guy and television spots tied to other Fox programs.

• The DVD release included the animated short No Time for Nuts, which later became one of the franchise's best-known Scrat-centered shorts.