Shrek The Third (HD-DVD + DVD-Video)
Picture:
B+/C+ Sound: B+/B- Extras: C Animated Feature: C-
The Shrek
franchise is built on a one-joke premise of sending up the literary history of
fairytale literature, and though several recent productions have badly tried to
do the same thing, this is the first and (by default) the best of the animated
features to do so. However, Shrek The Third (2007) may be
stretching it a good bit thin and despite some amusing moments, this third and
surprisingly commercial success is just the same thing all over again,
including a logical conclusion showing off its unique brand of “family values”
and semi-dysfunctional silliness.
One thing
the DreamWorks/PDI team has to its advantage is that their animation continues
to improve and in the swiftly, rapidly changing world of CG, keeping your
stable of successful characters looking better and better is half the battle
won. Unfortunately, the screenplay has
boxed the narrative inward and unless you really liked the previous
installment(s) enough, you will find this a disappointment. Keeping Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy was key,
for if either had left, this might have been a straight-to-HD/DVD affair. The bottom line, the tale built on the
“unthinkable” premise that Shrek could be a king is for diehard fans only.
The 1080p
1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image is really good, even more so than
expected, as PDI is undoubtedly in a solid second place behind Disney/Pixar for
computer animation. This is the first
PDI product on an HD format and the richer color and detail as compared to the
rest of the competition (Open Season,
Happily N’Ever After, et al) is more
obvious than ever here with better color range and detail you have to see as
compared to the non-Pixar releases. The
anamorphically enhanced DVD version is a big disappointment by comparison, with
poor color, weak Video Black and detail issues that make it hard to watch. The Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 on the HD-DVD is
also very good, but it also makes you realize that this HD called for Dolby
TrueHD and/or DTS MA.
Paramount/DreamWorks needs to use the higher formats more often. The standard DVD’s standard Dolby Digital 5.1
mix not bad either, but no match for the Plus on the HD.
Extras
include HD exclusive customizable character menus and picture in picture
Animator’s Corner look at the production, while both versions include
“bloopers” section, “lost” scenes, Tech
of Shrek piece, Artie’s Yearbook,
Tournament Games, Merlin’s Magic Crystal Ball, Shmash Ups make you own Video section, Shrek’s Guide To Parenthood, Learn The Donkey Dance, web-enhanced World Of Shrek, web-enhanced trivia
track, hidden trailers for the first two films and other little bits you’ll
have to find for yourself.
- Nicholas Sheffo
