Kung Fu Panda 2 (2-Disc) Reliance Home Video and Games ,DVD Rs.599 The sequel to the highly popular Kung Fu Panda is a mighty effort in its own right simply for the technology used to create the animated movie. An incredible range of traditional animation,matte painting,CG shots and stereo moments blend together perfectly to create the story of Pos identity in the movie. The filmmakers,in an extensive commentary,talk about the inspirations behind the various technologies and themselves marvel at how far it has come in a span of just three years. For example,one of the early shots created in the sequel was a rickshaw chase between Po and the Wolf Boss through an ancient Chinese city. This is done with great aplomb and the entire cityscape comes alive in the chase sequence but on the first movie the effect was possible for barely a few seconds in the climax. Set enhancements like waterfalls and adding extras to a scene with different expressions are some other technologies that find a mention from the makers. A 12-minute long feature also has most of the cast enacting the voices they dub for on screen. Gary Oldman,as the evil peacock Shen,is the showstealer while Angelina Jolie,who dubbed for Tigress because she liked that there were emotions behind her characters toughness,adds the glamour quotient. Hidden secrets about Master Ox,Master Croc and Master Rhino also come to light in the DVD extras. And for all those who missed the brilliant tortoise Master Oogway,the extra DVD comes as a real bonus as it features a 25-minute story about Masters Ox,Croc and Rhino finding their calling through the brilliant inventiveness of Oogway. Another feature also talks about real pandas and the rehabilitation programmes being undertaken by China and other countries to save the loveable animal. A visit by the crew to China is also included. There are also PC-based games in the DVD for the young audience and a spelling and pronounciation guide to a few Chinese words are also included. The movie itself is sharp and translates all the visual finery of the movie to the small screen quite effectively. For anyone who was even mildly fascinated by the story,this DVD is a must-have.
