Being such a fan favourite in the SHREK sequels, it was inevitable that PUSS IN BOOTS (voiced by ANTONIO BANDERAS) would be give his very own animated adventure.
His first solo outing is a prequel to the SHREK films and explains how the legendary feline gained his famous reputation.
In his younger days, Puss lived in an orphanage in the small town of San Ricardo. Befriended by the kind owner Imelda (CONSTANCE MARIE), Puss is soon led astray by his new friend Humpty Alexander Dumpty (ZACH GALIFIANKAS) and, after trouble with the local guards and Commandante (GUILLERMO DEL TORO), the pair have to flee.
A fateful encounter on a bridge leaved Humpty cracked and at the mercy of the pursuing soldiers while Puss makes good his escape.
Years later, Puss is on the trail of some mythical magical beans, now in the hands of the roguish pair Jack (BILLY BOB THORNTON) and Jill (AMY SEDARIS). His quest leads him to cross paths once again with Humpty, who seems a reformed character from the old days, and the mysterious and athletic feline Kitty Softpaws (SALMA HAYEK).
Can the trio steal the beans from under the noses of the watchful Jack and Jill? Furthermore, will the beans actually work if planted and create a beanstalk leading all the way to the Giants castle and the fabled Golden Goose?
Special Features are numerous here, which is nice. They include a Spot The Difference section (ideal for younger children) plus three storyboard-only cut scenes. Best of all though is the 13 minute animated story, THE THREE DIABLOS, in which Puss (again voiced by BANDERAS) is employed by the desperate Princess Alessandra Bellgamba (CHARLOTTE NEWHOUSE) to regain her stolen jewel from the hands of the notorious outlaw Le Chuchoteur (GUILLAUME ARETOS), with the aid of a trio of young mischievous kittens.
Fans of SHREK should enjoy PUSS IN BOOTS which, although it has less humour than the Ogre franchise, gives an insight into the background of the fabled Cat!