PUSS IN BOOTS 3D [2011 / 2012] [3D Blu-ray + 2D Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy] [UK Release]
One Puur-fect Family Movie!
You loved him in 'Shrek,' now see how the one and only swashbuckling feline found his fame and a very big pair of boots, in this hilariously funny 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 Alexander Dumpty [Zach Galifianakis] for the ultimate showdown with the notorious Jack [Billy Bob Thornton] and Jill [Amy Sedaris]. Here's the true story of The Cat, The Myth and The Legend that is – Puss in Boots!
FILM FACT: Awards and Nominations: 2011 Golden Schmoes Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Movie of the Year. 2011 IGN Summer Movie Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Movie. 2011 St. Louis Film Critics Association, USA: Nominated: Best Animated Film for Chris Miller. 2011 Toronto Film Critics Association Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Feature. 2011 Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Feature. 2012 Academy Awards®: Nominated: Best Animated Feature Film of the Year for Chris Miller. 2012 Golden Globes: Nominated: Best Animated Feature Film. 2012: Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: Win: Best Animated Film. 2012 ALMA Awards: Nominated: Favorite Movie. 2012 American Cinema Editors: Nominated: Eddie Award for Best Edited Animated Feature Film for Erika Dapkewicz. 2012 Annie Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Feature for DreamWorks Animation. Nominated: Animated Effects in an Animated Production for Can Yuksel. Nominated: Character Animation in a Feature Production for Olivier Staphylas. Nominated: Character Design in a Feature Production for Patrick Mate. Nominated: Directing in a Feature Production for Chris Miller. Nominated: Music in a Feature Production for Henry Jackman. Nominated: Storyboarding in a Feature Production for Bob Logan. Nominated: Voice Acting in a Feature Production for Zach Galifianakis for playing "Humpty Alexander Dumpty." Nominated: Editing in a Feature Production for Erika Dapkewicz. 2012 ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards: Win: Top Box Office Films for Henry Jackman. 2012 Behind the Voice Actors Awards: Win: BTVA People's Choice Voice Acting Award for Best Male Vocal Performance in a Feature Film for Antonio Banderas for the voice of "Puss in Boots." Nominated: BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award for Best Male Vocal Performance in a Feature Film for Antonio Banderas for the voice of "Puss in Boots." Nominated: BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award for Best Female Vocal Performance in a Feature Film for Salma Hayek for the voice of "Kitty Softpaws." Nominated: BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award for Best Vocal Ensemble in a Feature Film for Amy Sedaris, Antonio Banderas, Billy Bob Thornton, Bob Joles, Chris Miller, Conrad Vernon, Latifa Ouaou, Salma Hayek, Tom McGrath and Zach Galifianakis. 2012 Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards: Nominated: Critics Choice Award for Best Animated Feature. 2012 Gold Derby Awards: Nominated: Animated Feature for Chris Miller. 2012 International Film Music Critics Award: Nominated: Best Original Score for an Animated Film for Henry Jackman. 2012 Kids' Choice Awards, USA: Win: Blimp Award for Favorite Animated Movie for DreamWorks Animation. Nominated: Blip Award for Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie for Antonio Banderas for playing "Puss in Boots." 2012 Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA: Nominated: Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing - Sound Effects, Foley, Dialogue and ADR in an Animation Feature Film for Richard King (supervising sound editor), Christopher Flick (supervising foley editor), Jessica Gallavan (supervising dialogue/adr editor), John Roesch (foley artist), Alyson Dee Moore (foley artist), Michael W. Mitchell (sound effects editor), Jeff Sawyer (sound effects editor), Michael Babcock (sound effects editor), Roland N. Thai (sound effects editor) and Mark Pappas (foley editor). 2012 MovieGuide Awards: nominated: Best Film for Families. 2012 PGA Awards: Nominated: Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures for Joe M. Aguilar and Latifa Ouaou. 2012 Teen Choice Awards: Nominated: Choice Action Movie Actress for Salma Hayek. Nominated: Choice Animated Movie. 2012 Visual Effects Society Awards: Nominated: Outstanding Visual Effects in an Animated Feature Motion Picture for Chris Miller, Guillaume Aretos, Joe M. Aguilar and Ken Bielenberg. Nominated: Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture for Antonio Banderas, Laurent Caneiro, Ludovic Bouancheau and Olivier Staphylas for "Puss in Boots." Nominated: Outstanding Created Environment in an Animated Feature Motion Picture for Brett Miller, Greg Lev, Guillaume Aretos and Peter Zaslav for “The Cloud World.”
