SHREK 3D [2001 / 2011] [3D Blu-ray] [UK Release] The Greatest Fairy Tale Never Told! The Ultimate Animated Film for the Whole Family!
You've never met a hero quite like Shrek, winner of the first Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature. The endearing ogre who sparked a motion picture phenomenon and captured the world's imagination with the Greatest Fairy Tale Never Told! Critics are calling ‘SHREK’ “not just a brilliant animated feature, but a superb film on any level.” (Larry King of USA Today)
Relive every moment of Shrek [Mike Myers] and his daring quest to rescue feisty Princess Fiona [Cameron Diaz] with the help of his loveable loudmouthed Donkey [Eddie Murphy] and win back the deed to his beloved swamp from scheming Lord Farquaad [John Lithgow]. Enchantingly irreverent and “monstrously clever” (Leah Rozen of People Magazine). ‘SHREK’ is an ogre-sized adventure you’ll want to see again and again!
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 2001 BAFTA Awards: Win: Best Feature Film for Andrew Adamson, Aron Warner, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Vicky Jenson. 2001 British Comedy Awards: Nominated: Best Comedy Film. 2001 Cannes Film Festival: Nominated: Golden Camera for Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson. Nominated: Palme d'Or for Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson. 2002 Academy Awards®: Win: Best Animated Feature for Aron Warner. Nominated: Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published for Joe Stillman, Roger S.H. Schulman, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. 2002 Golden Globes: Nominated: Best Motion Picture in a Comedy or Musical. 2002 BAFTA® Awards: Win: BAFTA Film Award: Best Screenplay Adaption for Joe Stillman, Roger S.H. Schulman, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. Nominated: Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music for Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell. Nominated: BAFTA Film Award for Best Film for Aron Warner, Jeffrey Katzenberg and John H. Williams. Nominated: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for Eddie Murphy. Nominated: Best Sound for Andy Nelson, Anna Behlmer, Lon Bender and Wylie Stateman. Nominated: Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects for Ken Bielenberg. 2002 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films: Nominated: Best Fantasy Film. Nominated: Best Supporting Actor for Eddie Murphy. Nominated: Best Writing for Joe Stillman, Roger S.H. Schulman, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. Nominated: Best Music for Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell. 2001 AFI Awards: Nominated: Movie of the Year. 2002 Grammy Awards: Nominated: Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. 2002 Hugo Awards: Nominated: Best Dramatic Presentation for Andrew Adamson (director), Vicky Jenson (director), Ted Elliott (written), Terry Rossio (written), Joe Stillman (written), Roger S.H. Schulman (written), Edmund Fong (story), Ken Harsha (story), Cody Cameron (additional dialogue), Chris Miller (additional dialogue), Conrad Vernon (additional dialogue), Jeffrey Katzenberg (producer), Aron Warner (producer), John H. Williams (producer), Penney Finkelman Cox (executive producer) and Sandra Rabins (executive producer). 2002 Ivor Novello Awards: Win: Best Original Film Score for Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell.
FILM FACT No.2: At the time DreamWorks was founded, producer John H. Williams got hold of the book from his children and when he brought it to DreamWorks, it caught Jeffrey Katzenberg's attention and the studio decided to make it into a film. After buying the rights to the film, Katzenberg quickly put it in active development in November 1995. Steven Spielberg had thought about making a traditionally animated film adaption of the book before, when he bought the rights to the book in 1991 before the founding of DreamWorks, where Bill Murray would play Shrek and Steve Martin would play Donkey. In many places the film references classic movies, predominantly those by Disney. When Tinker Bell falls on Donkey and he says "I can fly" and people around including the Three Little Pigs say "He can fly, he can fly;” this is a reference to Disney's ‘Peter Pan.’ This scene is also a reference to the Disney film ‘Dumbo,’ where Donkey says, while flying, "You might have seen a house fly, maybe even a super fly, but I bet you ain't never seen a Donkey fly." The scene where Fiona is singing to the blue bird is a reference to ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.’ The transformation scene at the end of the film references Disney's ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ When Shrek crosses the bridge to the Castle and says, "That'll do, Donkey, that'll do," this is a reference to the film ‘Babe.’ The scene where Princess Fiona is fighting the Merry Men is a lengthy reference to the film ‘The Matrix.’ At the end of the film, the Gingerbread Man at the end with a crutch (and one leg) says "God bless us, everyone" which is a reference to Tiny Tim in ‘A Christmas Carol.’ In the scene where the Magic Mirror gives Lord Farquaad the option to marry three princesses, it parodies popular American television show The Dating Game featuring: Cinderella and Snow White. In addition, Lord Farquaad's theme park style kingdom Duloc heavily mimics Disneyland, even in so far as parodying the famous 'It's A Small World' musical ride in the scene with the singing puppets.
