Blu-ray Review: Family Hit ‘Puss in Boots’ Gets Stellar HD Package

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CHICAGO – The last two “Shrek” movies — “Shrek the Third” and “Shrek Forever After” — were such worthless affairs that I was somewhat dreading their spin-off adventure, “Puss in Boots.” It didn’t help that I never found Antonio Banderas’ wide-eyed kittie with a sword nearly as charming as the rest of the world apparently did. So it was much to my surprise that I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed “Puss in Boots,” a clever, fun romp for all ages.

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-ray rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

“Puss in Boots” certainly isn’t about to become anyone’s favorite animated movie (except for maybe in circles of serious cat lovers). It doesn’t have goals as lofty as “How to Train Your Dragon” or most of the Pixar filmography. It’s more of a pleasant diversion than a true work of art but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best animated films of 2011. After an AMAZING year for the form in 2010, animation took a step back in 2011, producing nothing that will truly stand the test of time. However, this slice of family entertainment achieves more than most of the animated junk that came out last year just by virtue of being pretty damn entertaining.

Banderas plays the title character in another adventure tale built around revised versions of characters you know and love like Jack and Jill (Billy Bob Thornton & Amy Sedaris) and Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis). Of course, Salma Hayek is along for the ride, playing Kitty Softpaws this time. Cats who flirt, sword fight, and dance — “Puss in Boots” is an undeniably silly movie but it’s light on its feet and engaging enough to never be what kills so many kids movies — boring.

The Blu-ray release is particularly notable as it includes a stellar transfer and some great special features. The highlight for the little ones will be the new short film “Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos,” which actually breaks the rule that these special feature shorts are usually completely disposable. This one is pretty entertaining. As for the rest, it’s a collection with something for all ages. There are games for the little ones and a great picture-in-picture feature for the big ones called “Animator’s Corner,” which offers insight into how the film was made.

Puss in Boots released on Blu-ray and DVD on February 24, 2012
Puss in Boots released on Blu-ray and DVD on February 24, 2012
Photo credit: DreamWorks

Synopsis:
You loved him in Shrek…now see where the one-and-only swashbuckling feline found his fame - and a very big pair of boots - in the “hilariously funny” (Associated Press) animated epic! Lover, fighter and outlaw Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas) is off on the adventure of his nine lives as he teams up with Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) and Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) for the ultimate showdown with the notorious Jack and Jill (Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris). Here’s the true story of The Cat, The Myth, The Legend - Puss In Boots!

Special Features:
o A DreamWorks Fairytale
o Puss’ Paw-Pouncing Challenge
o The Animators’ Corner
o Trivia Pack
o Purr-fect Pairing: The Voices Behind The Legends
o Deleted Scenes
o Kitten To Cat: The Progression of Puss In Boots
o Fairytale Pop-Up Book
o Klepto Kitty
o Glitter Box Dance Off!
o More Games and CATivities!

“Puss in Boots” features voice work by Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianiakis, Amy Sedaris, and Billy Bob Thornton. It was directed by Chris Miller and was released on Blu-ray and DVD on February 24th, 2012.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

nzski69's picture

Who do I Love!!!

Puss of course!!! But who doesn’t love the whole cast!

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