Unlike almost every other major animated release in Japan, the DVD release of the first Ice Age It contained only the English audio with Japanese subtitles. To this day, the only way to watch the first film with the original Japanese voice cast is to own the specific VHS release or the LaserDisc version. This makes the Japanese dub of the first film somewhat of a "lost audio drama" for modern fans.

In summary, the Japanese dub of Ice Age serves as a prime example of successful localization: retaining the visual humor that made the film

For a Japanese viewer, Manny feels like a tragic loner, Sid like a classic troublesome but good-hearted fool, and Diego like a stoic warrior finding his conscience. The humor is less ad-libbed and more reliant on situational comedy and vocal timing.