Voice Cast: Mike Myers [Shrek], Eddie Murphy [Donkey], Cameron Diaz [Princess Fiona], John Lithgow [Lord Farquaad], Vincent Cassel [Monsieur Hood], Peter Dennis [Ogre Hunter], Clive Pearse [Ogre Hunter], Jim Cummings [Captain of Guards], Bobby Block [Baby Bear], Chris Miller [Geppetto / Magic Mirror], Cody Cameron [Pinnochio / Three Pigs], Kathleen Freeman [Old Woman], Michael Galasso [Peter Pan[, Christopher Knights [Blind Mouse], Simon J. Smith [Blind Mouse], Conrad Vernon [Gingerbread Man], Jacquie Barnbrook [Wrestling Fan], Guillaume Aretos [Merry Man], John Bisom [Merry Man], Matthew Gonder (Merry Man), Calvin Remsberg (Merry Man), Jean-Paul Vignon [Merry Man], Val Bettin [Bishop], Andrew Adamson [Duloc Mascot] (uncredited), Okan Bayülgen [Shrek] (uncredited), Patty Cornell [Clockwork Chorus] (uncredited), Susan Fitzer [Clockwork Chorus] (uncredited), Charles Dennis [Villager] (uncredited), Mehmet Ali Erbil [Esek] (uncredited), (uncredited), Jeremy Harrington [Screaming Villager] (uncredited), Gary A. Hecker [Dragon Vocals] (uncredited), Ziya Kürküt [Kurabiye] (uncredited), Oya Prosçiler [Prenses Fiona], (uncredited), Volkan Severcan [Robin Hood] (uncredited), Hakan Vanli [Lord Farquaad] (uncredited), Frank Welker [Dragon / Animals Vocal Effects] (uncredited), Elisa Gabrielli [Additional Voices] (uncredited), Richard Steven Horvitz [Additional Voices] (uncredited) and Phillip Ingram [Additional Voices] (uncredited)
Directors: Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson
Producers: Aron Warner, David Lipman, Jane Hartwell, Jeffrey Katzenberg, John H. Williams, Linda Olszewski (uncredited), Penney Finkelman Cox, Sandra Rabins, Steven Spielberg (uncredited) Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio
Screenplay: Joe Stillman (writer), Roger S.H. Schulman (writer), Ted Elliott (writer) and Terry Rossio (writer), Chris Miller (additional dialogue), Cody Cameron (additional dialogue), Conrad Vernon (additional dialogue) and William Steig (book)
Composers: Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell
Image Resolution: 1080p (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 (Anamorphic)
Audio: German: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
English: 7.1 Dolby TrueHD Audio
Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
French: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Italian: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Korean: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Chinese: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Dutch: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Português: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Russian: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Turkish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Subtitles: Korean, Chinese, Russian and Turkish
Running Time: 90 minutes
Region: Blu-ray: Region B/2
Number of discs: 1
Studio: DreamWorks Animation
Andrew’s Blu-ray 3D Review: ‘SHREK’ 3D [2001] is a brilliant quirky oddball computer-animated fairy tale spoof from the people at DreamWorks Pictures. The title character of Shrek is a large green ogre voiced in the Scottish brogue by Mike Myers, but don’t worry, this is not the ghastly over the top ‘Austin Powers’ territory. Also Eddie Murphy plays the role of wisecracking sidekick Donkey. The principal cast is rounded off by Cameron Diaz as the feisty Princess Fiona, and John Lithgow as the egocentric and very short Lord Farquaad.
