The Draktränaren series, known as How To Train Your Dragon in English, began as a book series in 2003. Author Cressida Cowell conceived the books as purported instruction manuals for dragon care. The books gained popularity, leading to the release of the first animated feature film, Draktränaren, in 2010. Its success spawned a sequel in 2014. What sets the Draktränaren films apart is their inclusion of surprisingly brutal scenes. For instance, the protagonist, Hiccup, loses a leg in the first film – a rare occurrence in animated features. This mature tone continued into the second installment, leading to high expectations for this third and final film.
Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his band of Vikings, led by his girlfriend Astrid (America Ferrera), dedicate themselves to rescuing dragons from ruthless dragon trappers. They offer sanctuary to these dragons on their island, where Hiccup’s dragon, Toothless, reigns as the alpha. Their peace is shattered when the formidable dragon hunter Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham) discovers their haven, forcing them to flee. Simultaneously, a Light Fury dragon emerges, revealed to be the last surviving female of the same species as Toothless, the Night Fury. With the stakes escalating, everyone looks to Hiccup for guidance, a challenging position for the relatively inexperienced chieftain.
Following recent critiques regarding sequels being less complex than their predecessors (such as LEGO-Filmen 2 and Röjar Ralf krashar Internet), Draktränaren 3 demonstrates the standard that should be achieved. The animation is impeccable: smoke, fire, water, flora, and character textures are all rendered with exceptional detail. The expanded palette allows for scenes with numerous dragons, each exhibiting unique animations and characteristics. Featuring the original voice cast in the primary roles, with one exception (T.J. Miller‘s replacement due to off-screen issues), the characters feel like they have matured. We encounter a slightly older, more seasoned group of dragon trainers, retaining their signature humor.
The narrative itself is relatively straightforward, though certain elements may be somewhat simplistic. Ruffnut (Kristin Wiig), for example, engages in a questionable action that seems attributable to script simplification. Furthermore, the film’s pacing occasionally falters. Extended sequences depict Toothless’s romantic pursuit of the Light Fury. While this is a relevant plot point, its extended screen time feels excessive.
As previously mentioned, the earlier films were notable for their surprising maturity. Consequently, I anticipated that the antagonist, Grimmel, portrayed by F. Murray Abraham, would be exceptionally menacing. However, his villainy falls short of expectations; while undeniably malevolent, he lacks the depth of wickedness I had anticipated.
The UHD edition in 4K with Dolby Atmos, however, delivers on its promise. Animated content consistently benefits from HD resolution, and the increased pixel density of 4K elevates the visuals to perfection. Scenes featuring fire, smoke, and water exhibit exceptional clarity, complemented by accurate color and black levels. The sequences with numerous dragons are visually stunning, with every detail rendered distinctly. The Dolby Atmos sound design is equally impressive, providing a dynamic range from crisp dialogue to powerful bass. Draktränaren 3 encompasses both intimate, quiet moments and intense action sequences, and the sound effectively enhances each. The disc also includes a substantial amount of supplementary material, adding to its value. However, some documentaries drawing comparisons between animals and dragon characteristics are clearly geared towards a younger audience. A brief evaluation of the Swedish dubbing reveals an adequate performance, though lacking remarkable qualities.
In conclusion, I found Draktränaren 3 to be a genuinely entertaining experience, and I must admit to shedding a few tears during the film’s conclusion. Therefore, I offer a strong recommendation for this third (and potentially final) installment in the story of Hiccup and Toothless.
