Puss in Boots: The Last Wish 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" shines brilliantly in its 4K UHD Blu-ray rendition, leveraging the full potential of HDR to bring its animated world to life with remarkable clarity and depth. The application of HDR is particularly noteworthy, imbuing scenes with a dynamic range of light that accentuates the vibrancy of the film's palette. Notable moments like the bar fight with the fearsome Wolf, the fiery emergence of the Baker's Dozen, and the visually stunning Wishing Star's crater scene, benefit immensely from this technology. These instances exhibit an enhanced contrast between the fiery explosions and the dark backgrounds, showcasing the HDR's ability to deepen blacks and improve overall picture contrast, despite the image being slightly dimmer in comparison to its Blu-ray counterpart.

From a technical perspective, this release boasts an HEVC / H.265 encoding with a 4K (2160p) resolution and an aspect ratio of 2.39:1 across a BD-100 layer, ensuring that every frame from DreamWorks Animation’s digital canvas is rendered with exceptional detail. While the UHD’s distinction primarily stems from its color grading rather than sheer resolution increase, the finer details in character fur, clothing, and environmental textures are more discernible, offering a new level of immersion into the storybook animation style. Although these upgrades are modest compared to the 1080p Blu-ray, they represent a significant step up in terms of depth, texture, and color saturation—especially in Puss’ iconic green eyes and vibrant environments.

Additionally, the UHD format excels in delivering deep and natural black levels, which superbly enhance shadow detail and frame contrast without any evidence of crushing. Color reproduction is another area where the 4K UHD Blu-ray positively dazzles; colors are richly saturated with excellent burst and pop, thanks to the HDR grading that provides both a radiant glow from magical elements and a realistic depth to each scene. Movements within the animation are smooth and fluid, contributing to a heightened sense of three-dimensionality and scale that makes "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" not only a visual treat but a testament to the prowess of current home entertainment technology.

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack of "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a dynamic and captivating audio experience, noted for its active and immersive use. The sound design takes full advantage of the Atmos format, with audio objects effectively placed in the soundstage to create a tangible sense of immersion that complements the onscreen action. This enveloping atmosphere is enhanced through the precise placement of sound effects, music, and ambient noises that seamlessly travel through the room or emanate from specific locations, further drawing the listener into the film's richly created world. The mix maintains a steady engagement across all channels, including proficient use of overhead speakers, which, while more supportive than discrete, contribute significantly to the overall spatial accuracy and depth of the audio presentation.

The audio quality is robust across the board, with clear, center-positioned dialogue that remains well-prioritized amidst high-action sequences and a balanced bass that enriches the soundtrack without overwhelming the clarity and detail. The subtlety of atmospheric effects and musical clarity commendably enhance quieter scenes, allowing for a full immersion into the film's diverse locales from beginning to end. Furthermore, the low-frequency extension ensures that the subwoofer delivers potent impact with every explosion or magical burst, complementing the lively dynamics and vibrant surround sound presentation that convincingly replicates a lifelike environment.

Supporting its primary English Dolby Atmos track are optional Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus and French 5.1 Dolby Digital versions, coupled with English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles, ensuring a wide accessibility. The Atmos track's prowess lies in its nuanced and loud mix, distinguished by well-layered foley effects that lend strong depth throughout the movie. From the action-packed moments that rush over you to the quieter scenes that draw you into its fantastical universe, "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" delivers an exemplary auditory experience that dynamically complements its visual splendor, making it a standout choice for home viewers seeking an all-encompassing cinematic experience.

The 4K UHD release of "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" not only dazzles with its visual and auditory enhancement but also enriches the viewing experience with an array of meticulously curated extras. Noteworthy is the exclusive short "The Trident," which delves into one of Puss's legendary escapades, presented in sharp 4K resolution accompanied by 5.1 Dolby Digital audio, adding layers to the titular character's lore. The inclusion of deleted scenes with directors' commentary provides insights into the film's editing decisions, while "A Cast of Characters" and "In the Beginning" offer behind-the-scenes looks into the voices behind the beloved characters and the creative journey from conception to final animation. Practical how-to videos like "How to Draw the Purrfect Pawtrait" and "How to Make a Paper Perrito" engage audiences in artistic activities, extending the film's magic beyond the screen. Furthermore, the Kitty Cam offers pure, unadulterated joy with its footage of frolicking kittens. The audio commentary stitches these elements together, giving viewers an intimate glance at the filmmakers' vision and process. This release embodies a perfect blend of entertainment and educational content, demonstrating a profound understanding of its audience's diverse interests.

