Shrek
- The Musical (2013/Fox/DreamWorks Blu-ray w/DVD + Digital Copy)
Picture:
B/B- Sound: A-/B Extras: C Main Program: B
With
many Disney classics and oddball films like Elf transformed
into Broadway musicals it is no surprise that the hit DreamWorks film
series Shrek got the same treatment. Originally hitting the
stage in December of 2008 and showing for a 12 month run, the
production received mixed reviews from critics and the public; but
overall a positive impression.
The
production viewed here on Blu-ray is a filming of the original
Broadway cast/production and is likely the best showing to date. The
story of Shrek - The Musical follows many of the familiar
characters from the film franchise as the tell the tale of Shrek.
The story is the same as that of the first film though more fleshed
out as they give a bit more back story and tangential tales; in
musical form of course.
For
those unfamiliar with the tale of Shrek; the story follows an
Ogre (named Shrek) on a journey from nasty swamp dweller to
swashbuckling hero. For the purposes of this musical Shrek is played
by Brian d'Arcy James and his faithful (yet annoying) companion
Donkey is played by Daniel Breaker. Shrek is leaving a peaceful life
of solitude in his swamp until the evil Lord Farquaad (Christopher
Sieber) banishes all magical creatures to his swamp. In order to get
his swamp back Shrek is tasked with retrieving Princess Fiona (Celia
Keenan-Bolger) from a dragon guarded castle. From there Shrek
rescues the princess, but slowly but surely finds himself infatuated
with the beautiful princess who is more than meets the eyes.
Farquaad intends to marry Fiona to insure his place as king, but as
good always beats evil perhaps Farquaad's wish will not come true.
The
musical is clever and looks great here on Blu-ray. I love watching
musicals in the peace and comfort of home, but at the same time stage
productions are much more enjoyable in person. When you sit in the
audience and feel the joy/excitement of the room that adds something
to the production. So for that reason I think those who saw the
production live and are now able to watch it on Blu-ray will get much
more out of this by reliving the experience.
The
songs are hit or miss with about a 75% success rate; so, on par with
most musicals. The songs are lively, energetic and are in line with
the original film as they nicely dance the line between family fun
and adult humor.
There
are over 20 songs in this production (some lumped together); which is
impressive to say the least. I never found them boring or
inappropriately placed; most of which are original and truly flesh
out what could be a simple tale.
A
must see.
The
Blu-ray is nice, but as this is a filmed stage show the picture
quality at times suffers, though the sound is excellent. The picture
is a 1080p AVC encoded widescreen that demonstrates great color and
black levels, but fine detail and texture is somewhat weak. At the
same time I felt like I was watching a filmed stage production (which
I was), but that is to say I did not feel engaged enough and filming
technique was a bit off putting. This goes hand in hand with my
comments that I think the viewer is better seeing this live at least
once. The sound is a big step up from picture as the 5.1 DTS HD
Master Audio lossless track utilizes the entire soundscape and truly
places you in the heart of the musical, center stage. My one
complaint would be that the audience track should have been toned
down a bit as it takes away from the experience, being a bit loud at
times.
The
DVD has the same pluses and minuses, though in a much more downgraded
fashion.
Extras
include:
-
Michael P. Dougherty II
