Shrek: Il fantasma di Lord Farquaad

Shrek 4-D (2003)

** (out of 4)

Very weak short has the ghost of Lord Farquaad stealing Fiona so Shrek, Donkey and various other characters must try to rescue her. From what I read after viewing this thing, it appears this was added as a bonus on the re-release of the first movie and it seems not too many were happy with the marketing process but the film itself is what really should have bothered them. I understand the original version was in 3-D but the effects were obviously the main focus and there's no real evidence that the filmmakers were trying to tell any sort of good story. It seems every single scene is just built up so something could go flying through the air towards the camera or a punch is thrown towards the camera. I can't speak to how well the effects were as I watched the 2-D version under the title THE GHOST OF LORD FARQUAAD but I can say that neither version had any good laughs. The entire thing just felt really rushed and overall I thought some of the animation looked quite cheap. The vocal performances were all fine but it's just too bad they weren't given anything funny to say.

When "Shrek 4-D" premiered at Universal Studios in 2003, I'm sure it was nothing short of amazing. But that's probably not why you're reading reviews on IMDb some 10-15 years later. You're probably wondering if it's worth renting or picking up on DVD.

I would vote no. Clocking in at 13 minutes with no other features on the DVD except previews, this would've been better as a bonus feature on the Shrek movie DVD. I can't say I was dazzled by the 3D (and I was watching on a pretty good 60" screen) mainly because the cardboard red & blue 3D glasses, included, are sorta annoying on the eyes and nose.

I don't know much about 3D technology, but I know that some recent films like "Beauty & the Beast 3D" (2012) are a more enjoyable because the 3D glasses don't tint the colors so much. Perhaps it's just the difference between theater projection and home viewing, but unless you've got a theater in your house you'll probably be seeing it the way I did.

The story is about Princess Fiona getting kidnapped while Shrek & Donkey chase after her. No real story, but there's a lot of nonstop, fun action, a few funny lines, and the waterfall scene at the end is pretty impressive. I ended up watching the 2D version on the same disc because you can get a better appreciation for the colors & animation. It's definitely worth 13 minutes of your time, but unless you're a completist I don't think there's any need to run out and buy the DVD.

This takes place right after Shrek and Fiona marry. The ghost of Farquad had his dumb henchman kidnap Fiona--as the dead guy is STILL determined to marry her. But, as she's alive and he isn't, he needs to have her killed first. Can our heroes rescue her before it's too late?

I was very surprised to see this film on DVD and on Netflix, as it originally was just intended as a 3-D film that is still being shown at Universal Studios. I've seen the film several times at Universal Orlando and when you see it on TV it loses not only the 3-D but the immersive theater experience. Rumbling seats and effects that take place throughout the theater are missing. Still, it's worth seeing. I'd give it a 7 in its none 3-D mode (yes, I know they say it's 4-D but ask any physicist about this) and a 9 at Universal Studios.

This ride isn't half bad. Though it tends to reuse jokes from the film, it's still got cool fx and you feel the action (when Donkey sneezes, for example, the audience is sprayed). It's not the best ride at Universal- that's of course Spider-Man. But it's fun if you can avoid the long lines.

This short film marks a return of the original Lord Farquaad. Good for fans of the first film who want more.