Shrek 2

Following their wedding, cranky ogre Shrek (voice of Myers) and his new bride, Princess Fiona (voice of Diaz), head 2 The Land Far Far Away to visit—make that "surprise"—her parents, who are not expecting their daughter and new son-in-law to be green (literally!). But helping Fiona find her skin color and new Prince Charming (voice of Rupert Everett) won't be easy as long as Shrek, Donkey (voice of Murphy), and Puss in Boots (voice of Antonio Banderas) are around! Based on the book by William Steig. (Suzanne Hodges)

Special features include the featurettes "Spotlight On Puss In Boots" (HD 10:46) and "Secrets Of Shrek 2" (HD 03:58); commentary with Directors Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon; commentary with Producer Aron Warner and Editor Michael Andrews; the featurette "Far Far Away Idol" (HD 05:53); "Shrek, Rattle & Roll" that includes the Counting Crows "Accidentally In Love" music video, Puss In Boots "These Boots Are Made For Walking," Shrek The Musical "I Know It's Today," and the DreamWorks Animation Video Jukebox; Blu-ray Exclusives: The Animator's Corner and Shrek's Interactive Journey: II; and up-front previews.

The anamorphically enhanced DVD picture reviewed in Issue 91 looked fantastic, with bold colors that popped from the screen. This new 1.78:1 1080p AVC Blu-ray® edition will have the entire family reveling in the bold hues depicted here. The animation is extremely detailed, with loads of dimension and "texture." Spending time examining the picture reveals such incredible details, like gently swaying blades of grass, clothing that resembles burlap, and shadows and reflections—details which are a testament to the talented animators who brought life to the movie. Overall, this is a great-looking picture that should certainly delight! (Gary Reber/Suzanne Hodges)

As with the previously reviewed DVD's Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel soundtrack, music and atmospheric effects sound great in this Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel rendering, Voices seem to more naturally fit their spatial environment. Subtle elements of the presentation are represented well, but are rather quiet and can often be greatly overshadowed by the dominant center-channel dialogue. Phantom imaging is very impressive across all four sound walls, with a very aggressive mix with effects and sound. The added two channels are properly positioned as 90-degree side channels and enhance the sense of seamless holosonic® integration when all channels are energized. LFE channel activity is held to a minimum throughout the presentation, and the overall level of the soundtrack is still rather low. (Gary Reber/Danny Richelieu)