DVD reviews: 'Puss in Boots' the cat's meow

“Puss in Boots” (PG, 90 minutes, DreamWorks): The feature-length animated spinoff — a star turn for the popular “Shrek” supporting character voiced by Antonio Banderas — is almost shockingly good. The character is still something of a delusional Casanova, and the action is still set in the world of fairy tales, but the story has been given a spicy spaghetti western kick. “Puss in Boots” centers on Puss' efforts to steal the goose that lays the golden eggs from a giant's castle in the clouds. Assisting him in this adventure are his childhood pal Humpty Dumpty and rival cat burglar Kitty Softpaws, who is, naturally, Puss's love interest. Their competition is a pair of outlaws, Jack and Jill, played by Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris. Contains cartoon action, a death and a bit of earthy humor. Extras: Two featurettes (“Purr-fect Pairings: The Voices Behind the Legends,” “World of DreamWorks Animation”), deleted scenes.

Feb. 28: “Hugo” (PG, 126 minutes, Paramount Studios): When Martin Scorsese announced that he would make his first 3-D movie — and a PG-rated family film, no less — several of his fans pronounced themselves flummoxed. But we didn't know that the movie would be “Hugo,” an exuberant, if occasionally uneven, adaptation of Brian Selznick's movie-inspired illustrated novel. “Hugo” begins with one of the filmmaker's signature bravura tracking shots, this time through a cavernous train station in 1930s Paris. The camera is following the title character, a 12-year-old boy who lives secretly just below the station's ceiling. When he's not scrounging for food, he's gathering trinkets and tools to fix a lifelike metal automaton that represents his last link to a once-happy life. For the most part, it's a somber affair, its self-seriousness only deepening when Hugo runs afoul of a grumpy toy seller and his goddaughter, Isabelle. While Hugo and Isabelle seek to solve a mystery having to do with the automaton, what should be a project inflected with mischief and spontaneity takes on all the excitement of a starchy lecture. But during “Hugo's” final 20 minutes or so, the film truly comes to life. With the director so clearly in his element, “Hugo” ends as a triumph, bursting with the poetry, verve and irrepressible love befitting a match made in movie heaven. Contains mild thematic material, some action/peril and smoking. DVD extras: “Shoot the Moon” making-of featurette. Also, on Blu-ray, three more making-of featurettes and an interview with Sacha Baron Cohen; 3-D version also available.

“Johnny English Reborn” (PG, 101 minutes, Universal Studios Home Entertainment): Rowan Atkinson's creation, Johnny English, is a clueless agent on Her Majesty's secret service, who would rank somewhere below randy Austin Powers and the incompetent Inspector Clouseau if one were to make a flow chart of international men of mystery. Against her better judgment, MI7 head Pegasus reinstates the retired English when the agency uncovers an elaborate plot to assassinate China's premier. While childish and silly, it's far too violent for young kids. And spy genre fanatics patiently waiting for the next James Bond installment quickly will grow bored with this predictable plot. Writing duties for “Reborn” shift to Hamish McColl, who previously collaborated with Atkinson on 2007's “Mr. Bean's Holiday” and still appears to be dreaming up bits for the limber comedian's silent character. Atkinson has amassed a loyal following that will no doubt support “English” in theaters. But most will leave disappointed, thinking, “Bean there, done that.” Contains mild action violence, rude humor, some language and brief sensuality. DVD extras: commentary with McColl and director Oliver Parker, deleted and extended scenes with director intros, a gag reel and “The Wheelchair Chase” featurette. Also, on Blu-ray: four additional making-of featurettes.

Also: “I Melt With You,” “Law & Order: The Tenth Year” (1999-2000, five-disc set), “Beneath the Darkness,” “Enemies of the People,” “Vanya on 42nd Street” (1994, Criterion Collection), “Mission: Impossible: The '89 TV Season,” “The Myth of the American Sleepover,” “Mandrill” (Chile), “Justice League: Doom,” “Midsomer Murders, Set 19,” “Answers to Nothing,” “Top Gear: The Complete Season 17” and “Bounty Hunters (aka Bail Enforcers).”