DVD Review: KUNG FU PANDA (2008)

KUNG FU PANDA is now available on DVD and Blue-ray disc for you to own.

I didn’t originally see Kung Fu Panda at the theater, I wanted to wait because I wasn’t sure that I would like it that much. Turns out I was wrong, because Kung Fu Panda was pretty good, I really enjoyed myself. I even got one of my friends to watch it who didn’t have any interest in it, and he liked it too.

Kung Fu Panda tells the story of Po, a loveable Panda, who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. It features quite a few voices you will recognize including Jack Black as Po, Dustin Hoffman as Shifu, Angelina Jolie as Tigress, Ian McShane as Tai Lung, Jackie Chan as Monkey, Seth Rogen as Mantis, Lucy Liu as Viper, and David Cross as Crane.

Although Kung Fu Panda is geared towards children, I think it is enjoyable for everyone. There are some pretty funny scenes throughout the movie and I think Jack Black is just perfect as the voice of Po.

The DVD also includes a behind the scenes featurette, in which the actors involved talk about their experience on Kung Fu Panda. You also get a sneak peek at their recording sessions. The DVD also has many more special features which are listed below.

You can also buy the Kung Fu Panda DVD with an extra DVD called, Secrets of the Furious Five. The DVD features a short film which tells the backstories from the furious five. It is definitely great if you have kids, because it also includes extra features such as a video to learn the Panda dance, games, and more.

Overall, I think Kung Fu Panda is a great DVD for the family to have.

[rating: 3.5]

Special Features:

– Filmmakers’ Commentary

– A Day in the Life: A Shaoin Monk in Training, Po Around the World (Only on Blu-ray)

Director: Mark Osborne and John Stevenson

Cast: Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Ian McShane

Release Date: November 9, 2008

Synopsis: Enthusiastic, big and a little clumsy, Po works in his family’s noodle shop while daydreaming about becoming a Kung Fu master. His dreams soon become reality when he is unexpectedly chosen to join the world of Kung Fu and study alongside his idols-the legendary fighters Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey-under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu. But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard
Tai Lung is headed their way, and it’s up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a Kung Fu hero into reality? Po puts his heart and his girth into the task, and ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths.