SHREK 2 3D [2004 / 2011] [3D Blu-ray + 2D DVD] [UK Release]
‘SHREK 2’ 3D is a worthy sequel to it's original!
Everyone's favourite larger-than-life hero returns in ‘SHREK 2’ 3D which has been hailed by critics and audiences alike as even better than its Academy Award® winning predecessor! “There are so many jokes and jests, not even a jelly-bellied ogre could consume them all in one sitting,” proclaims USA Today.
Happily ever after never seemed so far far away when a trip to meet the in-laws turns into another hilariously twisted adventure for Shrek and Princess Fiona. With the help of his faithful steed Donkey, Shrek takes on a potion-brewing Fairy Godmother, the pompous Prince Charming, and the famed ogre-killer, Puss in Boots, a ferocious feline foe who's really just a pussycat at heart!
FILM FACT No.1: 2004 BAFTA Film Awards: Win: Kids Vote for Best Animated Film. Nomination: BAFTA Children's Award for Best Feature Film. 2004 Awards Circuit Community Awards: Nomination: Best Animated Feature. 2004 British Comedy Awards: Nomination: Best Comedy Film. 2004 Cannes Film Festival: Palme d'Or for Andrew Adamson, Conrad Vernon and Kelly Asbury. 2004 Golden Schmoes Awards: Nomination: Most Overrated Movie of the Year. Nomination: Best Animated Movie of the Year. Nomination: Coolest Character of the Year for “Puss 'n Boots.” 2004 Hollywood Film Awards: Win: Animation of the Year for Andrew Adamson, Conrad Vernon and Kelly Asbury. 2004 World Soundtrack Awards: Nominated: Soundtrack Composer of the Year for Harry Gregson-Williams. Nominated: Best Original Soundtrack of the Year for Counting Crows (performers), Harry Gregson-Williams. Nominated: Best Original Song Written for Film for Adam Duritz (written), Dan Vickrey (written), David Bryson (written) David Immerglück (written) and Matthew Malley (written) for the song "Accidentally in Love." 2005 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: Nominated: Best Animated Film. Nominated: Best DVD Special Edition Release. 2005 Academy Awards®: 2005 Academy Awards®: Nomination: Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures for an Original Song for Adam Duritz (composer/lyricist), Charles Gillingham (composer), Dan Vickrey (lyricist), David Bryson (composer), David Immerglück (composer), Jim Bogios (composer) and Matthew Malley (composer) for the song "Accidentally In Love." Nomination: Best Animated Feature Film of the Year for Andrew Adamson. 2005 Golden Globes: Nomination: Best Original Song in a Motion Picture for Adam Duritz (composer/lyricist), Dan Vickrey (lyricist), David Bryson (composer), David Immerglück (composer), and Matthew Malley (composer) for the song "Accidentally In Love." 2005 Annie Awards: Nomination: Best Animated Feature. Nomination: Animated Effects for Jonathan Gibbs. Nomination: Directing in an Animated Feature Production for Andrew Adamson, Conrad Vernon and Kelly Asbury. Nomination: Music in an Animated Feature Production for Harry Gregson-Williams. Nomination: Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production for Conrad Vernon. Nomination: Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production for Antonio Banderas for the voice of Puss in Boots. Nomination: Writing in an Animated Feature Production for Andrew Adamson, David N. Weiss, J. David Stem and Joe Stillman. 2005 BMI Film & TV Awards: Win: BMI Film Music Award for Harry Gregson-Williams. Win: Most Performed Song from a Film for Adam Duritz (composer/lyricist), Dan Vickrey (lyricist), David Bryson (composer), David Immerglück (composer), and Matthew Malley (composer) for the song "Accidentally In Love." 2005 Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards: Nomination: Best Song for Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), Dan Vickrey (Counting Crows), David Immerglück (Counting Crows) and Matthew Malley (Counting Crows) for the song "Accidentally In Love." 2005 Gold Derby Awards: Nomination: Original Song for Counting Crows for the song "Accidentally In Love." Nomination: Animated Feature. 2005 Grammy Awards: Nomination: Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media for Andrew Adamson (compilation producer), Chris Douridas (compilation producer) and Michael Ostin (compilation producer). Nomination: Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media for Adam Duritz (composer/lyricist), Dan Vickrey (lyricist), David Bryson (composer), David Immerglück (composer) and Matthew Malley (composer) for the song "Accidentally In Love." 2005 International Film Music Critics Award: Nomination: Best Original Score for a Comedy Film for Harry Gregson-Williams. 2005 Kids' Choice Awards, USA: Nomination: Blimp Award for Favorite Movie. Nomination: Blimp Award for Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie for Cameron Diaz. Nomination: Blimp Award for Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie for Eddie Murphy. Nomination: Blimp Award for Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie for Mike Myers. 2005 Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA: Nomination: Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing in Animated Feature Film for Andre Fenley (sound editor), David C. Hughes (sound editor), Dennis Leonard (supervising sound editor), Ewa Sztompke (sound editor), J.R. Grubbs (sound editor), Jonathan Null (supervising foley editor), Larry Oatfield (sound editor), Marilyn McCoppen (supervising dialogue editor/supervising adr editor), Mark Jan Wlodarkiewicz (music editor), Randy Thom (supervising sound editor) and Scott Guitteau (sound editor). 2005 MTV Movie + TV Awards: Nomination: MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance for Antonio Banderas. 2005 MTV Movie Awards, Mexico: Win: MTV Movie Award for Favorite Voice in an Animated Film (Mejor Caricatura de Voz) for Eugenio Derbez as the voice of "Burro" (Donkey). 2005 NRJ Ciné Awards: Win: Best Dubbing in a Film (Meilleur "avec la voix de...") for Alain Chabat. Win: Best Comedy Film (Meilleur film "qui fait rire"). 2005 People's Choice Awards, USA: Win: Favorite Movie Comedy. Win: Favorite Sequel. Win: Favorite Animated Movie. Win: Favorite Animated Movie Star for Eddie Murphy. Win: Favorite Movie Villain for Jennifer Saunders. Nomination: Favorite Motion Picture. 2005 Visual Effects Society Awards: Nomination: Outstanding Performance by an Animated Character in an Animated Motion Picture for Antonio Banderas (actor) and Raman Hui for the “Puss in Boots” character. 2005 Young Artist Awards: Nomination: Best Family Animation Feature Film.
FILM FACT No.2: Joan Rivers cameo marked the first time that a real person had been represented on screen by the Shrek animation team. Joan Rivers part (though retaining her visual representation) was redubbed by presenter Kate Thornton for the United Kingdom release. On the DVD special features and in the U.S. edition VHS (just before the credits), Simon Cowell appears as himself on Far Far Away Idol, a parody of American Idol.