Extras included in this disc:

• ALL-NEW EXCLUSIVE SHORT “THE TRIDENT”: An original short where Puss recounts one of his daring adventures.
• DELETED SCENES: Scenes including "Potty Break," "Love and Death," and "Wall O'Snakes" with an introduction by the directors.
• A CAST OF CHARACTERS: Insights into the characters and the voices behind them.
• IN THE BEGINNING: A behind-the-scenes look at how the film came to life.
• JACK HORNER'S LINE-O-RAMA: A comedic presentation of John Mulaney’s voiceovers.
• FEARLESS HERO LYRIC VIDEO: A sing-along video.
• HOW TO DRAW THE PURRFECT PAWTRAIT: Instructional videos on drawing characters.
• HOW TO MAKE A PAPER PERRITO: A craft video for creating a paper version of Perrito.
• KITTY CAM: Footage of playful kittens.
• FEATURE COMMENTARY: Commentary from the directorial and production team.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" emerges as a standout sequel, whisking viewers back into the vibrant universe of the Shrek series. This chapter finds our beloved, audacious cat embroiled in a quest of existential stakes, highlighted by a pursuit of the mythical Wishing Star to reclaim his spent lives. The story adeptly balances humor, heart, and adventure, with Puss joined by the loyal yet cunning Kitty Softpaws and the spirited Perrito, facing off against a roster of fairytale adversaries. The narrative does well to build on the established fondness for these characters while introducing an adventure that feels both fresh and inherently connected to the series' lore. Despite the typical sequel skepticism and a considerable gap since its predecessor, the film reinvigorates its charm without missing a beat.

Technically, "The Last Wish" distinguishes itself through a notably unique animation style that melds different techniques to create a visual experience reminiscent of a living storybook—a respite from the oft-trend towards hyper-realistic digital animation. This choice complements the film's fairy tale essence and enhances the storytelling, supported by vocal performances that blend seamlessly with their animated counterparts. Antonio Banderas reprises his role as Puss with the charisma and warmth he's known for, alongside Salma Hayek and a notably stellar supporting cast, including John Mulaney's commendable villainy as Jack Horner.

Beyond its aesthetic brilliance, the film shines through its substance—tackling themes of mortality, redemption, and camaraderie with a delicate earnestness that resonates. It crafts a story that is compelling for both children and adults, breaking away from DreamWorks' occasional lean towards simplistic narratives. The amalgamation of creative animation, dynamic voice acting, and a layered story arc propels "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" beyond mere entertainment, asserting it as a poignant escapade worthy of recommendation. Its success not only reaffirms the character's popularity but also underscores the creative potential that lies in this unexpected franchise revival.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" marks a thrilling return to the enchanting world that DreamWorks Animation has crafted over the years. This latest installment not only brings back our beloved swashbuckling hero in a visually stunning form but also introduces a plethora of both charming and intriguing new characters, ensuring the story maintains its appeal across generations. The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is nothing short of excellent, featuring an impeccable 2160p/HDR video quality that breathes life into its vibrant art style. Coupled with an engaging Dolby Atmos audio track, the film is a sensory feast, enhancing its humor, heart-pounding action sequences, and emotional depth. Additionally, the collector’s edition is generously packed with a range of bonus content that both newcomers and long-time fans will find rewarding.

The self-contained nature of "The Last Wish" is praiseworthy, welcoming viewers regardless of their familiarity with the Shrek universe or its predecessor, making it accessible and engaging for a broad audience. Its humor, sprung from well-crafted characters, and a narrative enriched with meaningful stakes and visually coherent action, elevate this film beyond a simple animated adventure. The release does a commendable job of showcasing these elements through its exceptional video and audio presentation. However, a desire for more film-focused extra content is evident, though the existing mix of fascinating behind-the-scenes footage and kid-friendly activities already places it ahead of many contemporary releases in the animation genre.

Concluding, "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" in its 4K UHD Blu-ray format is an exemplary showcase of DreamWorks Animation's continued prowess in storytelling and technological advancement. This edition not only surpasses expectations with its high-quality visual and auditory experience but also sets a high standard for animated home media releases. With its array of engaging bonus content and universal appeal, this collector’s edition stands as a highly recommended addition for both aficionados of animation and families looking for an entrancing cinematic experience at home.