Lord Farquaad is obsessed with having the perfect kingdom, and to that end is rounding up and imprisoning fairy-tale creatures, most of who flee to Shrek’s doorstep for protection. But to have a kingdom, you need to be a king, and Lord Farquaad decides the quickest way to kingship is to marry Princess Fiona. There is just one small snag: Princess Fiona is locked up in a tower guarded by a ferocious fire breathing dragon.
Enter the green ogre Shrek, who has come to have a word with Lord Farquaad about getting the unwanted squatters off his property. Lord Farquaad agrees to rescue of the princess in exchange getting the unwanted squatters off Shrek’s property, and he does so with characteristic directness. Shrek is hardly the Prince Charming that Princess Fiona expected, but she warms up to him in time. The rest of the story can’t really be told without spoiling the animated film’s surprise ending, but suffice to say, it follows the time-honoured trend of skewering the familiar fairy-tale odd ball clichés while still managing to end with a happily ever after scenario.
When all is said and done, the 3D computer generated animated film of ‘SHREK’ is to my mind a comic masterpiece and at the same time it is also very witty, very enjoyable animated film. The comic timing is absolutely brilliant, the satire is right on the mark, and the voice acting captures of the weird and wonderful characters are perfectly sublime and it also helps that all the actors are totally in their fun filled element, especially in the recording studio. The computer animation is right up there with top-of-the-line sparkling images; which would not expect any less from the DreamWorks Pictures. The rock-and-roll soundtrack is also amazing, especially with the opening with Smash Mouth’s “All Star” and finishing with a jazzed-up cover of The Monkees group song “I’m a Believer” by Eddie Murphy and may seem a little incongruous, but it blends so well with the overall mood of this brilliant animated film.
Against that straight-forward story is a backdrop of famous fairy tale characters including the Three Blind Mice, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Robin Hood, the Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf and the Three Bears. The film makers also introduce us to Donkey [Eddie Murphy] who brays some of the funniest and some of the dumbest lines in the animated film. This aspect is more likely to appeal to those who have an extensive knowledge of fairy tales and the subtleties involved. There are also a few parodies; including one of the classic scenes in the film ‘The Matrix’ where one could see the coming as soon as Princess Fiona started kicking butt.
Many of the scenes in ‘SHREK’ 3D you get to hear the funniest lines like “a castle that big must mean he's compensating for something” will unfortunately go over younger viewer's heads, but there are still plenty that won't, like “I'm going to save my ass” which of course is referring to Donkey of course. The screenplay was obviously written with all age groups in mind. ‘SHREK’ is not on such a lofty plane that children will feel as if they are missing out on something, but it isn't done in a way that will insult the intelligence of older viewers.
‘SHREK’ 3D animation is totally sublime and also totally excellent, and is without doubt has very effective vocal performances of all the voice cast involved and also impressive are the visual imagery and to the point of being very impressive and also very effective and employing both technology and an intuitive feel for what works best in this animated film that definitely delivers the perfect fairy tale story. Again, like any other excellent animated film, this one works because of the brilliant voices of the actors. In fact, I believe that voicing alone can make or break an animated film and even though all these effects are cool, and with this animated film ‘SHREK’ 3D it is sublime and excellent voicing adds so well towards this brilliant animated film.
‘SHREK’ 3D is the kind of animation that becomes more prevalent, especially with the importance of choosing the right voices that need equal care and attention. Voices help to define the characters, and a bad choice can do irreparable damage. Fortunately, ‘SHREK’ 3D has four capable actors that includes and foremost is Mike Myers, who is known as a vocal chameleon. Without seeing his name in the opening credits, you'd never know it was him. John Lithgow plays Lord Faquaad as a nasty and short-sighted, but not really evil, which makes a pleasant change from the usual animated villain. Eddie Murphy shows that a real comic genius can get laughs without relying on his own facial expressions and body language.
