By Kit-Kat

Who would have thought an Ogre would become an icon, a household name, much less a father of triplets? I have to hand it to the DreamWorks Animation team, they certainly hit the mark with the life and times of a green Ogre! And what's not to like? You have a princess every little girl can aspire to be like, a faithful talking Donkey with one amazing family of his own (Dronkey's rock!), one seriously adorable (albeit a bit of a rogue - pier scene is all I'm saying) Kitty, and all those fairytales you fondly remember as a kid back on the screen in new larger than life versions.

I have to admit I was a bit skeptical back in 2001 (whoa... .hard to believe its been so long) when Shrek was first introduced. After seeing it though, it was clear this was a going to be a hit. And of course as the years past it became apparent this was not just a hit but a franchise. One look at Puss in Boots in 2004 and any hope I had for resistance was gone, I was a goner (as if all the characters of the first one didn't cement this). So with the masses I eagerly awaited the third installment. From working on the CountingDown area I knew it looked good, the clips were funny, the images were enticing and it was shaping up to be a respectable installment. Of course, we all know how my time is -so I never did get to the theatre and had to wait until the DVD release. Does it pass muster from this Puss in Boots obsessed, Donkey loving, Shameless Shrek promoter? On the whole I will say yes definitely, though - being honest, I couldn't give it a.. say 100 percent score... more like a 98 (what? Like that is bad, heck my mom would've been passed out if I averaged that percent in school).

There was definitely a lot going on this time around. A wee bit darker perhaps than one would expect (poor King Harold), and a sliver lacking in the innuendo comedy you come to expect from the previous movies. However, as far as Shrek adventures, this one is excellent as usual (oh and did I mention a teeny tiny bit on the preachy side) and delivers (for the most part) some seriously funny moments (Gingy's life flash back was hilarious, Medieval High School was stellar and poor Puss in Boots coming out of the water had me laughing!), an exceptional soundtrack and leaves you waiting for that next one (c'mon you know it will be coming). The core cast in its variety is by far the best matched I've seen and each one has grown well into their roles over the years. Mike Myers has made Shrek what he is today and Cameron Diaz has proved that great thin wonder girl can play a beefy ogre and yes, it is believable. Eddie Murphy - gee, what can ya say? The man is a marvel in everything and Donkey just wouldn't be Donkey without his antics. And when it comes to Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots - let me just say puuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrr. John Cleese and Julie Andrews couldn't be a better pair for King and Queen of Far Far Away and man, you just gotta love that Ugly Step-sister Doris! Yes..yes and Prince Charming, and the Three Pigs, and the Wolf, and Gingy, and Artie and Snow White, Rapunzel, ... and... well, it would take me forever to praise all the characters so lets just say - I adore them all.

The movie itself did leave me with a sliver of disappointment. As I mentioned earlier it didn't seem to have the same banter and innuendo that I've come to expect - oh it was there (the Hooters Bootery was classic, the burning bra had me giggling and the soundtrack when the gals storm the castle -I definitely have a new appreciation for Snow White), just fewer and farer in-between so to speak. And I did roll my eyes a bit at the consistent preaching from Artie. Don't get me wrong, Justin Timberlake did a great job and the character of Artie was really good but, he was a bit more mousy than I would have liked to have seen him. Just my humble opinion of course as I've read and heard many, many people raving about Artie. I get why the movie is as it is (especially these days) though I think somewhere between the first to the third movie they started to slip on the very thing that makes Shrek such a fit for both kids and adults. Oh and let me say the Ogre Babies are soooo adorable (and a fitting tribute to friends who have recently had such a phenomenon themselves!). Well, enough of my natter about the movie right, I know ya want those juicy DVD details!

