Created by Nick Park
Featuring voices by Justin Fletcher, Kate Harbour, John Sparkes, and Richard Webber
Ok, I love anything and everything Aardman Animation. As I am writing this I am wearing a Wallace and Gromit watch. So, my geek cred is strong. Shaun the Sheep: Off the Baa was recently released on DVD by Hit Entertainment.
The Show
Shaun the sheep first made his appearance to Aardman Animation fans in the Wallace and Gromit short film A Close Shave (1995). Since then, Shaun the Sheep has been a fan favorite so it makes Aardman fans happy to see him in these shorts in which he is the star.
Eight short films are included in this release: Timmy in a Tizzy, Buzz off Bees, Fleeced!, Who’s the Mummy, Mower Mouth, Shaun Shoots the Sheep and Mountains out of Molehills.
Each and every short film in this collection is cute and entertaining. The premise behind each plot of these shorts is that Shaun is the leader in his flock of sheep and they are usually trying to evade Blitzer, a lazy guard dog. The farmer is kindly but absentminded. Some times Blitzer tries to reign in Shaun and his sheep friends in whatever shenanigans or mischief they want to get into, other time, he is a willing participant.
Shaun does everything in from play football with the flock with a head of cabbage to becoming an amateur photographer. Whatever he does, he does it with charm and always with his heart in the right place.
If you are familiar with Aardman Animation style and overall tone, you will find these shorts amusing and charming.
The claymation animation is, as always, spectacular and nicely nuanced throughout all of these shorts. The voice work by all is spot-on.
It is clear that these shorts were intended for a younger audience. However, that does not take away any of the enjoyment that adult viewers will have watching these charming short films.
Any Aardman fan should add this cute collection of Shaun the sheep and his adventures to their DVD collection.
7.5/10
The Video
This is presented in widescreen. The colors are vibrant but there is a bit of interlacing and edge enhancement.The artifacting isn’t so bad you can’t enjoy the film but it will be noticable particularly in a hi def environment.
6/10
The Audio
This is presented in Dolby 2.0 Surround. The dialogue is crystal clear and mixed well with the music.There’s very little dynamic range and everything is center channel in a surround sound system. It’s basic but serviceable.
6/10
The Packaging and Bonus Features
Shaun the Sheep: Off the Baa! is presented standard amaray case with a cute picture of Shaun on the cover.
A few bonus features are offered on this release. Meet the Animals has some young Aardman fans describing the characters and their personalities. They are doing this while on the set, a fact that will make Aardman fans a bit jealous. But, these little rugrats are cute enough so it’s a fun watch. Their accents are so sweet.
There are some trailers for other Aardman releases and some Lionsgate promos.
3/10
Overall ( Not an Average) 7.5/10
The Review
The Show 7.5/10
The Video 6/10
The Audio 6/10
The Packaging and Bonus Features 3/10
Overall (Not an Average) 7.5/10