Kung Fu Panda What I'd say is Dreamworks' best animated movie yet, Kung Fu Panda actually arrived on DVD last Sunday, Nov. 9, and let the pandamonium begin. The video release is, in a word, outstanding. Jack Black voices tubby panda Po, an unlikely hero tapped to be the next Dragon Warrior to train under Master Shifu alongside an elite group of kung fu fighters. When evil criminal Tai Lung escapes prison, can Po save the day?
Beautiful, funny and heartfelt, it's entertaining for kids without talking down to them, and for adults who will catch the references to old-school martial arts. Terrific acting all around, and Black brings just the right touch of sweetness and humor to the hapless panda. Animation-wise, the film is just stunning. Morning light hazes through purple-tinged trees, clouds drift past emerald mountains, Po's fur ripples with realism as the sound BOOMS with heft when Shifu throws him down in training sessions. It's a top-notch production.
Extras: Commentary, three featurettes and some games. On the Blu-ray, you can play a trivia track with the film featuring pop-up tidbits.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army There's good reason why Guillermo del Toro is one of Hollywood's most exciting directors working today--not many could bring the Hellboy series to life with any kind of credibility, but del Toro knocked it out of the park not once but twice. Hellboy II's creatures are spectacularly conceived and realistic (a scene in a monster market makes a stunning set piece). With a smart, stylish approach and plenty of humor, HB II's a devil of a good time.
Extras: Director and cast commentaries, seven on-set mini-docs, deleted scenes. Best of them is the Troll Market Tour in which del Toro re-creates the above-mentioned set piece. The Blu-ray and 3-disc collector's set has 2 hours of footage, "Director's Notebook" and concept art, plus more.
Now for the Fun Stuff: Enter to Win! Who's your favorite Hellboy movie character? (I'm partial to Abe, second from far left in the photo.) Comment on this blog to win. First prize is super-cool Hellboy II gift set that includes the 3 standard DVDs, a copy of del Toro's notebook, a bust of a Golden Army robot and a Drew Struzan poster. Also four additional prizes, the Hellboy II 3-disc DVD. Winners will be selected at random and notified by Dec. 1.
Also New This Week - Star Wars: Clone Wars, the first ever animated feature from Lucasfilm Animation, which follows the Jedi Knights' struggle to maintain law and order as the clone Wars sweep through the Galaxy. Those really into the Star Wars mythos will enjoy the loads of extras on this one. Watch an exclusive DVD clip.
