Plot: What’s it about?
I find it difficult to believe that it’s been over twenty years since I first saw Shrek. The second two didn’t do a lot for me, but I loved the first one. The franchise was popular enough that it inspired a spinoff: Puss in Boots, voiced by Antonio Banderas. It’s been over a decade since that one came out so now we’re got a sequel to that one. Funny how that works, eh? This one has more of its own individual style and with it now being free and clear of the Shrek films, can do its own thing. I think that it’s this freedom that made the film so enjoyable.
Puss (voiced by Antonio Banderas) has used up eight of his nine lives and upon the advice of his doctor, retirement is the best option. Puss, though, wants to continue seeking adventure and with that in mind ends up in a sanctuary run by Mama Luna (voiced by Da’Vine Joy Randolph). He finds that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be as he has to share food with other cats and use a litter box. While there he meets Perro (voiced by Harvey Guillen), a dog pretenting to be a cat in order to gain some benefits. We also learn that a Wishing Star has fallen to Earth and it only has one wish left. The first to find it will certainly benefit. Jack Horner (voiced by John Mulaney) wants to get there first, though Goldilicks (voiced by Florence Pugh) wants a piece of the action and she’s got three bears (voiced by Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone and Samson Kayo) to get folks out of the way. She too has her own motivations. Puss needs to escape Mama Luna’s in order to stop them and brings along Perro in tow. Along for the ride is Kitty Softpaws (voiced by Salma Hayek).
Video: How’s it look?
Anyone who’s seen an animated movie on Blu-ray knows that it would be surprising to see any sign of an error. And Puss in Boots once again falls into that high standard that so many other movies have set before this. This 2.39:1 AVC HD transfer is another shining example of how good a movie can look on your television. Detail is amazing, even seeing the occasional white hair on Puss’ otherwise auburn coat. The twinkle in his eye, the glow of the magic beans. I could go on. Black levels and contrast are spot on as well with some scenes being engorged in shadows and keeping any sort of crush from happening. This is one movie that you can pop in your player and won’t have to worry how it looks. It’ll look amazing.
Audio: How’s it sound?
This Dolby Atmos soundtrack is second to none. And it’s everything you’d expect from an action/adventure movie (albeit an animated one) and more. Vocals are rich and full and Banderas’ voice seems to emanate from seemingly every channel available. There are plenty of action scenes that engage the surrounds, the LFE and the front stage as well. Home theater enthusiasts will appreciate this disc on a technical level and no doubt will enjoy the film as well. There’s nothing here to complain or nitpick about in the least as this track is literally puuuuurfect.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- All-New Exclusive Short: The Trident – When you’re the legendary Puss in Boots, life and death go paw in paw. In this epic original short, Puss recalls one of his most daring deaths yet.
- Deleted Scenes
- Potty Break
- Love and Death
- Wall O’Snakes
- A Cast of Characters – You know their voices, now see the faces behind all the beloved characters.
- Puss in Boots
- Kitty Softpaws
- Perrito
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears
- Jack Horner
- Wolf
- In the Beginning – Go behind the scenes with the filmmakers to discover how they brought this great tale to life.
- Jack Horner’s Line-O-Rama – Jack Horner says it all in this comedic line-o-rama.
- Lyric Video – “Fearless Hero”
- How to Draw the Purrrfect Pawtrait – Join Director Joel Crawford and Co-Director Januel Mercado as they teach us how to draw our favorite characters.
- Puss in Boots
- Kitty Softpaws
- Perrito
- How to Make a Paper Perrito – Every hero needs a sidekick and this ‘how to’ will help you create your very own.
- Kitty Cam – Sit back, relax and enjoy a festive cluster of kittens as they frolic and play. This cat-stravaganza is sure to entertain for hours.
- Audio Commentary – with Director Joel Crawford, Co-Director Januel Mercado, Producer Mark Swift, Editor James Ryan and Head of Story Heidi Jo Gilbert
The Bottom Line
A solid two decades after Shrek, we’re still seeing original content in the form of Puss in Boots. And, better yet, I actually enjoyed it! If this line of movies is up your alley, you’ll get more than you expected. Reference-quality video and audio only sweeten this purrrrrfect disc.