Voice Cast: Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), Julie Andrews (Queen), Antonio Banderas (Puss In Boots), John Cleese (King), Rupert Everett (Prince Charming), Jennifer Saunders (Fairy Godmother), Aron Warner (Wolf), Kelly Asbury (Page / Elf / Nobleman /Nobleman's Son), Cody Cameron (Pinocchio / Three Pigs), Conrad Vernon (Gingerbread Man / Cedric / Announcer / Muffin Man / Mongo), Christopher Knights (Blind Mouse), David P. Smith (Herald / Man with Box), Mark Moseley (Mirror / Dresser), Kelly Cooney (Fast Food Clerk), Wendy Bilanski (Bar Frog), Larry King (Ugly Stepsister), Guillaume Aretos (Receptionist), Chris Miller (Humphries / Magic Mirror), Latifa Ouaou (Doll / Jill), Alina Phelan (Maiden #1 / Generic Female #2), Erika Thomas (Maiden #2), Joan Rivers (Joan Rivers) and Andrew Adamson (Captain of the Guards)
Directors: Andrew Adamson, Conrad Vernon and Kelly Asbury
Producers: Aron Warner, David Lipman, Jeffrey Katzenberg and John H. Williams
Screenplay: William Steig (based upon the book), Andrew Adamson (story/ screenplay), David N. Weiss (screenplay), David P. Smith (additional dialogue), J. David Stem (screenplay), Joe Stillman (screenplay), Chris Miller (additional dialogue), Cody Cameron (additional dialogue), Conrad Vernon (additional dialogue) and Walt Dohrn (additional dialogue)
Composer: Harry Gregson-Williams
Image Resolution: Blu-ray: 1080p + 2D: 1080i (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 (Anamorphic)
Audio: English: 7.1 Dolby TrueHD Audio
French: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Korean: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Dutch: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Russian: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Italian: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Chinese: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Português: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Turkish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Subtitles: German, Korean, Chinese, Russian and Turkish
Running Time: Blu-ray: 92 minutes + DVD: 88 minutes
Region: Blu-ray: Region B/2 + DVD: PAL
Number of discs: 2
Studio: DreamWorks Animation
Andrew’s Blu-ray 3D Review: With the film animation ‘SHREK 2’ 3D [2004] a certain amount of credit must be given to the filmmaking team behind ‘SHREK 2’ 3D for overcoming a seemingly insurmountable obstacle and producing an entertaining motion picture. That obstacle is the ending of the original Shrek, which neatly wrapped up every conceivable aspect of the story, leaving little room for a sequel. Originally, Shrek had been designed as a one-off movie, but, when it became a huge hit, DreamWorks Animation decided that a second instalment was warranted. However, with Shrek and Princess Fiona married and living happily ever after as ogres, some creative brainstorming had to be done to arrive at a sequel-worthy concept.
To be fair, ‘SHREK 2’ 3D doesn't have much of a storyline. It's basically about the meeting between newlyweds Shrek (voice of Mike Myers) and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) and the bride's parents, King Harold (John Cleese) and Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews). To facilitate this encounter, Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey (Eddie Murphy) must travel to the kingdom of Far, Far Away. The grotesque appearance of the happy couple isn't to the liking of the ruling family or to study Prince Charming (Rupert Everett), who wants Fiona for his wife. With a little help from his mom, the Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders) and a killer cat named Puss 'n Boots (Antonio Banderas), Prince Charming seeks to win Princess Fiona away from Shrek.
DreamWorks attracted Julie Andrews and John Cleese to play Fiona's royal parents, which is great except that neither is given any stellar dialogue. Eddie Murphy returns as the mouthy Donkey and supplies a running stream of moderately amusing invective. The most entertaining voice comes from Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots, but the actor's panache must compensate for a thinly drawn character whose shifting allegiance is undersold.
Jennifer Saunders (“Absolutely Fabulous”) plays a nasty Fairy Godmother who's fodder for a vibrant magic-wand keep-away sequence. Cameos by Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, Three Little Pigs, Three Blind Mice, and the “gender-confused” Big Bad Wolf spice up the last act, which is otherwise weighed down by wannabe take-offs of ‘Mission: Impossible’ and ‘Ghostbusters.’
Although there isn't much in the way of a plot, ‘SHREK 2’ 3D is populated with clever and amusing sequences, parodies, and pop references. There's a nod to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ (the forging of Fiona's wedding band) and a lampoon of the Oscars’ Red Carpet and complete with hilarious Joan Rivers. There's a brilliant satire of the “Cops” TV show (named “Knights”) and several opportunities to poke fun at Hollywood as Far, Far Away is a medieval version of the eccentric West Coast city. The dialogue includes plenty of double entendre (double entendre is a figure of speech or a particular way of wording that is devised to have a double meaning) and secondary meanings. The music is laced with contemporary tunes, like Donkey croons in his own inimitable fashion the theme to “Rawhide” and the whole cast joins in on the “Livin' La Vida Loca.”
