DVD: The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists (U)

Aardman's animations can stray perilously close to twee, but this exquisitely assembled Claymation adventure is refreshingly tangy and very funny.

Hugh Grant, clearly enjoying himself, voices the deluded Pirate Captain, a failed sea dog who, along with his loyal, dysfunctional crew (his pet monkey is the smartest of the bunch), unknowingly possesses the last surviving dodo. However, a carnivorous Queen Victoria (Imelda Staunton attacking the role with relish) has dastardly plans for the poor creature. A hoot.