Voice Cast: Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), Salma Hayek (Kitty Softpaws), Zach Galifianakis (Humpty Alexander Dumpty), Billy Bob Thornton (Jack), Amy Sedaris (Jill), Constance Marie (Imelda), Guillermo del Toro (Moustache Man / Comandante), Mike Mitchell (Andy Beanstalk), Rich B. Dietl (Bounty Hunter), Ryan Crego (Luis), Tom Wheeler (Bartender / Mean Boy / Wagon Driver / Hotel Owner / Rodrigo), Conrad Vernon (Raoul / Soldier), Tom McGrath (Bar Thief), Bob Joles (Giuseppe), Latifa Ouaou (Crazy Woman / Mean Girl / Milk Lady / Little Boy), Bob Persichetti (Ohhh Cat), Chris Miller (Little Boy Blue /Friar Miller /Prison Guard /Manuel /Rafael), Jessica Schulte Jones (Estella Maria), Nina Barry (Ivana /Charo), Sergio Bruna (Soldier) (uncredited), Rebecca Davis (Various Cats) (uncredited), Roberto Donati (Various voices) (uncredited), Jossara Jinaro (Additional Voices) (uncredited), Lara Jill Miller (Additional Voices) (uncredited), Joshua Rush (Additional Voices) (uncredited) and Julie Wittner (Various Cats) (uncredited)
Director: Chris Miller
Producers: Andrew Adamson, Chad Hammes, Guillermo del Toro, Joe M. Aguilar, John H. Williams, Latifa Ouaou, Michelle Raimo Kouyate and Tom Jacomb
Screenplay: Brian Lynch, Tom Wheeler and William Davies
Composer: Henry Jackman
Cinematography: Gil Zimmerman (head of layout)
Image Resolution: 1080p (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (Anamorphic)
Audio: English: 7.1 Dolby TrueHD Master Audio
Spanish Catalan: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Finnish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Norwegian: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Swedish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish Catalan, Danish, Finish, Norwegian, Spanish and Swedish
Running Time: Blu-ray: 90 minutes and DVD: 87 minutes
Region: 2 Blu-ray: All Regions and 1 DVD: PAL
Number of discs: 3
Studio: DreamWorks Animation SKG
Andrew's Blu-ray Review: The animation film ‘PUSS IN BOOTS’ 3D was conceived in the wake of ‘Shrek 2’ phenomenal box office success, one of the ways DreamWorks Animation thought to expand and extend its prosperous flagship franchise. In the years since, the public's love of all things ‘Shrek’ had dried up, making the fourth and final film's reception less enjoyable.
Probably a result of that, ‘PUSS IN BOOTS’ 3D makes no effort to connect this one-off to the series from which it spun. The title character is the same one who prominently featured in all three 'Shrek' sequels: the gallant Latin orange tabby cat Puss in Boots is voiced as always by Antonio Banderas in Zorro mode. And Puss in Boots own animated film makes use of a few other famous fairy tale characters. In genre and tone, though, this represents a departure from the jokey ogre comedies.
‘PUSS IN BOOTS’ 3D takes place before ‘Shrek 2.’ The feline Don Juan is a wanted outlaw in the village of San Ricardo. He is in pursuit of magical beans held by murderous human couple Jack (voiced by Billy Bob Thornton) and Jill (Amy Sedaris). The mission brings Puss in Boots face-to-masked face with a mysterious, nimble stranger, who is revealed, after a prolonged dance fight, to be Kitty Softpaws [Salma Hayek], a declawed street-smart grey cat.
Kitty is working in tandem with Puss in Boots estranged friend Humpty Alexander Dumpty [Zach Galifianakis]. Puss objects to reteaming with the egghead and we get the detailed explanation why. Backstory reveals that Puss in Boots and Humpty Alexander Dumpty grew up in an orphanage as brothers and were torn apart when their mischievous adventures turned into crime, hence, Puss in Boots fugitive status. Fresh out of jail, Humpty Alexander Dumpty is both apologetic and forgiving, and with a little encouragement, Puss in Boots is as well. Thus, the scene is set for the three allies to swipe the glowing beans from Jack and Jill and await a giant beanstalk that will lead them to the riches of a goose that lays golden eggs.
Computer animation has been getting darker in recent years and PIXAR has made intense emotional response part of the family animation film going experience and DreamWorks has followed suit in their most recent efforts, which have raised tension and stakes to an increase in dramatic payoff and critical favour. And yet, ‘PUSS IN BOOTS’ 3D is far from a joyless experience, because it is willing to follow its impulses, as in an all-out Puss in Boots/Kitty bar dance-off, and successfully deliver a quick joke, e.g. Puss in Boots unfailingly funny big-eyed sympathy ploy, without undermining its focused vision and taut structure.
Furthermore, Puss in Boots may be its hero's fourth film, but it largely feels like its covering new ground, not adhering to Shrek's tired playbook or other DreamWorks formula in any way. Originality remains highly welcome in a medium that so quickly became ubiquitous and homogenous. Puss in Boots may not be the most entertaining animated film of all time, but it is nonetheless distinctive enough to stand out and be appreciated as more than just another page in the always-growing DreamWorks catalogue.
There has already been talk of a ‘PUSS IN BOOTS’ sequel, but I would hope that the studio doesn't feel obligated to make a follow-up with or without actual demand and creativity. No one can dispute that DreamWorks Animation has been improving and that quality suddenly seems to be an important factor in the company's strategy. I only hope that they don't forget the lesson learned on ‘Shrek’ and avoid taking the similar “too much, too soon” approach.
PUSS IN BOOTS 3D MUSIC TRACK LIST
VENIMOS CANTANDO (Written by Felix Vizcaino, Federico Alonso Pernia and García Tejero) [Performed by Los Choqueros]
TE QUIERO CONOCER (Written by Miguel Angel Ruiz) [Performed by Las Ondas Marteles]
HANUMAN (Written by Rodrigo Pineda Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero Lopez) [Performed by Rodrigo y Gabriela]
DIABLO ROJO (Written by Rodrigo Pineda Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero Lopez) [Performed by Rodrigo y Gabriela]
AMERICANO (Written by Lady Gaga, Brian Lee, Fernando Garibay and Paul Blair) [Performed by Lady Gaga]
Blu-ray Image Quality – ‘PUSS IN BOOTS’ 3D razzle-dazzles and charms his way onto this Blu-ray disc with those big adorable eyes and refuses to let go. Despite some revealing some minor gaffes in his dance moves, but Puss in Boots knows how to amaze with the right moments and puts on a great show nonetheless. In spite of having to wear 3D glasses, the 1080p image quality is totally vivid and saturated in rich warm colours which leap off out of the screen. Yellows, oranges and reds are especially dazzling, giving the animation an energetic appeal. There's some very light banding around the softer, pastel hues in a couple of exterior scenes, but only noticeable when looking for it. The presentation is extraordinarily bright, with pitch-perfect contrast, bringing out every background object in the far-distance with splendid clarity. Black levels are full-bodied and ample in every scene, providing the image with a great deal of dimension throughout. Many shadowy sequences, which there are plenty of and tend to engulf some of the specifics within the picture. Daylight scenes are of course the best, exposing every line and feature on the Spanish architecture of the towns and in the rocky landscape of the desert plains. The fine hairs making up the furry coats of the two feline heroes are distinct and move with incredible lifelike simplicity. The stitching around the clothing of various characters is remarkably well-defined with beautifully detailed texture on Puss in Boots hat and boots. In the 3D realm, the transfer displays gorgeous depth and a terrific breadth of range, generating a convincing sense of size and proportion. Foreground objects show excellent separation from the rest of the picture and appear to move independently of the background. In many sequences, particularly those with lots of action, the image has a great pop-up book effect with several layers that move deep into the screen and nicely create the illusion of three-dimensional space. Unfortunately, it isn't always consistent with some scenes looking flatter than others, often those with dim lighting like the darkly-lit interiors mentioned above. The few 3D gimmicks don't really protrude from the screen with believability, and crosstalk is a regular nuisance around objects in the far distance, especially every time the moon makes an appearance. All in all, the animated spinoff makes for a really excellent and enjoyable 3D presentation.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – The 7.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtrack, it is a highly entertaining audio design where the music takes centre stage. Henry Jackman's original film music score makes terrific use of the sound field, spreading evenly throughout the sound system and marvellously enveloping the listener. Other minor discrete effects meant for ambience try to participate in the background, but are not quite as convincing. The swashbuckling action, however, displays flawless panning movement and directionality into the rears, enhancing the sound field satisfyingly. In the front speakers, the soundstage is expansive and welcoming, creating a wonderful, spacious image that's engaging. The music, again, is most impressive with a superb, crystal-clear mid-range, allowing for each instrument in the orchestra to be perfectly heard without the slightest distortion. The graceful kitty dance-off scene is a true highlight of the lossless mix where viewers can enjoy the pluck of individual strings on the guitar and detect every step of the character's dance moves. Vocal remain intelligible and precise amid the noise and chaos. The low-end is fairly deep and weighty for the music, but explosive action sequences don't seem to have a very persuasive oomph. Nonetheless, the audio track is a great joy, and it adds plenty of delight to the animation film.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras: All the special features found on the 2D Blu-ray release are also shared with the 3D edition.
Special Feature: Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos [2012] [1080p] [1.78:1] [13:00] Princess Alessandra hires Puss in Boots to retrieve the stolen “Heart of Fire” ruby from The Whisperer. Doing so, he must get information from three adorably mischievous kittens who witnessed the theft. It's a sweet and funny cartoon that is every bit as polished technically as the film itself, even boasting a 7.1 Dolby TrueHD Master Audio sound experience, so making it a truly amazing 3D experience. Voice Cast: Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), Gilles Marini (Captain of the Guard / Paolo the Squire), Charlotte Newhouse (Princess Alessandra Bellagamba), Chris Miller (Food Prisoner), Walt Dohrn (Water Prisoner), Bret Marnell (Toilet Paper Prisoner), Miles Christopher Bakshi (Gonzalo / Sir Timoteo), Nina Zoe Bakshi (Perla) and Guillaume Aretos (Le Chuchoteur The Whisperer).
Special Feature: A DreamWorks Fairytale: Here we have a fun little interactive feature in which users can create their own "character rhymes" by selecting from a predetermined list of words. For example, "Little Boy Blue, come roar your guitar;” “Puss in Boots is in the meadow; Jill is in the corn;” “Where is that cat who looks after the cupcakes, under the haystack fast asleep and will you wake him? Oh no, Not I." It's basically like an uncreative Madman Laboratory whose results, which are read to you, but are not likely to make anyone but very young children laugh, anyway have a go.
Special Feature: Puss' Paw Pouncing Challenge: This is a fun, and very clever little game in which you move a paw target to catch colourful lights, just like Puss in Boots would. The lights increase and move faster with each level, making it more challenging and fun as you progress. It is something that you will only want to play for more than a few minutes to be honest.
Special Feature: Three Deleted Scenes [2001] [1080p] [1.78:1] [7:27] Are introduced by producer Latifa Ouaou and are presented in story reel form with a temporary audio track recording. Most notable is the one featuring a human giant who is shown up in a traditional, heroic fashion. But what you get to view is the following: Humpty Plots with Jack & Jill [2:15]; Humpty Repays His Accomplices [1:20] and Puss in Boots Fights the Giant [3:52].