Simultaneously one of the best action sequences and musical sequences in any animated film is when the Fairy Godmother breaks into a now-iconic rendition of Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding out for a Hero” as Shrek and his gang attempt to seize the royal castle. The sequence alone is better than anything from the first ‘SHREK,’ as everything from the Mission: Impossible homage to the giant Gingerbread Man plays like gangbusters.
Much like the first movie, ‘SHREK 2’ 3D boasts a stellar soundtrack as well. While there may not be one song that tops the untouchable iconic status of “All-Star” from the first Shrek, frankly, there may not be a song in any film that does that. For ‘SHREK 2’ 3D, it's the overall collection of artists put together that edges it out over its predecessor. Featuring amazing songs from the likes of artists like David Bowie, Nick Cave, and Counting Crows, ‘SHREK 2’ 3D’s eclectic music taste is toe-tapping greatness while also effectively translating its deepened core theme through song.
‘SHREK 2’ 3D would go on to be the first in a long line of brilliant successful creativity from DreamWorks Animation certainly know how to keep things fresh. In the case of ‘SHREK 2’ 3D, where this animated film pulled off what the best sequels manage to do; up the stakes both emotionally and physically, build on the established world, and offer a more complicated story that provides a twist on everything that made the first film work. ‘SHREK 2’ 3D defiantly ticks all of those boxes and still makes time for a show stopping Donkey and Puss in Boots performance with Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca” before the credits roll.
Once Jeffrey Katzenberg jumped ship to join Steven Spielberg and David Geffen in creating DreamWorks, and he predicted (presumptuously) that their 2D animated films would rival the Disney franchise. Ironically, Jeffrey Katzenberg’s devotion to the fading traditionally-animated feature film would lead him to embrace the 3D animation, and help reshape the medium.
SHREK 2 3D MUSIC TRACK LIST
ACCIDENTLY IN LOVE (Written by Adam Duritz, Dan Vickrey, David Immerglück, Matthew Malley and David Bryson) [Performed by Counting Crows]
ONE (Written by Harry Nilsson) [Performed by Eddie Murphy]
LE FREAK (Written by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards) [Performed by Chic]
HAWAII FIVE-O (Written by Morton Stevens)
THEME FROM “RAWHIDE” (Music by Dimitri Tiomkin) (Lyrics by Ned Washington) [Performed by Eddie Murphy]
FUNKYTOWN (Written by Steven Greenberg) [Performed by Lipps Inc.]
FAIRY GODMOTHER SONG (Written by Andrew Adamson, Stephen Barton, Walt Dohrn, Harry Gregson-Williams, David P. Smith and Aron Warner) [Performed by Jennifer Saunders]
LITTLE DROP OF POISON (Written by Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan) [Performed by Tom Waits]
I NEED SOME SLEEP (Written by Mark Oliver Everett) [Performed by Eels]
AIN’T NO STOPPIN’ US NOW (Written by Jerry Cohen, Gene McFadden and John Whitehead) [Performed by Eddie Murphy]
EVER FALLEN IN LOVE (Written by Peter Shelley) [Performed by Pete Yorn]
TOMORROW (Written by Martin Charnin and Charles Strouse) [Performed by Eddie Murphy]
PEOPLE AIN’T NO GOOD (Written by Nick Cave) [Performed by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds]
CHANGES (Written by David Bowie) [Performed by Butterfly Boucher featuring David Bowie]
‘MISSION IMPOSSIBLE’ THEME (Written by Lalo Schifrin) (Arranged by Stephen Barton) (Produced by Harry Gregson-Williams)
I LOVE BOSCO (Courtesy of Bosco Products, Inc.)
LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA (Written by Desmond Child and Draco Rosa) [Performed by Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas]
HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO (Written by Dean Pitchford and Jim Steinman) [Performed by Jennifer Saunders]
ALL BY MYSELF (Written by Eric Carmen and Sergei Rachmaninoff) [Performed by Eddie Murphy]
HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO (Written by Dean Pitchford and Jim Steinman) [Performed by Frou Frou]
YOU’RE SO TRUE (Written by Joseph Arthur) [Performed by Joseph Arthur]
AS LOVERS GO (Written by Christopher Ender Carrabba) [Performed by Dashboard Confessional]
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3D Blu-ray Image Quality – DreamWorks Animation presents us ‘SHREK 2’ with this totally brilliant animated film in a stunning 1080p Technicolor 3D image presentation and equally impressive is the 1.78:1 aspect ratio that really enhances the 3D images you view is so spectacular and it is just like “Real 3D” and you feel you are totally involved with the animated film, especially with all the characters. Given the recent nature of the clean-up, the results are nothing short of jaw dropping beautiful, and especially the main colours that really stood out for me were the main colours like the reds, green, blue, brown and mauve, but overall the other spectrum of colours you get to view are truly outstanding and vibrant. On top of all that the image quality is as good as you would get with a brand new CGI computer generated animated film. This ‘SHREK 2’ 3D Blu-ray images pop out off the screen in a really spectacular way, that also gives you an amazing depth of field, and makes this ‘SHREK’ 3D Blu-ray is a truly classic demonstration material that will make all your visitors see this animated film in a brand new way compared to if you could watch it in the 2D image presentation, but for me personally I really prefer the brilliant 3D images that really enhances this brilliant animated film. Please Note: Playback Region B/2: This will not play on most Blu-ray players sold in North America, Central America, South America, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Learn more about Blu-ray region specifications.
3D Blu-ray Audio Quality – DreamWorks Animation brings us an awesome spectacular presentation DreamWorks Animation brings us ‘SHREK 2’ 3D with an awesome spectacular presentation of the 7.1 Dolby TrueHD Audio experience, especially when you get the upbeat well known songs you hear throughout the animated film. You get the experience of all the speakers getting a really good workout and especially the rear speakers that is flawlessly brilliant, that really generates a cheerful soundscape that is so wonderfully enveloping all around you and makes you feel part of the animated film, as well as experiencing the discrete sounds of wildlife when the music is in its quieter mode, that really enhances all of the sound field to highly-satisfying audio effect. Channel separation and movement is very well-balanced, creating an expansive image across the screen in a very convincing way. Dynamics and acoustics sound effects are surprisingly extensive with clean mid to upper levels, and low-bass provides accurate weight and punch to the action as well as the song selections. So all in all this is a totally excellent effort on the part of DreamWorks Pictures SKG Animation and everyone involved in this brilliant animated film should be totally congratulated in their professional production values.
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Blu-ray Special Features and Extras: Unfortunately there are no special features with this 3D Blu-ray release of ‘SHREK 2.’
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DVD Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Spotlight on Puss in Boots [2010] [1080i] [1.78:1 / 1.37:1] [10:44] With this featurette, we get to hear from several contributors to talking about the character of Puss in Boots where the comment and say he is very funny and they also find the cat very cute and love to take him home for a pet. They also feel Puss in Boots is a really great character when introduced in the first ‘SHREK’ animated movie. But on top of all that, they also feel Puss in Boots is much pampered and is very hysterical to look at, but they also feel Puss in Boots is a very cool character. We get to hear from the man behind the character of Puss in Boots and how they brought the character to life, and they felt Antonio Banderas was the first person they thought was perfect and ideal to have the voice of Puss in Boots, and they also felt very lucky that Antonio Banderas wanted to voice Puss in Boots, but we find out that the character Puss in Boots was based on the character of Zorro, and again they thought Antonio Banderas would bring that character alive because the cat is so bold in its attitude and took the character to a whole new level. Contributors include: Mike Myers [Shrek], Cameron Diaz [Princess Fiona], Eddie Murphy [Donkey], Mike Mitchell [Director], Antonio Banderas [Puss in Boots], Aron Warner [Producer], Andrew Adamson [Director], Sand Kao [Character Technical Director] and Walt Dohrn [Rumpelstiltskin].
