Puss in Boots (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

( Max score: 100 )

95

Film Synopsis:

You loved him in Shrek…now see where the one-and-only swashbuckling feline found his fame – and a very big pair of boots – in the “hilariously funny” (Associated Press) animated epic! Lover, fighter and outlaw Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas) is off on the adventure of his nine lives as he teams up with Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) and Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) for the ultimate showdown with the notorious Jack and Jill (Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris). Here’s the true story of The Cat, The Myth, The Legend – Puss In Boots!

My Take:

Anyone who has seen and enjoys the Shrek film series is familiar with the character of Puss in boots. I am certainly a fan and get a kick of his hijinks with pals Donkey and Shrek. I wasn’t certain how he would fare in his own film so I waited to see Puss in boots until it came to home video. This is a gamut traversing animated film that takes viewers on a thematically stimulating ride filled with memorable moments (and it isn’t meant to be). It’s a thoroughly entertaining “prequel” to Puss in boots’ adventures in the Shrek films. Here we see Puss’ beginnings including how he gets his boots as well as why he is an outlaw. The story isn’t deep but borrows from several popular fairytales (including some well known characters, tweaked of course) and adds the type of adventure, funny bone tickling wit and effecting charm that make for perfect family fun. Antonio Banderas absolutely owns this character and his portrayal along with a solid script and slick production elements are what makes it work so well. The members of the supporting cast, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton, and Amy Sedaris are just fine and add to the shenanigans. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Puss in boots. It has a little something for everyone and gives fans the opportunity to see this wonderfully drawn and portrayed character featured in his own story/film. Puss in boots is also available in a three disc 3D Blu-ray Edition.

Parental Guide:

The rating is for some adventure action and mild rude humor.

Audio: 90

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Video: 100

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Puss in boots comes to Blu-ray Disc from DreamWorks featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 25 Mbps and lossless Dolby TrueHD 7.1 channel audio that has an average bitrate of 4.2 Mbps.

This is a beautifully crafted digital film that looks amazing in high definition. The video is exquisitely detailed, incredibly three dimensional and never left me wanting for fine degrees of subtle delineation and texture. The attention to detail in the construction of the animated characters physical features as well as objects within each frame is superb. Looking at Humpty Dumpty I could see the subtle texture/stubbly surface on his egg shell body. The same was true of worn leather on Puss’ boots. Other examples can be seen in the textural nuance in walls, stone floors, and characteristics on wooden surfaces. The chromatic palette is an extensive one but colors appear vivid and bold with an enriching level of saturation that exhibits subtle degrees of separation and eye pleasing depth. Contrast is exemplary and blacks are inky with extended dynamic range and deep gradational highlights. The film’s low level sequences look terrific as the dark and shadow filled backgrounds exhibit a near infinite level of dimension, with superb contrast and visible shading that draws out lots of detail. Those with high contrast displays can fully appreciate how superlative this presentation looks. DreamWorks continues to prove that Pixar isn’t the only pristine animation game in town. Well done!

The Dolby TrueHD 7.1 channel presentation makes excellent use of the entire surround platform and offers detail rich sonic clarity, crystalline dialogue and plenty of authoritative, room filling bass. This mix doesn’t bombard you with consistently aggressive surround sound however it applies it when appropriate and combines discretely placed directional cues with rear channel ambience that fills the listening area nicely. The chase over the mountain pass, the sprouting of magic beans in the desert and the unseen looming presence in the golden goose’s castle are great examples. The front and rear sound field’s never collide but work in unison to render the soundtrack with precise imaging and acoustic placement that elevates the experience. Dynamic’s are excellent and the LFE channel is actively engaged and offers bass response that is extended, punchy and clean. This is a well rounded overall presentation that should satisfy even discerning enthusiasts.

Bonus Features:

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• (HD) Puss in boots: The three Diablos 13 minutes animated short film presented in 1.78:1/7.1 Dolby TrueHD
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  Blu-ray exclusive content:

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  2. (HD) The Animator‘s corner - In movie PiP feature containing storyboards, music, and cast/crew interviews
     
  3. (HD) A DreamWorks fairytale - Interactive game
     
  4. (HD) Puss‘ paw pouncing challenge - Interactive game
     
  5. Trivia Track - In movie feature containing fun details, cat facts, behind the scenes secrets, fairytale references and more.
  
  
• (HD) Purr-fect pairing: The voices behind the legends - 9 minute featurette
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• 3 deleted scenes
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• (HD) Kitten to cat: The progression of Puss in boots - 12 minute featurette
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• (HD) Glitter box dance off! - 5 minute feature - Learn the steps used by Puss and Kitty in the Glitter Box dance sequence
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• (HD) Klepto Kitty - 3 minute feature on real life California cat thief “Dusty“
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• (HD) Fairytale pop-up book - Featuring Puss in boots, Kitty Softpaws, Jack & Jill and Humpty Dumpty - Check out their favorite lines, memorable moments or view picture galleries from the film
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• (HD) Kitty strikes again - Interactive game
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• Bonus DVD
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• Digital Copy

Final Thoughts:

Puss in boots is a well crafted adventure/prequel that features the beloved character. The story isn’t deep but borrows from several popular fairytales (including some well known characters, tweaked of course) and adds the type of adventure, funny bone tickling wit and effecting charm that make for perfect family fun. It comes to Blu-ray in a technically strong offering that features reference quality video, rewarding lossless surround sound and a fan friendly assortment of extras that include Blu-ray exclusives. If you’re a Puss in boots fan this is a must have. Enjoy!