Special Feature: Kitten to Cat [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [12:01] Cast and crew interviews discuss the evolution of the character over the years and within the franchise. They celebrate the film's hero, reflecting on his appearance in the ‘Shrek’ films, considering how to spin the character off into other avenues, pondering what makes him tick, and here we take a look at the dance choreography done for this animated film. Contributors include: Latifa Ouaou (Actress), Salma Hayek (Actress), Wheeler Walker Jr (Singing Artist), Billy Bob Thornton (Actor), Chris Miller (Actor), Antonio Banderas (Actor), Joe M. Aguilar (Producer), Tom Wheeler (Screenwriter), Aron Warner (Producer), Andrew Adamson (Shrek director), Conrad Vernon (Shrek director), Laura Gorenstein Miller (Choreographer) and Olivier Staphylas (Supervising animator).
Special Feature: Glitter Box Dance Off! [2012] [1080p] [1.78:1] [5:01] Here we take a closer-look at the dance choreography seen in the animated film and teaches you the choreography employed for the film's two dance sequences, but this time we see the woman choreographer and three young girls showing you how it was done for the animators.
Special Feature: Dusty the Klepto Kitty [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [3:42] Amusing news footage of a cat that steals and profiles Dusty, a California cat who steals items from neighbours' yards, some of it is captured on a night vision camera. It doesn't really relate to the film, though a few clips try to make a connection, but I'm all for these cat video shorts, when the cat is so compelling.
Special Feature: Kitty Keyboard: Viewers are "treated" to a feline keyboard renditions in playing some favourite nursery rhymes on the piano keyboard and treats you to four cute, and creative animated shorts depicting musical interpretations of famous nursery rhymes “performed by cats,” which include: “3 Blind Mice,” “Humpty Dumpty,” “Jack and Jill” and “Little Boy Blue.”
Special Feature: Fairytale Pop-Up Book: Here we are presented with an interactive feature allowing users to learn more about the animated characters, where you can watch memorable scenes from the animated film, hear the characters favourite lines and look at artist drawings pertaining to each character and devotes a section to each of the following: Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws, Humpty Dumpty, and Jack and Jill. Each gets a montage of “Memorable Moments,” a “Favorite Line,” a descriptive paragraph, and a light gallery of concept art. Fashioned like a pop-up book, this child-oriented interactive feature is really good, very enjoyable and is nicely presented and I know children will love it.
Special Feature: Kitty Strikes Again: Here again, we are presented to another interactive challenge game where players must find the difference between two pictures and treats you to five split-screen image comparisons in which you've got to find what Kitty Softpaws has stolen (i.e. what is different between the two images?). Each level asks you to find more differences. It's adequately executed and reasonably challenging, so why not give yourself a challenge.
Special Feature: World of DreamWorks Animation and Trailers: This extra concludes with the long-standard World of DreamWorks Animation section, which serves up adverts and promotional music videos for ‘Megamind,’ ‘Shrek,’ ‘Kung Fu Panda,’ ‘Madagascar’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ franchises. It's a good use of otherwise unused disc space, both for the studio and those compelled to sample their other series releases for them to be encourage to buy the titles.
Finally, ‘PUSS IN BOOTS’ 3D is yet another good effort from DreamWorks Animation, especially now it is in glorious 3D, and doing its part to distancing the studio from its old reputation as a poor PIXAR imitation and reinforce its new one as one of the most reliably entertaining and increasingly sophisticated makers of family films. DreamWorks has yet to have a film reach the same magical heights of most of PIXAR’s output, but their non-sequels are consistently three-star quality or better (and so, for that matter, are some of their sequels). The DreamWorks studio continues to produce their films with fun and substantial bonus features. ‘PUSS IN BOOTS’ 3D combo pack offers plenty of extras and truly adds value and enjoyment. Plus, it nearly goes without saying that the 3D animation film itself looks awesome and the audio sounds are positively amazing in high definition. The animated film certainly merits a look and this utterly satisfying presentation is one you're not likely to regret buying and all in all this is to me a fantastic addition to my Blu-ray Collection and again, I cannot praise the 3D presentation enough, as it is totally awesome and the DreamWorks team are also very inventive and have watched this brilliant 3D Blu-ray many times, and you will see something different every time you view it. But if you want to impress your friends and relations, then I can assure you they will be awe struck as well in what they view, as it is a totally magical experience and I am so proud to add this to my Blu-ray Collection. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No. 1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