Eddie Murphy's Donkey is one of the funniest characters he has brought to the screen. Cameron Diaz's Princess Fiona is equal parts sugar and vinegar and believes in true love and a Prince Charming, and the interplay between Shrek and Princess Fiona is sweet and tender, while the exchanges between Shrek the ogre and the donkey are often barbed and subversively very funny. And, while there is a happy ending, as there must be in any fairy tale, no matter how unconventional, it is not necessarily the conclusion that many people will be expecting at least up until at a certain point, when the animated film reveals its hand. First-time co-directors Andrew Adamson and Vicky; and is her first credit, have crafted a magical animated film to be proud of, and one that will hopefully receive a lot of attention, even during the crowded summer season. ‘SHREK’ is easily one of that year's 2001 most magical and joyous experiences for audiences of all ages. So well done DreamWorks Animation SKG Home Entertainment for your brilliant professional effort.
SHREK MUSIC TRACK LIST
ALL STAR (1999) (Written by Greg Camp) [Performed by Smash Mouth]
ON THE ROAD AGAIN (1976) (Written by Willie Nelson) [Performed by Eddie Murphy]
FRIENDS (1969) (Written by Mark Klingman and Buzzy Linhart) [Performed by Eddie Murphy]
WHIPPED CREAM (1952) (Written by Allen Toussaint aka Naomi Neville) [Performed by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass]
ESCAPE (The Piña Colada Song) (1975) (Written by Rupert Holmes) [Performed by Rupert Holmes]
MY BELOVED MONSTER (1996) (Written by Mark Oliver Everett) [Performed by Eels]
YOU BELONG TO ME (1952) (Written by Pee Wee King, Redd Stewart and Chilton Price) [Performed by Jason Wade]
HALLELUJAH (1985) (Written by Leonard Cohen) [Performed by John Cale]
TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS (1932) (Written by Harry M. Woods, Jimmy Campbell, and Reginald Connelly) [Performed by Eddie Murphy]
I’M A BELIEVER (1966) (Words and Music by Neil Diamond) [Performed by Smash Mouth]
MEDITATION (1963) (Music by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Lyrics by Norman Gimbel and Newton Mendonca) [Performed by Antonio Carlos Jobim]
WELCOME TO DULOC (2001) (Music by Mike Himelstein and Lyrics by Eric Darnell) [Performed by Patty Cornell and Susan Fitzer] (uncredited)
BAD REPUTATION (1981) (Written by Joan Jett, Kenny Laguna, Ritchie Cordell and Marty Kupersmith) [Performed by Joan Jett]
I’M ON MY WAY (1988) (Written by Charlie Reid and Craig Reid) [Performed by The Proclaimers]
MERRY MEN (2001) (Written by Kirby Tepper, Andrew Adamson and Conrad Vernon) [Performed by Vincent Cassel]
STAY HOME (2001) (Written by Matt Mahaffey) [Performed by Self]
BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (Written by David Jaymes and Geoffrey Deane) [Performed by Baha Men]
LIKE WOW! (2001) (Written by James Harry and Sandra St. Victor) [Performed by Leslie Carter]
IT IS YOU (I Have Loved) (2001) (Music by Harry Gregson-Williams, John Powell, and Gavin Greenaway and Lyrics by Dana Glover) [Performed by Dana Glover]
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3D Blu-ray Image Quality – DreamWorks Animation presents us ‘SHREK’ 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’ 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 ‘SHREK’ with an awesome spectacular presentation of the 7.1 Dolby TrueHD Audio experience, especially when you get the upbeat well known songs that are heard 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.’
Finally, ‘SHREK’ 3D has a lot of excellent hilarious and quirky tongue-in-cheek humour and also some very good and important messages to make you think, especially about life in general. The biggest moral of the story is the totally wrong attitude of judging people by their appearance, although this is somewhat in abundance of lots of short jokes directed at Lord Farquaad, but the secondary message is the importance of companionship and friendship. All Shrek wants at the beginning of the animated film is to be left alone, but he learns by the end, that no man or even a big green ogre is an island. While there is nothing really new or especially deep in this animated film’s moral platitudes, there is still some refreshing outlook of people’s self-centred and image-conscious in today’s society. And for children who have not heard them a hundred times before, they could very well make a lasting impression. With noted caveats, all I can say is very well done DreamWorks Pictures and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment for bringing us something totally unique and something that is really enjoyable for the whole family and especially, it definitely is a repeat viewing experience. Very Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
