Shrek The Musical -- Now Available on Deluxe Edition Blu-ray™ and DVD (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy of this title by the vendor, in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.


 

BRING THE MAGIC OF BROADWAY HOME WITH THE
TONY AWARD^®-WINNING MUSICAL STARRING
EVERYONE’S FAVORITE OGRE

“The best musical for younger audiences since The Lion King!”

--Time Out NY

"The greatest fairy tale never told comes to life as never before in DreamWorks’ Shrek The Musical, the highly acclaimed Broadway production based on the smash-hit movie. Called a “triumph of comic imagination” (Elysa Gardner, USA Today) that “never stints on spectacle or laughs” (David Rooney, Variety), Shrek The Musical received eight 2009 Tony Award^® nominations including Best Musical, winning Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tim Hatley) and received a Grammy Award^® nomination for Best Musical Show Album.

Featuring a fantasic score of 17 all-new songs, Shrek The Musical was filmed on stage to capture the magic of a Broadway performance and stars an amazing celebrated cast including Brian d’Arcy James (Shrek), Sutton Foster (Fiona), Daniel Breaker (Donkey), Christopher Sieber (Lord Farquaad), and John Tartaglia (Pinocchio). The film was shot live on Broadway with 10 cameras and directed by Michael Warren. Now you can bring the magic of Broadway to your home and get the best seat in the house when the Deluxe Edition Blu-ray™ and DVD arrives on October 15th! Fans can join in on the performance with sing along Shrek-tastic songs on the Deluxe Edition Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital HD™ or single-disc DVD. And the Deluxe Edition Blu-ray™ goes even deeper into the fairytale’s journey, taking viewers behind-the-scenes to see how the show became a smash hit that “will make your heart dance.” (Cindy Adams, The New York Post).

 

Shrek The Musical tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales.

The musical is based on the story and characters from William Steig's book Shrek!, as well as the DreamWorks Animation film and features a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize^® winner, David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Olivier Award-winner Jeanine Tesori, and is directed by Tony Award^® nominee Jason Moore. Shrek The Musical is produced by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions, Ltd."

 

DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek The Musical Deluxe Edition Blu-ray™

Disc 1 (Blu-ray™): Feature film in high definition

   Blu-ray Exclusive Bonus Features:

● From Swamp To Stage: The Making of Shrek the Musical—Follow the cast and crew of Shrek the Musical as they take you behind the scenes and show you what it really takes to make a Broadway show come to life!

   Additional Bonus Features:

● Shrek The Musical Songbook with Sing-Along—Kids and adults alike can pick their favorite song and sing along, as seven songs from the musical will have their lyrics appear on the bottom of the screen as you watch the actual musical performance on screen. You can play all of the tunes uninterrupted or choose to randomize the musical experience with the “shuffle mode.”

Disc 2 (DVD): Feature film in high definition

   Additional Bonus Features:

● Shrek The Musical Songbook with Sing-Along

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My Thoughts:

Oftentimes when a show is turned into a Broadway production, it doesn't do so well. So, when I heard a few years back how they were trying to turn Shrek into a Broadway production, full of song and dance, I thought to myself "Why ruin a good thing?"  All the Shrek movies were such great hits, and have become favorites among both kids and parents alike.  How would they be able to turn this smash hit into a Broadway show?  And, who would go?  After watching Shrek The Musical the other night with my husband, I only wished I had seen it when it was on Broadway.  But, thankfully, this recent release captured the fun-filled show that took Broadway by storm.  All 17 songs sung in this Broadway production are new, but, will have you singing along.  

So, what sets this Broadway production apart from the hit movies we have grown to love?  Well, unlike the movies put out by DreamWorks, we finally get the back story of Shrek and the other characters' lives.  Ever wondered what Shrek's life was like growing up?  Now you will know when you sit down to watch this new release. Filled with humor you have come expect with the Shrek franchise, this stage production doesn't disappoint, as you will find yourself laughing until you cry throughout the production, especially at the inside reference jokes to Bob Fosse, Woody Allen and even Disney. :-) 

  

I was happy to see all my favorite fairy tale characters represented, including Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man and the Three Blind Mice.  By the time the 2 hr. 10 min. musical was over, my husband and I turned to each and agreed that it was great.  Even though are girls are a little to young to understand the Shrek story, we knew that they would love the songs that make up this new musical to DVD/Blu-ray release.  And, with the deluxe edition of this new release, I was able to share all 17 songs with the girls, as well as the ever popular "I'm a Believer" and 7 other sing-along songs that have made the Shrek movies so popular among parents and children alike.

Don't expect this musical production to be just like the Shrek movies, as it isn't.  Instead it delves deeper into the back story of each character, while winning viewers hearts by sharing the importance of friendship and true love.  This is definitely one musical I will be recommending to family and friends.

About DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE® Magazine for five consecutive years. In 2013, DreamWorks Animation ranks #12 on the list.  All of DreamWorks Animation’s feature films are produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 28 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Puss In Boots, The Croods and Turbo.

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is the industry leading worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox produced, acquired and third party partner film and television programing. Each year TCFHE expands its award-winning global product portfolio with the introduction of new entertainment content through established and emerging formats including DVD, Blu-ray™ and Digital HD™. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is a subsidiary of 21st Century Fox. 

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy of this title by the vendor, in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.