Shrek the Third brings back the lovable characters from the land of Far, Far Way, including Shrek (Mike Myers), Fiona (Cameron Diaz), Donkey (Eddie Murphy), Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) and Fiona's parents, the King (John Cleese) and Queen (Julie Andrews) of Far, Far Away. Shrek and Fiona are enjoying wedded bliss, that is, until the King takes ill and the pair are asked to take over his Kingly duties. Shrek begrudgingly agrees, but can't stand dressing up in finery and putting on airs. When the King takes a turn for the worst and croaks (sorry, couldn't help the pun), Shrek finds himself next in line for the throne, but with one saving grace. If he can locate and bring back another heir, Arthur (Justin Timberlake), then he can avoid ascending the throne.
Shrek is all too happy to set off to find Artie, along with Puss and Donkey's help, but gets some disturbing news as he departs - Fiona is pregnant and he's going to be a daddy! This really ups the stress level for old Shrek and he becomes determined to locate Artie. While they are off on the search, Fiona is busy preparing for the blessed event with her good friends, Cinderella (Amy Sedaris), Sleeping Beauty (Cheri Oteri), Rapunzel (Maya Rudolph), Snow White (Amy Poehler) and Doris (Larry King). When Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) gets wind of the King's death and senses weakness in the kingdom, he decides to make his bid for power to finally become the "rightful" King of Far, Far Away. He rallies the troops, those members of the kingdom who have gotten a raw deal like Captain Hook and the ugly stepsisters, and they join him in overtaking the kingdom and imprisoning Fiona and the girls.
Meanwhile, Shrek and the boys don't exactly find the great Arthur they were expecting. Instead, they find a nervous and rejected teenage weakling at Worchestershire High School. They trick him into coming with them by telling him the King specifically requested him. But when they return home and are captured by Charming's minions and he discovers the truth, Artie is deeply hurt. Artie joins with wacky Merlin the Magician (Eric Idle), plus Fiona and the princesses once they make their escape, to rescue Shrek and the boys and save the kingdom.
There are a ton of extra features to be found on the Blu-ray release. In addition to all of the features that were on the DVD release, you can also find several Blu-ray exclusives such as The Animator's Corner, The World of Shrek, My Menus (customizable menus) and Shrek's Trivia Track, all cool pop-up trivia styled extras that provide loads more info as you watch the main feature. Basically, this is the version to own of Shrek the Third. The movie is super crisp and clear and the surround sound makes everything pop. You'll marvel at the textures and sheens of the clothing fabric and at every strand of hair. Movies like Shrek the Third make high def really worthwhile and this is definitely one of those showcase titles for your home theater system.
