A few thoughts about.....Shrek The Third (HD-DVD) (1 Viewer)

Many of us have noted here that the advent of these new high
definition formats has rekindled our interest in Home Theater.
After all, the DVD format had become dulled over recent years --
especially with studios cranking out multiple new editions of the
same tired titles and transfers. Where DVD was once a format
that seemed new and fresh to all of us, it has now been dumbed
down to cater to the Walmart crowd who wants their image to fill
their television screen.

Despite the fact there is a raging format war between HD-DVD and
Blu-ray, those of us that have invested in either format are very
much reaping its benefits. These days I find myself very much
immersed in this new technology that is providing a breathtaking
audio and video experience.

Animation is the one genre that really brings these high definition
formats home. Since most of the recent animation films have been
created in the digital realm, it's not difficult to understand how they
integrate into a perfect marriage with the new optical formats. To
sit and watch an explosion of colors and deep textures come to life
in 1080p is an experience that cannot be easily translated into words.

The problem with Shrek The Third is that while it qualifies
itself as being worthy of joining the ranks of other animated features
that look stupendous in high definition, the film itself is about as dull
as a normal DVD presentation.

For years, Hollywood has run out of original ideas and has relied
upon sequels to keep the profit machine running. Unfortunately, it's
a proven fact that a sequel rarely captures the charm of the original
film, and in the case of Shrek The Third, it seems the well
has run completely dry.

While the HD-DVD format has provided a wonderful medium to
showcase gorgeous animation, the entire viewing experience is
dulled by a lackluster storyline and jokes that fall flat. The charm
that we so much enjoyed in Shrek's kingdom has outstayed its
welcome.

On a visual level, the transfer on HD-DVD is as perfect as it
gets. To watch animation in its purest form without any background
noise whatsoever is nirvana! On the other hand, I found it odd that
the supporting audio was less than impressive as the soundtrack
seemed to be very heavy within the front channels. I found there
to be very little use of the surrounds, and thus, I was less immersed
in the presentation.

I'm very interested to hear your comments about watching Shrek The
Third on HD-DVD to see if your conclusions are in agreement with
or not with mine.

Ron, I could not agree more with your comments. The movies of 2007, IMHO, had one thing very much in common: If there was a three at the end of the title, it was not worth seeing. Spiderman 3, POTC 3 and Shrek 3 all had similar problems, the writers just ran out of ideas. I, for one, am tired of endless sequels (did we really need a Saw 4). Come to think of it, I am not sure if we needed a Saw 2 or Saw 3 either, but that is another issue.

I think the biggest problem I find with all of the current sequels is that they no longer are made to further a story. It seems that making bigger special effects sequences or bigger action sequences is more important than developing the story line. Spiderman 3 and POTC 3 also had a major problem with self importance. These ‘fluff’ movies would probably have been better at a 90 or 100 min. running time, not the bloated 2 hr and 40 + min. they were released at.

All this taken into consideration is probably why I get much more excited when I see old classics released in HD rather than the crop of current releases. The last few years (theatrically) IMO have been a major disappointment.

I saw it theatrically in digital projection and had the exact same reaction. Looks perfect with slightly less garish palette than its predecessors. Sound mix is unambitious. Story is as interesting as cold toast. No video format can fix that.

Regards,

Ken,

At least you clarified that the issue with the sound mix theatrically,
which explains everything about this HD-DVD presentation.

Thank you!

I definitely agree. I was bored out of my mind when I took my son to see this in the theater. The release of this film on HD DVD, or any other HDM format, doesn't tempt me in the slightest. And while Thomas is correct in that there were many clunkers released this summer, Ratatouille was phenomenal and is the one film that I immediately compare Shrek the Third to each time I see mention made of it. That might not be a fair comparison, but it is what it is as they say.

The first Shrek was a ground-breaking film at the time, and it is still quite good for the Disney-bashing alone. However, on the whole I have found that the Shrek series is far too topical in its humor, and, because of that, it will never be timeless like Pixar's animation is to me.

Paul,

I think the biggest problem for me is that I watched Ratatouille
first, and now everything just seems so pale in comparison.

Ron,

You've made me gun shy about writing a review of Shrek the Third because you summed up my thoughts far more eloquently than could I. About the only emotion I felt while watching the film theatrically was... bored. The film is uninspired, weak, and largely unfunny.

I didnt' have any computer animated titles in my collection yet, so I decided to nab this movie.


I thought it was alright. NOthing special, but as an animated title, it does look amazing on my dad's TV.

Yeah, but as long as you have that "token" dance number at the
end of the film it just makes everything seem alright. :rolleyes

This is also my passion as well. I love good stories that register on multiple levels; terrific engrossing story, great acting, fantastic musical soundtrack, special effects that enhance the story rather than be the story. And there are so many movies of this type yet to be released. Patience, patience patience!
LOL...the last animated movie I saw was Dumbo...than I grew up.

Ron,
This is why I don't think Shrek 3 is going to be a big seller on HD. The reviews have not been positive.

Ron,
Totally agree. How many times can they Re-Invent the wheel?? Saw this movie the the theaters, and have no interest in the HD DVD.... Movie was just flat...

I generally agree, but the third Bourne (Ultimatum) was quite good. POTC 3 was better than POTC 2 in my opinion, but still not nearly as good as the original.

I haven't seen Shrek 3, but all the ho-hum reviews have me dead set against purchasing it. Rental perhaps. I also haven't seen Spidey 3 yet.

Like others, I'm most excited about getting classic films on HD. There's precious little new stuff I care to buy in HD.

Still debating whether to stay format-neutral, but haven't looked too closely at HD-DVD selections yet. What *good* animated films are available on HD-DVD?

Happy Feet is all sorts of excellent. I'd be really tempted by the Freedom episodes if the prices weren't ten kinds of insane.

I have not even bothered to watch it, I loved the first one and didn't care for the second.

Sadly, I agree, Shane.

Families will be buying this title on sDVD.

Early adopters are less likely to race to buy Shrek 3 on HD-DVD. At first, I thought
this would be a "killer app" for the format. Now that I own it....I wish I didn't.

The reviews on the HD DVD (PQ and AQ have been very good. The (very) poor reviews on the quality of the film itself were well deserved.

This is the same problem POTC 3 is likely to have when it is released. I purchased Shrek 3 only for my Grand daughter (who, at 5, loves the movie). I personally would find it difficult to sit through it again.

So Thomas, did you like Pirates 3 or really, really hate it?