Special Feature: Filmmakers’ Commentaries: With this featurette, we get to hear two audio commentaries and they are as follows:
Audio Commentary by Directors Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon [2010] [1080i] [1.78:1] [81:58] With this featurette, we get to hear from directors Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon to talk about the animated film ‘SHREK 2’ both of whom sit together for their running, screen-specific discussion. This featurette is a chatty affair; the pair cover a mix of subjects, though most of them relate to story elements. We get a little information about visuals and animation, but mainly we hear about character issues, working out the plot and other areas, and keeping things on the right foot. The pair jokes with each other – their frequent use of incorrect words becomes a running gag which to me is to me very annoying – despite this it makes for an informative audio commentary.
Audio Commentary by Producer Aron Warner and Editor Michael Andrews [2010] [180i] [1.78:1] [88:20] With this featurette, this time we get to hear from producer Aron Warner and editor Mike Andrews. They also sit together for their running, screen-specific discussion. As with the directors’ track, this one focuses on storytelling, but in a different way. Here the chat concentrates on pacing, editing, and melding the different elements. Whereas with the first audio commentary inform us how they came up with the various story set pieces, this one lets us know how they combined the parts into the coherent final. We learn about cut sequences as well as some music and a few technical issues. As with the previous audio commentary, this one displays a total arrogant attitude and it is got to be one of the worst most boring audio commentary I have had to sit through, talk about the most torturous audio style.
Special Feature: Far Far Away Idol [2004] [1080i] [1.78:1] [8:33] With this featurette, is an “American Idol” parody, complete with Simon Cowell was created especially for this DVD and we get to view various characters sing appropriate pop tunes for a judging panel of Shrek, Princess Fiona, and Simon Cowell. It’s cute and enjoyable. You get to vote on your favourite, but it makes no difference, as the winner always remains the same. Contributors include: Mike Myers [Shrek], Eddie Murphy [Donkey], Cameron Diaz [Princess Fiona], Simon Cowell [Himself], Cody Cameron [Pinocchio & Three Pigs], Larry King [Doris], Aron Warner [Wolf], Randy Crenshaw [Prince Charming & Blind Mice], Conrad Vernon [Gingerbread Man], Matt Mahaffey [Captain Hook], Antonio Banderas [Puss in Boots], Renee Sandstorm Princess Fiona singing], Rick Riso [Simon Cowell singing], Michael Gough [Shrek singing] and Chris Miller [Magic Mirror].
Special Feature: Shrek, Rattle & Roll: With this featurette we get to view two music videos and they are as follows:
Music Video: Accidentally in Love by Counting Crows [2004] [1080i] [1.37:1] [3:22] “Accidentally in Love” is a song by American rock band Counting Crows. The song was written for the opening scene of the 2004 DreamWorks first animated film ‘SHREK.’
Music Video: These Boots Are Made for Walking by Puss in Boots [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [00:00] "Puss N' Boots/These Boots (Are Made for Walkin')" is sung by actor Antonio Banderas who of course is the voice for Puss in Boots.
Finally, ‘SHREK 2’ 3D [2004] features the same voice talents as the first animated movie, 'Shrek 2' continues delivering laughs and enchantment by having our swamp-owning green hero meet the parents. Poignant and clever cultural references abound once again while also expanding on this fairy-tale universe with the introduction of a couple new characters. The 3D Blu-ray arrives as a two-disc combo pack. With its appealing blend of animated comedy, romance, and adventure, ‘SHREK 2’ 3D follows the formula of its predecessor while maintaining enough originality not to come across as a direct copy. Fans of the first movie will be pleased. Although ‘SHREK 2’ 3D is not as breezy as ‘SHREK,’ it's a respectable effort and a solid example of family-friendly entertainment. The enjoyable animated romp lives up to expectations, which is more than can be said for any of its current big-budget multiplex competition. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
