Far Far Away Idol is a five-minute short, released on November 5, 2004 as an extra on the Shrek 2 DVD and VHS. It is based on American Idol and guest stars Simon Cowell. Taking place right after Shrek 2, the film's supporting characters hold a singing competition, with Shrek, Fiona, and Simon Cowell as judges.
Plot[]
When Donkey and Puss are still singing, Gingy jokingly tells them to "give it up," because they're giving him a headache. Shrek and Fiona then walk in, with the ogress saying that they are really "not that bad." Simon Cowell answers that they should take that as a compliment, because he "rarely gives them." Shrek answers that the competition hasn't started yet, to which Simon replies "I can't help being judgmental, it's who I am." Shrek asks if everyone is ready for a competition, to which everyone cheers in excitement. The Magic Mirror introduces the judges, Shrek, Fiona and Simon while also telling the viewers that they can vote along with them. After the basic rundown, various Shrek characters begin singing covers of various pop songs. Once the performances are over, the viewers get the chance to "select their favorite." If Donkey, Puss, or Shrek & Fiona are chosen, they will perform an encore. However, if another character is selected, Simon will protest, and sing a rendition of Frank Sinatra's "My Way." All four endings feature the Shrek 2 end credits running at max speed (similar to TV credits) as the Mirror says "Ladies and gentlemen our time is up here, but we look forward to seeing you next time on Far Far Away Idol."
The feature is also available on Netflix, but removes the voting options so that it skips to the revealing point, with Simon Cowell winning.
- If you choose Pinocchio, Simon Cowell says "No, you got be joking."
- If you choose Doris, Simon Cowell says "Sorry that is complete rubbish."
- If you choose Big Bad Wolf, Simon Cowell says "Impossible I won't allow it."
- If you choose Prince Charming, Simon Cowell says "Please I don't think so."
- If you choose the Three Blind Mice, Simon Cowell says "Sorry I'm afraid you chose wrong."
- If you choose Gingy, Simon Cowell says "(scoffs) Now you're being ridiculous."
- If you choose Captain Hook, Simon Cowell says "That is just wrong."
Cast[]
- Mike Myers as Shrek
- Eddie Murphy as Donkey
- Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona
- Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots
- Simon Cowell as Himself
- Chris Miller as Magic Mirror
- Larry King as Doris
- Cody Cameron as Pinocchio/Three Pigs
- Conrad Vernon as Gingerbread Man
- Aron Warner as Wolf
- Randy Crenshaw as Prince Charming/Three Blind Mice
- Michael Gough as Shrek (singing voice)
- Matt Mahaffey as Captain Hook
- Rico Riso as Simon Cowell (singing voice)
- Renee Sandstorm as Princess Fiona (singing voice)
- James McDonough as Gingerbread Man (singing voice)
Songs and Original Singers[]
- "Disco Inferno" by The Trammps
- "Mr. Robot" by Styx
- "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Luaper
- "Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran
- "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred
- "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash
- "Sugar Sugar" by The Archies
- "Hooked on a Feeling" by Blue Swede
- "These Boots are Made for Walking" by Nancy Sinatra
- "What I Like About You" by The Romantics
- ”My Way” by Frank Sinatra
DVD[]
- Shrek 2
Netflix[]
- Shrek's Swamp Stories
Trivia[]
- For the VHS version of Shrek 2, the ending features a now defunct web link to the official Far Far Away Idol page on the official Shrek website.
- The web link expired at the end of 2004.
- An online competition took place later, with the public voting. Eventually, Doris (one of the contestants who would, if voted for on the DVD, cause Simon to sing) was voted the winner.
- When Shrek 2 was released on VHS and DVD with this short, there was also a CD released called "Shrek 2 Party CD" which featured some of the songs from Far Far Away Idol- including instrumental versions of the songs on the CD ("Disco Inferno", "These Boots Are Made For Walking", "I Can See Clearly Now", "Hooked On A Feeling", "I'm Too Sexy", and "What I Like About You").
- On the 2010 reprint of the Shrek 2 DVD, the voting part is skipped and chooses Pinocchio. This goes straight to Simon choosing himself after saying "No, you gotta be joking."
- This would be the version used for later TV airings and streaming releases in the 2010's.
- Shrek is seen playing a harmonica for the music break of "What I Like About You."
Transcript[]
Video[]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI1QSaS2tWo
Far Far Away Idol