Shrek Forever After: The Final Chapter 3D

It started with a loveable ogre...who befriended a talking donkey...and rescued a beautiful princess, in the unforgettable story that broke the mold for all animated films to follow. Now comes Shrek Forever After, the hilarious and fitting finale to this record-breaking Oscar®-winning movie phenomenon. Longing for the days when he was a "real ogre," Shrek (Myers) signs a deal with Rumpelstiltskin (Dohrn) to get his roar back ...but turns his world upside down in the process. Donkey (Murphy) suddenly can't remember his best friend; Fiona (Diaz) is now a tough warrior princess; and Puss In Boots (Banderas) is one fat cat. Together, they have just 24 hours to reverse the contract and restore happily forever after to close The Final Chapter. Based upon the book by William Steig. (Tricia Spears)

There are no special features.

Released theatrically in IMAX DMR blow-up dual-strip 3D in a 1.44:1 aspect ratio and D-Cinema 3D in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the 2.35:1 1080p AVC picture reviewed in Issue 153 broke the 1.78:1 frame mode with a widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The 2.35:1 1080p MVC picture is the 3-D version envisioned by the filmmakers. From the opening DreamWorks logo credit, it is clear that this release is unlike the previous three releases in the Shrek collection. While clarity and resolution is exemplary, the sense of depth perception is far greater, with effective visuals that extend out from the screen, resulting in a far more engaging 3-D experience. The added depth that the originally conceived 3D creates is absolutely incredible! DreamWorks' 100 percent commitment to producing all its releases in 3D can be really appreciated here. Shrek Forever After uses the new techniques available to filmmakers to tell their stories and deliver their work in the most riveting way possible. No post-production conversion technology was used. The creative decisions, with respect to depth placement, are well thought out, as evidenced by the natural realism imparted to the imagery. There is a tremendous enhancement to the overall picture quality, no doubt due to the original intended 3-D rendering. Nor is there double image ghosting to distract. As with the previous Blu-ray release, the picture dazzles the senses and surpasses the visual impact of the previous three films. The picture exhibits a bold, vibrant color palette combined with very good shadow delineation, making for an even more realistically dimensional-looking animated picture. Contrast is nicely balanced with solid black levels. Details are rendered incredibly well, from the lush landscapes to the various object textures, including the incredible detail on Puss and Donkey. Hues are rich and vibrant, exhibiting a broad color spectrum. The imagery projects a far greater sense of depth and perspective. The underground hideout of the ogre, flying witches, the witches palace dining room, ogre dance, and the palace fight scene scenes exhibit huge scope and scale and impressive depth perception, which creates an immersive feeling of "being there." The picture shows wonderful detail and is quite impressive as a reference-quality statement. The 3-D rendering creates a whole new entertaining experience that will enthrall the entire family. Great storytelling, great animation, and great 3D! (Gary Reber)

The Dolby® TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is perfectly produced and recorded, with correctly positioned 90-degree side channels representing the added two channels. The result is an effectively enhanced sense of seamless holosonic® soundfield envelopment that uses each of the available channels well. Surrounds are effectively directionalized, with panned sound effects. Dialogue is mixed into the soundtrack nicely, with good fidelity and a natural presence. Imaging across the three other stereo walls and side walls is crafted well. The music also is exceptionally recorded and presented spatially, with impressive depth and dimension. Deep bass is delivered through each of the full-range channels, and the .1 LFE channel is engaged effectively, to enhance the dynamic impact of the more exciting scenes. This is without question the best of the Shrek soundtracks and delivers a superior sonic experience. Of course, the 3D enhances the perception of holosonic envelopment because the soundtrack is definitely more engaging when the movie is experienced in 3D. (Gary Reber)