The Movie
The breakout star of 2003's Shrek 2 finally landed his own movie with last year's Puss in Boots. Part origin story but also an exciting new chapter, Puss catches the title cat (voiced with superhuman bravado by Antonio Banderas) at a crossroads: Once a hero, now an outlaw, he is weary of life on the run and is ready to make amends for a dark episode from his past.
But it won't be easy. First he must steal some magic beans from the formidable husband and wife team of Jack and Jill (Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris), with the help of old partner Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) and new partner Kitty Softpaws (frequent Banderas co-star Salma Hayek). Those who recall the story of a different Jack will know that the resulting beanstalk leads to a giant's castle where a goose is laying golden eggs, more than enough to pay off the old debt and make everyone rich.
Laced with all the juicy melodrama of a Latin soap opera, Puss in Boots promises laughter, romance and adventure for all. Puss' charisma outshines plenty of human heroes of the big screen in what I hope will be but the first in a series of animated feline escapades.
The Picture
As with almost all DreamWorks Animation, the detail evident in the 2.4:1 Puss in Boots is simply tremendous, and the cat fur in particular here makes the most of HD, popping with individual strands. Humpty's eggshell texture and tiny spots make us want to reach out and touch the egg man, with the grain on the ubiquitous wooden trappings is extremely realistic.
The movie has been composed and animated quite dynamically to truly flaunt the 3D technology, with drastic use of focus in the deeper shots, but also tiny bubbles and specks of dust dancing before our spectacled eyes. The sprawling vistas are gorgeous, and the ascension of the beanstalk is surely a worthy 3D showoff scene.
The Sound
Hang on for lots of wild action that displays bold directionality all around the 7.1-channel soundstage in this topnotch Dolby TrueHD track. That cat goes through most of his nine lives amid chases and shooting and throwing blades and more. The bass is clean and powerful, used especially well to convey the giant environments and characters. The surrounds are pleasingly active throughout the film.
The Extras
In 3D, the only extra is the new animated short (13 minutes), "Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos," set shortly after the events of the feature film so resist the temptation to watch it first. A 3D trailer for the upcoming Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted is also included.
The 2D Blu-ray packs quite a lot of bonus content, much of which is exclusive to this disc. "The Animators' Corner" is a full-length Bonus View option hosted by director Chris Miller and producers Joe Aguilar and Latifa Ouaou, providing us with interviews, artwork and more within a picture-in-picture window over the movie. A trivia track can also be engaged.
A DreamWorks Fairytale invites us to pick a familiar nursery rhyme, answer some basic questions and then the interactive builder creates a new rhyme that is written and spoken for us, with mixed results. Puss' Paw-Pouncing Challenge uses the remote to chase colored lights like the cats do in one memorable scene.
Several featurettes are included, all in HD, ranging from about four to 12 minutes. "Purr-fect Pairing: The Voices Behind the Legend" reveals the talented cast, "Kitten to Cat" discusses the main character's progression, "Glitter Box Dance Off!" attempts to teach us Puss' choreography, and "Klepto Kitty" is the story of a true "cat burglar."
The three deleted scenes are crude, early test versions with producer introductions, seven-and-a-half minutes total. Kitty Keyboard is a sort of virtual jukebox I suppose, with four little ditties inside. The Fairytale Pop-Up Book contains interactive text, art, audio and video for several key characters, and Kitty Strikes Again challenges us to spot the differences in five scenes. The World of DreamWorks Animation also beckons with assorted promos for other DW titles and franchises.
Disc Three is a DVD of the movie, also carrying this set's Digital Copy for iTunes or Windows Media.
Final Thoughts
Boasting outstanding 3D animation and boisterous Dolby 7.1 audio, Puss in Boots is a rollicking adventure that kids and their parents are bound to enjoy, packaged here with more than ample viewing choices and family-friendly extras.
Product Details
Where to Buy:
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Video | |
| Audio | |
| Movie | |
| Extras |
