Featured DVD Review: B.O.B.'s Big Break / Shrek 3D

March 20, 2010

B.O.B.'s Big Break / Shrek 3D - Buy from Amazon

This Two-DVD gift set includes two previously released DVDs, B.O.B.'s Big Break and Shrek 3D. To call these previously released is an understatement. Shrek 3D appears to have been released a half a dozen times over the years in various giftsets. However, on the positive side, since I've reviewed one of them before, this review will be a lot easier to do.

B.O.B.'s Big Break is a 13-minute prequel to Monsters vs. Aliens. Set in 1968, it follows the latest escape attempt by Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D. and The Missing Link. The plan involves a chemical concoction that will turn BOB into a bomb, which will allow them to blast their way out of prison. However, the bomb is a dud. ... sort of. Instead of turning BOB into a Bomb, it grants him the ability to read the minds of anyone he touches. So plan B is to get BOB to read General Monger's mind to tell them how to escape. It's a nearly foolproof plan. Too bad they brought a real fool along.

This is a very entertaining short that has plenty of funny moments. It also includes all of the real cast, so you don't have to worry about bad imitations. On the other hand, too often the short film resorts to obvious 3D effects, which is something the movie avoided. (Except for the paddle ball shot at the very beginning.) It's not the only point of the film (like it is with Shrek 3D) but there are still scenes where the 3D effects don't seem organic enough.

In addition to the ability to watch the movie in either 3D or 2D, there are a couple other extra on the DVD. In the 3D menu there's a game where you have to guess who is speaking the line, while under the 2D menu there is a Karaoke Music Party with three songs and some Rom Activities.

Shrek 3D was originally called Shrek 4D and started as a ride at various Universal Studios around the world. It tells the story of Lord Farquaad's attempt at revenge from beyond the grave. He sends Thelonious to kidnap Princess Fiona and it's up to Shrek and Donkey to rescue her.

It's essentially one long chase scene with the occasional joke thrown in. The plot is little more than an excuse to show some 3D effects. And since the film was made seven years ago, the quality of the digital animation is no longer a selling point. Maybe it's fun as a ride, but as a short film it overstays its welcome before you get halfway through its 15-minute running time.

There are no extras on this DVD, aside from the ability to watch the short film in 2D or 3D.

The Verdict

B.O.B.'s Big Break / Shrek 3D is just a repackaging of two previously released DVDs, which they obviously had a lot of in some warehouse somewhere. I know this because my copy of Shrek 3D came with a coupon that expired July 15... 2004. BOB's Big Break is entertaining enough to be worth checking out, but if you own the Monsters vs. Aliens Blu-ray, then there's no reason to grab this. And if you don't own the Blu-ray yet, grab it instead of this.


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Filed under: Video Review, Monsters vs. Aliens