DVD Extras

For a single disk you definitely get a great deal. There is an awful lot shoved on there for your viewing pleasure (and kids are going to love this). First lets start off with the Shrek head icon - this takes you to a cute little segment that does music video excerpts from the first two Shrek movies in promotion for their DVDs (shameless and yet done with clever class) - I loved the Donkey music videos on the first two so I was rather happy to watch them again. Next there is a DWK icon for the way to play and you enter into the kids activity section. What a smart little section this is. I got a kick out of the Merlin's Crystal Ball - you ask him a question and get those patented Merlin responses for an answer (similar to the magic 8 ball only Merlin style). You also have How to be Green, learn the Donkey Dance, and can toss the DVD into your computer for some serious Shrektivities including Shrek Shmash Up (you have GOT to check this out!), Royal Tournament Games, Printables and more! Plenty to keep the kiddies occupied. The disc also has your standard set up and select a scene (no commentary - weird).

The Special Features were great as well. Loads of Featurettes that you can explore for hours. The Worcestershire Academy Year Book was really cool, my hat is off to the gang that thought this up. You get to check out the Academy class by groups and individuals - listening to their details like quotes, clubs, yearbook entries and much more, totally hilarious. The Big Green Goofs was an unexpected blooper reel that not only was animation goofs but had bits of the movie in it -they were clearly going for an animated version of a real blooper reel and it was spot on. Definitely will make those blooper lovers happy out there. The Lost Scenes rocked! I had no clue ideas were pitched in this manner with the Shrek films (I recalled this pitched stuff back from Lord of the Rings but Shrek is totally different). What a treat to see them pitch the story boards for extra scenes and be part of the group. Loved it! And I can see why they nixed Artie's love but they certainly should've put in the Fauxly Grail bit - I would've liked to have seen that (my hat is off to those two presenters - well played)! Next you get the Donkey Dance (again... hmmmm) which had me busting out laughing just because it was along the tune of that dreaded song (and much baffling video that still haunts me today from the 80's) Safety Dance (Men Without Hats).

'We can dance if we want to, We can leave your friends behind - Cause your friends don't dance and if they don't dance Well they're no friends of mine... ' (is it stuck in your head now too? No? How bout S s s s A a a a F f f f T t t t E e e e Y y y y Dance -insert evil laugh here- ) Oh yes, where was I... ahh right the features! Meet the Cast comes up next and you get a behind the scene look at how the voices are done and cast member talks about their character along with the crew also chiming in (here and there). A worthy feature (and who can get tired of listening and watching Antonio discuss Puss in Boots). The featurette: Shrek's Guide to Parenthood was cute - chock full of parenting tips from Donkey, Puss in Boots, Gingy and Pinocchio. For those tech geeks you also have your joy of the Tech of Shrek featurette - really impressive the enhancements that have been made since the first Shrek hit screens back in 2001. They have come a long way with the clothing, hair, lighting and much more. This little gem tells you why (and how).

The DWA Jukebox I think was the most clever featurette to stick on this DVD. Virtually a best of music video selection for all the latest DreamWorks Animation movies including Shrek One and Shrek Two, Sharktale, Madagascar, Over the Hedge and Flushed Away. A perfect way to remember why you liked them all so much in the first place, and of course get that urge to watch them again - oh and lets not forget reminding the kids of their past favorites right in time for the holidays (clever - clever!). They also re list the DVD Rom Shrektivities (okay two features repeated in different areas- tsk... tsk... ) and of course your standard previews.

Let me just say a word on those previews - if you are like some you already saw them when you popped in the DVD - and if you are like others (who will remain nameless!) you skip those little tidbits and go right to the menu. Well, if you skipped them get in this feature and watch the Kung Fu Panda preview. Seriously, I was cracking up so much watching this one and sure, I can admit I watched it several times - this is going to be one of the best DreamWorks Animation movies since the beginning of Shrek - Of course am rather biased being a serious Jack Black, Jackie Chan and general Martial Arts fan but c'mon - watch it and tell me you don't find yourself looking forward to it (Summer 2008 woohooo) - you know you will. And of course you can check out our CountingDown.com area for Kung Fu Panda to stay in the loop on the latest! (please, like I wouldn't stick our site promo on this one).

Okay, so now that I've nattered incessantly over the good and bad of Shrek the Third on DVD (and raved about the coming Kung Fu Panda) I'll end with four simple words...

GO BUY IT NOW!