Blu-ray Triple Play: Legend of the Guardians, Despicable Me, Shrek Forever After

LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GA’HOOLE

The cinematic animation is breathtakingly detailed but still can’t transcend a muddled, semi-mystical screenplay that will have adults and older children cringing at its anthropomorphic awfulness. Still, the startling high definition will have you wide-eyed while the kid-driven extras include an in-depth, picture-in-picture commentary and a new Road Runner cartoon that’s even wilier in HD. Director Zack Snyder. Cast Jim Sturgess, Sam Neill, Helen Mirren.

Movie 2/5 Image 5/5 Extras 4/5

DESPICABLE ME

This ingenious ‘toon, about a dastardly criminal mastermind who must fend off an upstart challenger to his world domination plans while resisting the angelic overtures of three orphans, is impeccably presented on Blu-ray. The fabulous animation has a retro-futuristic Euro feel while the storyline nails what it’s like to be an adult no longer in control. It’s also out on Blu-ray 3D. Directors Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin. Cast Steve Carrel, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Jemaine Clement.

Movie 5/5 Image 5/5 Extras 5/5

SHREK FOREVER AFTER: THE FINAL CHAPTER

The “far away” franchise comes to a hilariously happy end when Shrek fall in love with Princess Fiona all over again after Rumpelstiltskin tricks him into signing a contract to stop the ogre from feeling like a “jolly green joke”. The animation’s richer while the storytelling tweaks its fairy tale legacy with such wit and imagination that everyone will want to “do the roar” — of approval. Director Mike Mitchell. Cast Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Walt Dohrn, Jon Hamm, Julie Andrews, John Cleese.

Movie 4/5 Image 5/5 Extras 4/5