Kung Fu Panda 3 [Includes Digital Copy] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2016]

you've seen the movie, now add it to your collection! 3 ways you can watch it, BD, dvd, and digital!

First off, I am bummed when exclusivity makes it nearly impossible to find the version of a film release that I want; In this case, Best Buy has the only 3D release of the newest Kung Fu Panda series entry. Good for Best Buy, I guess, but not great for consumers, since then there is no price competition, and anyone who still likes 3D in home theatres (likely people who bought into either the LG or Vizio FPR passive 3D TVs, with Vizio having stopped 3D compatibility as of their 2013 year models) will know that 3D versions are often the least likely to get a price cut anyway. So, bummer on the availability. As to the movie - If you like Kung Fu Panda, this is definitely a worthy entry in the series, with some very amusing, if a bit juvenile writing, and some contrived bits to make this storyline fit. I found the picture quality to be delightful, and the sound similarly good in quality. The style of the art did make it harder to easily recognise that some of rendering has improved in some big ways since the prior two films, but was a refreshing change, and was used well to present flashbacks, and other important events that were presented more by narrative. Overall, a fun film, with good blu-ray quality, fantastic 3D (if that matters to you at all), but not quite the best pricing due to exclusivity in release versions. I would recommend it highly to anyone who liked the earlier films, or wants fun 3D that isn't too excessive but still has good depth (much better depth than out-of-screen effects, thankfully) and vivid colours.

It's a rare film series that stays as good, much less improves, with each new installment. Kung Fu Panda 3 is that rare series: the third film is just as charming, funny, and action-packed as those that came before, and is entertaining for children and adults alike. Following through on the series' emotional strong-point, that of leading panda Po's search for and concept of family, the film brings new emotionality and satisfaction to the story, even as it provides closure for this part of Po's journey. The acting from both the returning celebrity voice cast and new characters is uniformly great, and the writing and directing are all on point. The art and animation quality is, as usual with DreamWorks, superlative in all regards; check out the detail in each character's rich expressions and body language, and the superb action sequences that stand up to anything live-action Hollywood can imagine. Kung Fu Panda 3 really benefits from the 3D treatment, so for anyone on the fence about picking up this Best Buy-exclusive version, it's well worth it. The action sequences in the spirit realm particularly benefit from the 3D immersion, as do the film's many other stylish visual montages. If you saw it in 3D in the theater, it's the best way to replicate the experience at home. Kung Fu Panda 3 is one of 2016's top animated movies, and completely worth your time. Check it out, and here's hoping for a fourth installment sometime soon!

The Kung Fu Panda films hold something of a special place in my heart for reasons I'm not really sure of. The first was a blockbuster of an original for DreamWorks, who'd been struggling to produce a hit outside the Shrek and Madagascar franchises, signaled the start of something new. It didn't hurt that it premiered during a summer that felt rather exceptional as it counts among its company the likes of Iron Man, The Dark Knight, and Tropic Thunder. Of course, by the time the sequel came around three years later it was considered something of a disappointment as it opened to only $46 million (the original opened to $60m without the 3D bump of the sequel), but in terms of quality it was right up there with the first, if not better. Maybe the idea that since I'd ventured out to see the sequel and didn't understand the drop in anticipation made me feel as if I should hold the film more sacred (though the same is now true with How to Train Your Dragon 2), but something akin to as much happened and five years later I could not have been happier to see Po and the furious five returning. I realize how odd it may sound for a grown man whose only child isn't even old enough to go to the movies yet to be excited for an animated children's film, but much like the films of Pixar, certain DreamWorks properties have that transcendent quality where age doesn't matter. The Kung Fu Panda franchise, for me at least, is one of those. It is one of those franchises that I can't wait to share with my children in the hopes they embrace the ideas and themes these movies so boldly teach. Po has always been about defying expectations and not judging books by their covers which, in the realm of kids movies, aren't exactly new ideas, but they bring them to life in such a reverential way that it is impossible not to appreciate the craft and skill that has gone into creating a compelling narrative around such basic ideas. In the great tradition of the series, Kung Fu Panda 3 is a riveting and completely fun chapter that is gorgeous in its visual representations, effectively moving in its weightier moments, and satisfying in a manner that Po's story has come full circle and feels complete.

The direct digital-to-digital transfer also comes with exceptional definition and clarity. Completely free of any blemishes, the picture reveals just how much time and effort was put forth by filmmakers in creating these animated images. Every nuance and intricate detail is exposed and plainly visible in spite of the dark-tinted glasses. Individual strands of hair on Shifu's or Tai Lung's face not only provide a sense of a natural environment, but seem to follow the movement and actions of their owners with fluid grace. Distinct features on stones, foliage and the many traditional buildings are razor-sharp and unmistakable. The fabric and stitching on each character's clothing is finely detailed with remarkable lifelike textures which add to the film's overall sense of realism. Buy with confidence.

It's hard to say! All three Kung Fu Pandas are among the most entertaining and fun of all the animated movies I've seen, and I watch a lot! They're action-packed, funny, clever, the voice acting is excellent, they're just really fun to watch. As a trilogy, KFP is very solid, each one as enjoyable as the last. This one really takes the spiritual and emotional messages of the story to the next level, and was very touching. Sound quality is outstanding, with effects and music that rival the best live action blockbusters out there. The 3D doesn't get much better than this. Depth and clarity are superb, and add extra oomph during the action sequences. The colors and facial expressions are exemplary of the top notch quality consistently done by DreamWorks Animation. Truly awesome! Sometimes I wonder if kids enjoy these as much as I do!

Just when I think Poe has sung his last swan song, he pops up again in another original and funny movie. Jack Black is so PERFECT in his portrayal of the unlikely hero who continues to learn what it means to be the 'Dragon Warrior' and its not what it was cracked up to be. He finally meets his father and travels with him to a hidden mountainous village where all the pandas went when baby Poe was left in the vegetable cart munching radishes. In true villainous form, the bad guy tracks Poe to this village where he intends to slaughter him and everyone with him. Although this is a child's movie, it had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments for me and I love seeing the wonderful animation and backgrounds that are so beautifully done. Your kids will love it and (surprise!) you might, too!

I loved the first Kung Fu Panda, but felt a little let down by the second. The third does a pretty good job of trying to live up to the standards set by the first in the series. Getting it in 3D gives me the ability to watch it in 3D at home, on my own 3D HDTV, though it did come at a bit of a premium over the non-3D Blu-ray price. Worth the price to me either way, and glad that it was available at all since it seems that 3D for the home is slowly falling by the wayside. If you liked the original Kung Fu Panda, then this should entertain you well enough, and even if you've never seen either of the two older Kung Fu Panda films, you could still enjoy this family friendly film. Includes some cartoon violence, but nothing that parents really need to be concerned over.