Serious DVD enthusiasts will know what a packed behemoth the two disc Region 1 release of "Shrek" is like. For the Region 2 market, we get a stripped-down single disc release that's aimed at cost conscious parents. There are some important omissions, but this is without doubt one of the most technically pure DVDs on the market.
As the film was created digitally, the transfer to the digital medium of DVD results in a picture that's as clear as surely this format will ever realise.
Unlike the US release, there's no DTS mix, just a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. This is not a problem as "Shrek" isn't an action-packed adventure that demands loud effects. What you get is a mix that's front speaker focused and quite atmospheric, but hardly sets new standards of excitement.
There is a whole host of features aimed at kids left off this Region 2 disc, including interactive games like tic-tac-toe, bowling, hangman, pinball, and much more. What's left is the cream of the crop, plus one feature that's new to DVD and let's see more of it please!
This feature is Shrek's 'Revoice Studio', available on the DVD ROM content of the disc. You select one of several scenes from the movie and record your voice for as many of the characters as you like. Playback is impressive, especially as the software does attempt to lip-synch your speech to the on-screen character.
Once you've ruined the film with your efforts, why not indulge in the 'Karaoke Dance Party'. This feature adds a few extra minutes to the end of the movie and is very funny, with the characters singing along to pop tunes. It's a good warm-up to the brilliant interviews with Shrek, Fiona, Lord Farquaad, and Donkey.
There's plenty more to explore, including a fun 'morphing' studio and a detailed look at the technical genius behind the film. Hours of endless fun.
Region: 2
Chapters: 40
Ratio: 1.78:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Extra Features:Scene selection, 'Karaoke Dance Party', 'The Tech of Shrek', 'Shrek's Revoice Studio', Interviews with Shrek, Fiona, Lord Farquaad, and Donkey, production notes, audio commentary with directors Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson and producer Aron Warner, International Dubbing Featurette, trivia game, 'Decorate the Gingerbread Man' game, 'Character Morph', cast and crew biographies, animated menus created by the directors of "Shrek", multiple languages, and subtitles.