Shrek 2
January 2005 Reviewed by: Anthony Di Marco Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

Shrek revealed fairytales for what they are: a collection of saccharine stories that hide elements of intolerance, chauvinism, and grossly twisted expectations that society places on human beings. Mike Meyers and Eddie Murphy were brilliant as Shrek and Donkey. As two social outcasts, the reclusive ogre and talking jackass embodied the numerous flaws of the human species, delivering life philosophies with perfect comic timing. Cameron Diaz portrayed Princess Fiona as a woman who was anything but a damsel in distress.

In Shrek 2 the filmmakers don’t just target fairytales; they take direct aim at none other than the Fairy Godmother. It turns out that the Fairy Godmother’s son, Prince Charming, was supposed to be the one who frees Fiona from the tower. When the golden-locked mamma’s boy shows up to an empty tower, his mother takes her fury out on Fiona’s father. He rules over the kingdom of Far, Far Away and has his own dirty little secret. Depicting the Fairy Godmother as a pimp of magic wishes is one of the film's funniest plot devices. Jennifer Saunders, who is mainly known for her role on Absolutely Fabulous, is nothing short of fabulous in this role. Saunders expertly balances wickedness and wittiness with a dash of charm. Rupert Everett plays Prince Charming with conceit, flair, and the best lip-gloss effective animation can buy.

Shrek and Shrek 2 share a profound sense of morality. The characters are imperfect individuals alienated by a superficially attractive society. Although Shrek and Fiona are completely happy as ogres, their trip to visit the in-laws drives Shrek to feel uncomfortable in his own skin, so much so that he is driven to seek out a means of transforming himself from ogre to prince. Shrek does not wish to change because of ego; he does it to get Fiona’s parents off her back. He does it because he loves his wife and wants to give her the prince her shallow father wished for her.

The direct-to-digital transfer is gorgeous. While none of the colors can be considered natural, the backdrops and characters look and feel photorealistic. The video is reference caliber all the way. Mediocre songs notwithstanding, the DVD sports a very well-produced soundtrack that does a remarkable job at adding weight and atmosphere to the visuals and story. It’s an expertly crafted mix that stays out of the film’s way.

I enjoyed the American Idol spoof and "surprise ending" included on the DVD. What annoyed me was the remaining collection of lame extras. Four six-minute shorts offering a smattering of technical insight and behind-the-scenes anecdotes are ruined by a little too much back-patting for cast and crew. It’s apparent that the documentary’s director asked everyone to conclude their comments by saying something nice and politically correct about their colleagues -- gag me! The two feature-length commentaries are a step or two better. There is an endless supply of insight into how many of the scenes were rewritten and many of the film’s in-jokes. The downside is that the filmmakers offered too many of the same stories about the production.

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