Shrek 20th Anniversary Edition (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Universal
Release Date: May 11, 2021
Rating: PG
Film: 5/5

Plot
Relive every moment of Shrek's (Mike Myers) daring quest to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) with the help of his loveable loud-mouthed Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and win back the deed to his beloved swamp from scheming Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow).

My Thoughts
I remember being dragged to the theater by my wife and kids to see this movie 20 years ago and not wanting to go. It wasn’t a Pixar film, so I really wasn’t interested. Being in a bad mood didn’t make it an enjoyable experience and out of the large group of friends that went to see the film I was the only one who didn’t like it. Fast forward a few months when the DVD hit the shelves at Costco and of course, my wife picked up a copy and I was doomed to watch it a second time.

Needless to say, the second time through was an absolute blast and I’ve loved the film ever since. While the animation wasn’t up to Pixar standards—one of my initial turnoffs—the story definitely is with outstanding character development, heartwarming moments, and of course, Donkey, who is the true star of the show. Eddie Murphy has played a handful of iconic characters in his career, but his portrayal as the Shrek’s sidekick is arguably the best acting he’s ever done.

I never thought the Blu-ray of Shrek ever looked bad—until now. Compared to the UHD, it pales in comparison. The finer details are much sharper here and the color palette is much bolder—especially green. Shrek looks like he’s taken a bath and polished his skin and I really love the new look. The audio track has an updated DTS:X track, which is very engaging and features plenty of discrete effects making use of the overhead speakers. 

Video 9/10

Audio 9/10 (DTS:X)

Special Features:

• TEN SHORT FILMS:
  
  • Shrek in the Swamp Karaoke Party
  • Far Far Away Idol
  • Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos
  • The Ghost of Lord Farquaad
  • Scared Shrekless
  • Thriller Night
  • The Pig Who Cried Werewolf
  • Shrek the Halls
  • Donkey's Caroling Christmas-tacular
  • Shrek's Yule Log
• FIVE EPISODES FROM “THE ADVENTURES OF PUSS IN BOOTS” TV SERIES:
  
  • Episode 1: Hidden
  • Episode 2: Sphinx
  • Episode 3: Brothers
  • Episode 4: Duchess
  • Episode 5: Adventure

• Shrek's Interactive Journey: I
• Spotlight on Donkey
• Secrets of Shrek
• Deleted Scenes
• Shrek in The Swamp Karaoke Dance Party
• Music Videos
• Commentary with Director Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson and Producer Aron Warner
• 4K + Blu-ray + Digital Copy

Conclusion
I was late to the party but am so glad I gave this film a second chance nearly 20 years ago. It’s something we revisit often and I’m glad to see that the 4K release is befitting the classic tale. If you’re a fan of the film definitely pick this one up in order to tell the studio that physical media isn’t dead, so they release the other films in the franchise on 4K. Highly recommended.


Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-980
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (configured as tandem mid bass modules)
Mini DSP controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Great review Dave. Yeah, we are on the same page. This is a solid upgrade of a classic family film. 


Regards,

[David Vaughn]

Greetings,

Great review Dave. Yeah, we are on the same page. This is a solid upgrade of a classic family film.


Regards,

Thanks Ralph...great minds...!

[bmoney]

It’s amazing how bad the animation back then. But was awesome at the time.